Remarks

Dr. Arden L. Bement, Jr. Director National Science Foundation Biography Closing Remarks 2004 Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers White House Washington, D.C. June 13, 2005

This is a truly exciting event for all the federal agencies represented here today and we are delighted to be here celebrating with you. I'm sure this has been a whirlwind of a day. And just think, there's more excitement in store tomorrow! I hope you are enjoying your time in Washington as much as we enjoy having you here.

These accolades demonstrate our deep appreciation for the great value you add to our nation's science and engineering enterprise and to societal progress overall. Congratulations to each of you, the awardees.

As PECASE recipients, you have joined the ranks of some of the finest scientists and engineers in the nation. You have demonstrated exceptional accomplishment and promise as researchers and educators. As a result, you have solidified your role as national leaders.

To that end, we have absolute confidence that you will not only lead our nation in science and engineering, but that you will leap the fences, cross the boundaries, and build new and exciting areas of science.

You have already taken a huge leap in that direction. You have chosen vibrant areas of research that will generate enormous progress and tremendous opportunities for science and for humanity.

Your groundbreaking research will lead to new applications in emerging technologies such as fuel cells; your research will enable advances in low-power embedded systems and smart sensors, such as assistive devices for the hearing impaired; and your research will provide understanding of how organisms monitor and regulate cell-density in different tissues, which is important to understanding processes in cell growth and development.

We value the innovative ideas and excellent teaching you have displayed. This combination is what engenders future generations of scientists and engineers and keeps us at the frontier of research.

It is our task to keep all fields of science and engineering focused on the furthest frontier, to recognize and nurture emerging fields, to support the work of those with the most insightful reach, and to prepare coming generations of scientists, engineers and mathematicians. Your awards today, mean that we are succeeding.

Congratulations, once again.