October 21, 2011

Google Logo Add Us On GoogleAdd SciAm

Scientists Lauded at the White House, Winners of National Medals

By Mariette DiChristina

Join Our Community of Science Lovers!

This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American

The honorees stood, backs ramrod straight, facing the audience at the White House. Each was about to receive either the National Medal of Science or the National Medal of Technology and Innovation. As the moment stretched, the silence of anticipation filled the room. Suddenly, a cellphone chirped—literally—with a sound of a cricket in an empty field. The audience roared with appreciative laughter. Then President Obama swept into the room and up to the podium.

The mood was buoyant as the President awarded a dozen men and women the nation's highest scientific honor. "The folks behind me have made a bigger difference in the lives of us than most of us will ever realize," said Obama, citing their work in cancer research, Parkinson's, energy efficiency, aircraft safety features, charge-coupled devices for cameras and more.

Obama noted that three quarters of the honorees were born outside the U.S., but they came here because "America is the best place in the world to do what they do."

On supporting science journalism

If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.

But in a global economy, that kind of success "won't be enough if we can't grow some [scientists] here at home," he added, saying that "barely one in 10 students is enrolled in STEM [science, technology, engineering and medicine] subjects. They need support to succeed. As the people on this stage will tell you, nobody gets here on their own."

The President recalled a visit a couple of weeks ago by the three teenage winners of the Google Science Fair: "I'd like to point out that all three were girls," and "I had them over to the White House and I pretended I understood them." Shree Bose, the grand winner, he said, worked to improve a treatment for ovarian cancer. "Young people like Shree and the people on this stage make me incredibly hopeful about the future."

Images: Mariette DiChristina

Mariette DiChristina, Steering Group chair, is dean and professor of the practice in journalism at the Boston University College of Communication. She was formerly editor in chief of Scientific American and executive vice president, Magazines, for Springer Nature.

More by Mariette DiChristina

It’s Time to Stand Up for Science

If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.

I’ve been a Scientific American subscriber since I was 12 years old, and it helped shape the way I look at the world. SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does that for you, too.

If you subscribe to Scientific American, you help ensure that our coverage is centered on meaningful research and discovery; that we have the resources to report on the decisions that threaten labs across the U.S.; and that we support both budding and working scientists at a time when the value of science itself too often goes unrecognized.

In return, you get essential news, captivating podcasts, brilliant infographics, can't-miss newsletters, must-watch videos, challenging games, and the science world's best writing and reporting. You can even gift someone a subscription.

There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you’ll support us in that mission.

Thank you,

David M. Ewalt, Editor in Chief, Scientific American

Subscribe