President Awards National Science and Technology Medals
WASHINGTON
President Bush presented science and technology achievement medals this week to a University of Pittsburgh doctor and 14 others who have done work that has revolutionized organ transplants, led to development of global positioning systems and helped feed millions around the world.
“The spirit of discovery is one of our national strengths,” Bush said before handing out the 2004 National Medals of Science and Technology in the White House’s East Room. “Our greatest resource has always been the educated, hardworking, ambitious people who call this country their home.
“From Thomas Edison’s light bulb to Robert Ledley’s CAT scan machine, most of America’s revolutionary inventions began with men and women with a vision to see beyond what is and the desire to pursue what might be,” Bush said.
Established by Congress in 1959, the medal of science award is administered by the National Science Foundation. The ceremony brought to 425 the total number of medal of science recipients.
The medal of technology, established by Congress in 1980, is administered by the U.S. Commerce Department. So far, 166 of these technology medals have been awarded.
