The United States President Joe Biden on Tuesday awarded the National Medal of Science to the Ethiopian-born distinguished professor of plant breeding & genetics, Dr. Gebisa Ejeta, for his outstanding contributions to the science of plant genetics.
By developing sorghum strains that withstand droughts and parasites, Dr. Gebisa has improved food security for millions. His advocacy for science, policy, and institutions as key to economic development has lifted the fortunes of farmers and strengthened the souls of nations. The National Medal of Science is the highest recognition the United States confers upon scientists.
President Biden is awarding the National Medal of Science and the National Medal of Technology and Innovation to a number of Americans who have made exemplary achievements in science, technology, and innovation to strengthen our nation’s well-being.
The National Medal of Science is the nation’s highest scientific honor. Established by Congress in 1959 and administered by the U.S. National Science Foundation, it is bestowed by the President of the United States on individuals deserving of special recognition for their outstanding contributions in biology, computer sciences, education sciences, engineering, geosciences, mathematical and physical sciences, and social, behavioral, and economic sciences, in service to the Nation.
The National Medal of Technology and Innovation recognizes American innovators whose vision, intellect, creativity, and determination have strengthened America’s economy and improved our quality of life. Established by Congress and administered by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the first Medal of Technology was presented in 1985.
President Biden often says that America can be defined in a single word: possibilities. Those who earn these awards embody the promise of America by pushing the boundaries of what is possible. These trailblazers have harnessed the power of science and technology to tackle challenging problems and deliver innovative solutions for Americans, and for communities around the world.
These medalists have made discoveries that enable lifesaving medical treatments, help fight the opioid epidemic, improve food security, advance accessibility, protect our democracy, and much more. Their accomplishments advance American leadership in science, technology, and innovation, and their work inspires the next generation of American minds.
In addition to Dr. Gebisa Ejeta, president Biden has awarded the National Medal of Science to:
– Huda Akil, University of Michigan
– Barry C. Barish, California Institute of Technology
– Eve E. Marder, Brandeis University
– Gregory A. Petsko, Harvard Medical School, Brigham & Women’s Hospital
– Myriam Sarachik, (posthumously) The City College of New York
– Subra Suresh, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Brown University
– Shelley E. Taylor, University of California, Los Angeles
– Sheldon Weinbaum, The City College of New York
Recipients of the National Medal of Technology and Innovation
– Mary-Dell Chilton, Syngenta Biotechnology, Inc.
– John M. Cioffi, Stanford University, ASSIA, Inc.
– Rory A. Cooper, University of Pittsburgh, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
– Ashok Gadgil, University of California, Berkeley, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
– Juan E. Gilbert, University of Florida
– Charles W. Hull, 3D Systems
– Jeong H. Kim, Kiswe Mobile, Inc.
– Steven A. Rosenberg, National Cancer Institute
– Neil Gilbert Siegel, University of Southern California
– James G. Fujimoto and Eric Swanson, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and David Huang, Oregon –
Health & Science University (team)