On October 24, US President Joe Biden presented the National Medal of Technology and Innovation and the National Medal of Science, respectively to two Indian American scientists; Ashok Gadgil and Subra Suresh, during a ceremony held at the White House.
President Biden also used the occasion to recognise and commend prominent American scientists, technologists, and innovators as part of the award ceremony.
About The Ceremony
As reported by the Mint, Ashok Gadgil and Subra Suresh were among the 12 awardees who received the National Medal of Technology and Innovation.
Gadgil was honoured for his exceptional work in providing life-sustaining resources to communities worldwide. His groundbreaking and cost-effective technologies address critical needs, spanning from clean drinking water to energy-efficient cookstoves.
Suresh was acknowledged for his pioneering research that transcends engineering, physical sciences, and life sciences, with a particular emphasis on advancing the field of material science and its practical applications across various disciplines.
President Biden, during his remarks at the ceremony, expressed a determination to bring outstanding scientific achievements back to the United States.
He described this year's recipients as more than just outstanding; they are truly extraordinary individuals who have paved the way for a new generation of scientists and innovators, enabling them to pursue their own discoveries and unlock the full potential of the nation.
Who Is Ashok Gadgil?
A distinguished professor emeritus in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, Gadgil is celebrated for his innovative and impactful work in providing essential resources to communities around the world.
Gadgil's expertise lies in the areas of heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and the design of technology for development. He possesses extensive experience in conducting research encompassing technical, economic, and policy aspects of energy efficiency, with a particular focus on its practical application in developing regions.
His notable works include UV Waterworks, Berkeley-Darfur Stove, and ECAR (ElectroChemical Arsenic Removal).
Who Is Subra Suresh?
Born in 1956, Suresh is an Indian-born American bioengineer, materials scientist, and academic, who held the position of the fourth President at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore from 2018 to 2022. He also serves as the inaugural Distinguished University Professor at NTU.
Prior to his role at NTU, he was the Vannevar Bush Professor of Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and served as the Dean of the School of Engineering at MIT from 2007 to 2010.
Suresh has made substantial advancements in his field, and his work has had a transformative impact on our understanding of materials and their practical applications. His research is not confined to a single domain but spans across multiple areas of science, making him a multidisciplinary scientist.
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