Two distinguished Indian American scientists, Ashok Gadgil and Subra Suresh, were recently honoured with the prestigious National Medal of Technology and Innovation, the highest accolade for technological achievement in the United States. President Joe Biden presented these esteemed medals to Gadgil and Suresh during a ceremony held on Tuesday.
Ashok Gadgil, currently a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, and a senior scientist at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, is widely acclaimed for his groundbreaking work in the realm of sustainable development. His extensive contributions have revolved around creating cost-effective and efficient technologies aimed at enhancing access to clean water, improving energy efficiency, and bolstering sanitation infrastructure in developing countries. Born in Mumbai, Gadgil’s educational journey took him from the University of Mumbai, where he completed his undergraduate studies in Physics, to the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur for postgraduate studies. He later earned an MSc and a PhD in physics from the University of California, Berkeley.
Subra Suresh, an Indian-born American bioengineer and materials scientist, has left an indelible mark on the academic world as the Professor Emeritus and former dean of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). His research encompasses a diverse spectrum, bridging engineering, physical sciences, life sciences, and medicine. Notably, he was the first Asian-born professor to lead one of the five schools at MIT. Hailing from Mumbai, Suresh’s academic journey includes a BTech degree from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, followed by a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Iowa State University and a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge.
The National Medal of Technology is a prestigious recognition conferred upon individuals who have made exceptional and outstanding contributions. The White House in a statement said, “These remarkable individuals have harnessed the potential of science and technology to confront complex challenges and provide innovative solutions, not only for the benefit of Americans but also for communities worldwide.”
