Washington: US President Barack Obama has
honoured three "extraordinary" Indian-American scientists and
nine others with America's top medals for their pioneering
work in exploring the very frontiers of human knowledge and
making the world a better place.
At an impressive White House ceremony, Obama presented
the National Medal of Science to Dr Srinivasa S R Varadhan
from New York University for his groundbreaking research in
probability theory.
Varadhan's findings have potential applications in many
areas of study including population dynamics, finance, and
traffic engineering, including highway planning and
management.
Obama conferred the National Medal of Technology to Dr
Rakesh Agrawal from Purdue University, Indiana for his many
innovations relating to liquefied gas production.
Agrawal's research findings have resulted in significant
energy and cost efficiencies and advanced the science of
electronic device manufacturing while enhancing the supply of
industrial gases for a wide range of industries.
The US President also presented the National Medal of
Technology to Dr B Jayant Baliga with North Carolina State
University for the development and commercialisation of a
range of power semiconductor devices.
These semi-conductors are extensively used in lighting,
medicine, and renewable energy generation systems, including
hybrid and electric vehicles and solar energy sources.
"I'm pleased to recognise these extraordinary
scientists, engineers, and inventors for their work exploring
the very frontiers of human knowledge and making our world a
better place," Obama said at the ceremony held on Friday.
PTI
First Published: Sunday, October 23, 2011, 15:01