Harvard scholars named outstanding early-career scientists by President Obama

President Obama today named three researchers from Harvard University as recipients of the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers, the highest honor bestowed by the United States Government on science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers.

The Harvard affiliates are Erez Lieberman Aiden, Ph.D. ’10, junior fellow of the Society of Fellows at Harvard University; Biju Parekkadan Ph.D. ’08, assistant professor of surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School; and Curtis Huttenhower, assistant professor of computational biology and bioinformatics at the Harvard School of Public Health.

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

Established by President Clinton in 1996, the awards are coordinated by the Office of Science and Technology Policy within the Executive Office of the President. Awardees 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.