NSF PR 97-77 - December 16, 1997
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President Clinton Honors Recipients of the Nation's
Highest Science and Technology Awards
President Clinton today presented the nation's most
prestigious science and technology honors, awarding
nine National Medals of Science and five National
Medals of Technology.
"Today we honor 14 remarkable men and women for extraordinary
individual accomplishments--from discovering new ways
to chart the universe, to exploring the internal universe
of human nature," said the president at a ceremony
in Washington D.C. "By giving these awards, we also
honor the American passion for discovery that has
driven our nation forward--from field to factory to
the far reaches of cyberspace. This spirit of discovery
will lead us into a new century and a new millenium."
National Science Foundation (NSF) director Neal Lane
called the medalists "superstars" who often work in
anonymity.
"It is fitting that on this day, at least, we shine
a spotlight on the benefits bestowed on society by
the very best minds in modern science and applaud
these sterling contributions to humanity's store of
knowledge," Lane said.
In his remarks, the president emphasized the economic
benefits of science and technology.
"Half of our economic growth in the last half century
has come from technological innovation and the science
that supports it.....technological innovation also
depends on government support in research and development."
The National Medal of Science was established by Congress
in 1959 and is adminstered by the National Science
Foundation. It honors contributions by outstanding
individuals who have significantly advanced knowledge
in the following fields; physics, biology, mathematics,
engineering, and sociology and other behavioral sciences.
Nominations are reviewed by the President's Committee
on the National Medal of Science. Including this year's
recipients, the Medal has been awarded to 353 scientists
and engineers.
The National Medal of Technology was established by
Congress in 1980 and is adminstered by the U.S. Department
of Commerce. It recognizes technological innovation
and advancement of U.S. global competitiveness.
See also: "Vital
Statistics" of the 1997 National Medal of Science
Winners.
Editors: For a list of winners and biographical information,
contact Bill Noxon.
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