Two From HMS Receive National Medals of Science, Technology and Innovation

Emery Brown and David Walt honored at White House ceremony

Awards and Recognitions

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On the left, Emery Brown receives the National Medal of Science at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, D.C. On the right, David Walt receives the National Medal of Technology and Innovation
Left: Emery Brown receives the National Medal of Science at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, D.C. Right: David Walt receives the National Medal of Technology and Innovation. Images: Ryan K. Morris and the National Science and Technology Medals Foundation

Two Harvard Medical School faculty members were among the latest 23 individuals recognized by President Biden for their achievements and leadership in science and technology.

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Emery Brown, the HMS Warren M. Zapol Professor of Anaesthesia at Massachusetts General Hospital, was awarded the National Medal of Science for his research into the effects of anesthesia on the brain.

David Walt, the HMS Hansjörg Wyss Professor of Biologically Inspired Engineering and professor of pathology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, was awarded the National Medal of Technology and Innovation for co-inventing the DNA microarray, enabling large-scale genetic analysis and better personalized medicine.

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“Those who earn these awards embody the promise of America by pushing the boundaries of what is possible,” the White House said in a statement. “These trailblazers have harnessed the power of science and technology to tackle challenging problems and deliver innovative solutions for Americans and for communities around the world.”

Congress established the National Medal of Science in 1959 to recognize outstanding contributions to science in service to the United States. This presidential award is the highest recognition the nation can bestow on scientists and engineers.

The National Medal of Technology and Innovation was established in 1985 to recognize American innovators whose work has improved U.S. economic, environmental, and social well-being. Bestowed by the U.S. president, it is the nation’s highest honor for technological achievement.

Screenshot of video. Title reading "Science Technology + Innovation" appears over a collage of various photos of scientists.
Learn more about Brown, Walt, and fellow recipients. Video: Intelligent Art Media

Brown and Walt were honored with their fellow National Medal recipients at a White House ceremony on Jan. 3. Arati Prabhakar, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, presented the awards.

Adapted from White House press materials.