Leaders in Pharmaceutical Business Intelligence Group, LLC, Doing Business As LPBI Group, Newton, MA

Recipients of the 2024 National Medal of Technology and Innovation, administered by President Joe Biden and Laureates of the National Medal of Science, administered by NSF

Reporter: Aviva Lev-Ari, PhD, RN

 

The 2024 National Medal of Technology and Innovation (NMTI) Laureates were honored and celebrated at the White House on Friday, January 3 for their trailblazing achievements in science, technology, and innovation.

Nine individuals and two companies were recognized for their groundbreaking accomplishments, ranging from the “camera-on-a-chip” technology integrated into most smartphones today, to improvements in mammogram and other optoelectric technologies that can better detect breast cancer, to the mRNA vaccines that treated a global pandemic, and more.

Acting Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Acting Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Derrick Brent delivered remarks at the special medaling ceremony of the NMTI, which is administered by the USPTO. Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Arati Prabhakar presented the Laureates with their NMTI medals alongside 14 Laureates of the National Medal of Science, administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF).

“These medals celebrate some of your greatest achievements,” said Acting USPTO Director Brent in his remarks. “Yet, they also bestow upon you a unique responsibility: mentoring and inspiring the next generation of innovators. Paying it forward is our obligation to history, and to our future.”

Recipients of the 2024 National Medal of Technology and Innovation

Martin Cooper, Illinois Institute of Technology and Dyna LLC

For inventing the handheld cellular phone and revolutionizing worldwide communications. Martin Cooper delivered breakthroughs for cellular telephone and network technologies that have dramatically altered the world as we know it—changing our sense of proximity to others around the globe, the way we perceive ourselves, and our universe of possibilities.

Jennifer A. Doudna, Innovative Genomics Institute

For development of the revolutionary CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology, with widespread applications in agriculture and health research. Jennifer Doudna’s innovations are fundamentally transforming our collective health and well-being and have contributed to the development of treatments for sickle cell disease, cancer, type 1 diabetes, and more.

Eric R. Fossum, Dartmouth College

For inventing world-changing “camera-on-a-chip” technology that has turned billions of phones into cameras and transformed everyday life. When NASA needed smaller cameras to take into space, Eric Fossum developed a groundbreaking image sensor and then worked to use it in medicine, business, security, entertainment, and more, while also mentoring legions of young entrepreneurs pushing the bounds of innovation.

Paula T. Hammond, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

For groundbreaking research in nanoscale engineering. Paula Hammond pioneered novel materials that have revolutionized how we deliver cancer drugs to cancer patients and how we store solar energy. An inventor and mentor, Paula has paved the way for a more diverse, inclusive scientific workforce that taps into the full talents of our nation.

Kristina M. Johnson, Johnson Energy Holdings, LLC

For pioneering work that has transformed optoelectronic devices, 3D imaging, and color management systems. Kristina Johnson has channeled her ingenuity and optimism into developing technologies that have improved processes for mammograms and pap smears, promoted clean energy, elevated the entertainment industry, and more—while working to expand the field of STEM for all Americans.

Victor B. Lawrence, Bell Labs and Stevens Institute of Technology

For a lifetime of prolific innovation in telecommunications and high-speed internet technology. Victor Lawrence has dedicated his life to expanding the realm of possibilities worldwide. By bringing fiber-optic connectivity to the African continent and improving global internet accessibility, he has enhanced the security, opportunity, and well-being of people around the world.

David R. Walt, Harvard Medical School

For setting a new gold standard in genetic analysis that is transforming medical research, care, and well-being. David Walt pioneered the use of microwell arrays to analyze thousands of genes at once and detect single molecules, making DNA sequencing exponentially more accurate and affordable, and promising simple biomarker blood tests that may revolutionize our approach to cancer and other conditions—giving people renewed hope.

Paul G. Yock, Stanford University 

For innovations in interventional cardiology. Paul Yock’s visionary work understanding the human heart is applied around the world today to improve patient care and save countless lives. His creation of the Biodesign approach to training future leaders of biotechnology and health care ensures his insights and experience will benefit generations to come.

Feng Zhang, Massachusetts Institute of Technology 

For development of the revolutionary CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology, with widespread applications in agriculture and health research. Feng Zhang’s innovations are fundamentally transforming our collective health and well-being and have contributed to the development of treatments for sickle cell disease, cancer, type 1 diabetes, and more.

National Medal of Technology and Innovation Organization Recipients

Moderna, Inc.

For saving millions of lives around the world by harnessing mRNA vaccine technology to combat a global pandemic. In 2020, Moderna rapidly developed and deployed a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine that was essential to ending the COVID-19 pandemic, opening new frontiers in immunology and advancing America’s leadership in research innovation.

Pfizer Inc.

For saving millions of lives around the world by harnessing mRNA vaccine technology to combat a global pandemic. In 2020, Pfizer rapidly developed and deployed a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine that was essential to ending the COVID-19 pandemic, opening new frontiers in immunology and advancing America’s leadership in research innovation.

SOURCES

https://www.uspto.gov/about-us/news-updates/2024-national-medal-technology-and-innovation-laureates-honored-white-house

National Medal of Technology and Innovation (NMTI)

https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/ip-programs-and-awards/national-medal-technology-and-innovation-nmti

On January 3, 2025, President Biden honored the nation’s leading scientists, technologists, and innovators

Jennifer Doudna, professor of chemistry and molecular and cell biology, and a Nobel Laureate in chemistry, has been honored by President Biden with the National Medal of Technology and Innovation as a pioneer of CRISPR gene editing. This award is one of the nation’s highest honors for exemplary achievement and leadership in science and technology. Read the White House briefing(link is external) to read about Doudna and the other recipients of the National Medal of Technology and Innovation.

SOURCE

https://chemistry.berkeley.edu/news/doudna-receives-national-medal-technology-and-innovation

14 Laureates of the National Medal of Science, administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF).

The 2024 National Medal of Science recipients made contributions in many fields, including astronomy, biology, and engineering. 

Astronomy 

• Wendy Freedman

  University of Chicago astronomer who studied the Hubble constant and the expansion of the universe
• Keivan Stassun

  Vanderbilt University astrophysicist who studied star formation and exoplanets

Biology

• Teresa Woodruff

  Michigan State University professor who studied ovarian biology, fertility preservation, and women’s health 
• Helen Blau

  Stanford University researcher who contributed to the development of gene editing techniques 

Engineering

• Ingrid Daubechies

  Duke University mathematician who developed wavelet theory, which improved signal processing and image compression 
• John Dabiri

  California Institute of Technology aeronautics engineer who studied fluid mechanics and biomechanics, particularly in designing wind turbines 
• Emery Brown

  Massachusetts General Hospital professor who studied the effects of anesthesia on the brain 

The National Medal of Science is the highest science award in the United States. The NSF administers the award, which is selected by a presidential committee.

ADDENDUM

Established in 1959, the National Medal of Science is administered for the White House by the National Science Foundation. The medal recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to science and engineering.

The National Medal of Technology and Innovation was established in 1980 and is administered for the White House by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Patent and Trademark Office. It recognizes individuals and organizations for their lasting contributions to America’s competitiveness and quality of life and helped strengthen the nation’s technological workforce.