41 DoD Scientists and Engineers Win Presidential Award

The White House yesterday announced 41 researchers nominated by the Department of Defense (DoD) as winners of the 2008 Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). The awards are the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on faculty members who are beginning their independent research careers.

The DoD's selections for this prestigious award included submissions from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, based on the individual's innovative research at the frontiers of science, engineering and education.

"The DoD researchers who are receiving this distinguished award are exceptional technical leaders in their disciplines," said Zachary J. Lemnios, director, Defense Research and Engineering. "We are fortunate to have such a talented cadre of scientists and engineers who are interested in our national security technology challenges."

The recipient scientists and engineers will receive their awards this fall at a White House ceremony. The DoD 2008 PECASE scholars will receive grants of $200,000 a year for up to five years to conduct basic research in support of critical government missions.