Washington, D.C. (AP) – In a distinguished ceremony at the White House, President Joe Biden recognized the exceptional contributions of two Indian-American scientists, Ashok Gadgil and Subra Suresh, by bestowing upon them the highest scientific honors in the United States.
Gadgil’s Innovations Transform Lives Worldwide
Ashok Gadgil, a Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Civil and Environmental Engineering at UC Berkeley, was presented with the prestigious White House National Medal for Technology and Innovation for his relentless dedication to providing life-sustaining resources to communities across the globe. Gadgil’s innovative and cost-effective solutions have tackled some of the most pressing challenges faced by developing nations, ranging from safe drinking water technologies to energy-efficient stoves and affordable, efficient electric lighting. His projects have positively impacted the lives of over 100 million people.
Today, @POTUS awarded the National Medal of Science and the National Medal of Technology and Innovation to 21 Americans – for their outstanding contributions to knowledge in the sciences and to the improvement of our nation’s economic, environmental, and social well-being. pic.twitter.com/ZfSQV0sv9S
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) October 24, 2023
The White House acknowledged Gadgil’s unwavering commitment to addressing profound needs and his belief in the potential of science and engineering to overcome some of the world’s greatest challenges. Speaking about his work, Gadgil stated, “The world is not a fair place. I try to bend my knowledge of science, engineering, and creativity to make it a little less unfair for the people who are holding the short end of the stick. If I can make that difference, go even a little bit in that direction, I think that’s fantastic.”
This recognition marks the 17th national medal awarded to Berkeley Lab researchers and the second National Medal of Technology and Innovation they have received.
Suresh’s Remarkable Academic Journey and Global Impact
Subra Suresh, a professor at large at Brown University’s School of Engineering, was honored with the National Medal of Science for his pioneering research spanning engineering, physical sciences, and life sciences, particularly his contributions to material science and its application in diverse disciplines.
Suresh’s academic journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Born in India in 1956, he graduated from high school at the age of 15 and earned his undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in just two years. His journey continued as he joined Brown University’s engineering faculty in 1983, becoming the youngest member of the faculty.
Notably, Suresh became the first Asian-born American to lead the National Science Foundation (NSF) during Barack Obama’s presidency. Under his leadership, NSF launched initiatives such as the Global Research Council, aimed at fostering global collaboration and data sharing, and the Centre-Life Balance program, which sought to increase gender diversity in science and engineering fields.
Recently, Brown University announced the establishment of a biennial symposium in his honor, focusing on the frontiers of technology and society.
Celebrating Dedication to Science and Global Progress
President Joe Biden’s recognition of Ashok Gadgil and Subra Suresh underscores the importance of scientific innovation and global cooperation in addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Both scientists have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to using their knowledge and expertise to create a fairer and more equitable world, leaving an indelible mark on the fields of science and technology. Their contributions serve as an inspiration to aspiring scientists and engineers worldwide, highlighting the transformative power of science in improving lives and fostering global progress.