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December 22, 1997
Dr. Robert E. Kahn Awarded National Medal of Technology®
Dr. Robert E. Kahn was awarded the National Medal of Technology by President Clinton in a White House Ceremony on Tuesday, December 16, 1997.
Internet pioneers Kahn and Vinton G. Cerf received the medal from President Clinton for their joint development of TCP/IP protocol, the common computer language that gave birth to the Internet, and for continuing to provide leadership in the emerging industry of internetworking.
Kahn, president of the Corporation for National Research Initiatives, and Cerf, MCI senior vice president of Internet Architecture and Engineering, were among 14 laureates from around the country distinguished during the Presidential Award Ceremonies for the National Medal of Technology and the National Medal of Science.
When President Clinton announced the 1997 recipients earlier this spring he said, "This year's fourteen medalists are exemplary leaders in research, innovation, and imagination. Their achievements have opened new scientific frontiers, enabled new products, and created new capabilities that have transformed our lives and that will shape our future."
The National Medal of Technology recognizes American innovators whose vision, intellect, creativity and sheer determination have made profound and lasting contributions to our economy and quality of life, and contributed to our Nation's role as a world leader in technological innovation. Established by Congress and administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Medal is awarded for technological breakthroughs and leadership resulting in the creation of new or significantly improved products, processes or services. The President of the United States first presented this prestigious award in 1985. It has since honored 98 individuals or teams, and eight companies.
The National Science & Technology Medals Foundation, a nonprofit corporation, established a public-private partnership to fund activities that support the awarding of this medal. One of the foundation's missions is to inspire America's youth to pursue excellence in technology by promoting the medal recipients as role models. The Foundation also strives to broaden public understanding of the link between scientific and technological excellence and economic prosperity, job creation and a higher standard of living.
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