Four young Indian-American scientists honoured by Obama

Washington, July 24 (IANS) Four Indian-American researchers figure among 96 named by President Barack Obama as recipients of the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers, the highest US honour for young professionals.

"Discoveries in science and technology not only strengthen our economy, they inspire us as a people." Obama said announcing the awards Monday. "The impressive accomplishments of today's awardees so early in their careers promise even greater advances in the years ahead."

The honoured Indian-Americans were Biju Parekkadan of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Pawan Sinha and Parag A. Pathak, both Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Sridevi Vedula Sarma of Johns Hopkins University.

The Presidential early career awards embody the high priority the Obama Administration places on producing outstanding scientists and engineers to advance the nation's goals, tackle grand challenges, and contribute to the American economy, the White House announcement said.

Awardees employed or funded by various government agencies are selected for their pursuit of innovative research at the frontiers of science and technology and their commitment to community service as demonstrated through scientific leadership, public education, or community outreach, it said.

The awards were established by President Bill Clinton in 1996.

(Arun Kumar can be contacted at arun.kumar@ians.in)