The National Medal of Technology and Innovation (NMTI) is the nation’s highest honor for technological achievement, bestowed by the president of the United States to America's leading innovators.
There were 11 laureates in the 2024 class: Martin Cooper; Jennifer A. Doudna; Eric R. Fossum; Paula T. Hammond; Kristina M. Johnson; Victor B. Lawrence; David R. Walt; Paul G. Yock; Feng Zhang; Moderna, Inc.; Pfizer, Inc.
Martin Cooper
Martin Cooper
Illinois Institute of Technology and Dyna LLC
For inventing the handheld cellular phone and revolutionizing worldwide communications. Martin Cooper delivered breakthroughs for cellular telephone and network technologies that have dramatically altered the world as we know it—changing our sense of proximity to others around the globe, the way we perceive ourselves, and our universe of possibilities.
Jennifer A. Doudna
Jennifer A. Doudna
Innovative Genomics Institute
For development of the revolutionary CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology, with widespread applications in agriculture and health research. Jennifer Doudna’s innovations are fundamentally transforming our collective health and well-being and have contributed to the development of treatments for sickle cell disease, cancer, type 1 diabetes, and more.
Eric R. Fossum
Eric R. Fossum
Dartmouth College
For inventing world-changing “camera-on-a-chip” technology that has turned billions of phones into cameras and transformed everyday life. When NASA needed smaller cameras to take into space, Eric Fossum developed a groundbreaking image sensor and then worked to use it in medicine, business, security, entertainment, and more, while also mentoring legions of young entrepreneurs pushing the bounds of innovation.
Paula T. Hammond
Paula T. Hammond
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
For her groundbreaking research in nanoscale engineering. Paul Hammond pioneered novel materials that have revolutionized how we deliver cancer drugs to cancer patience and how we store solar energy. An inventor and mentor, Paula has paved the way for a more diverse, inclusive scientific workforce that taps into the full talents of our nation.
Kristina M. Johnson
Kristina M. Johnson
Johnson Energy Holdings, LLC
For her pioneering work that has transformed optoelectronic devices, 3D imaging, and color management systems. Kristina Johnson has channeled her ingenuity and optimism into developing technologies that have improved processes for mammograms and pap smears, promoted clean energy, elevated the entertainment industry, and more—while working to expand the field of STEM for all Americans.
Victor B. Lawrence
Victor B. Lawrence
Bell Labs and Stevens Institute of Technology
For a lifetime of prolific innovation in telecommunications and high-speed internet technology. Victor Lawrence has dedicated his life to expanding the realm of possibilities worldwide. By bringing fiber-optic connectivity to the African continent and improving global internet accessibility, he has enhanced the security, opportunity, and well-being of people around the world.
David R. Walt
David R. Walt
Harvard Medical School
For setting a new gold standard in genetic analysis that is transforming medical research, care, and well-being. David Walt pioneered the use of microwell arrays to analyze thousands of genes at once and detect single molecules, making DNA sequencing exponentially more accurate and affordable, and promising simple biomarker blood tests that may revolutionize our approach to cancer and other conditions—giving people renewed hope.
Paul G. Yock
Paul G. Yock
Stanford University
For innovations in interventional cardiology. Paul Yock’s visionary work understanding the human heart is applied around the world today to improve patient care and save countless lives. His creation of the Biodesign approach to training future leaders of biotechnology and health care ensures his insights and experience will benefit generations to come.
Feng Zhang
Feng Zhang
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
For development of the revolutionary CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology, with widespread applications in agriculture and health research. Feng Zhang’s innovations are fundamentally transforming our collective health and well-being and have contributed to the development of treatments for sickle cell disease, cancer, type 1 diabetes, and more.
Company: Moderna, Inc.
Hamilton Bennett and Noubar Afeyan (company representatives)
Moderna
For saving millions of lives around the world by harnessing mRNA vaccine technology to combat a global pandemic. In 2020, Moderna rapidly developed and deployed a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine that was essential to ending the COVID-19 pandemic, opening new frontiers in immunology and advancing America’s leadership in research innovation.
Company: Pfizer, Inc.
Annaliesa Anderson and Alejandra Gurtman (company representatives)
Pfizer
For saving millions of lives around the world by harnessing mRNA vaccine technology to combat a global pandemic. In 2020, Pfizer rapidly developed and deployed a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine that was essential to ending the COVID-19 pandemic, opening new frontiers in immunology and advancing America’s leadership in research innovation.