By Joyce Kryszak
Washington, D.C. – UB Professor Esther Takeuchi was awarded the nation's highest honor for technology and innovation Wednesday at the White House. The ceremony was broadcast nationally on television and via live webcast.
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After Takeuchi was introduced, President Barack Obama personally presented her with the National Medal for Technology and Innovation. Takeuchi was recognized for her groundbreaking invention of the lithium silver vanadium oxide battery. She developed the life-saving technology 22 years ago at Greatbach. More than two hundred thousand implantable defibrillators are powered by the battery each year.
President Obama said the nation is right to celebrate her and other scientists accomplishments. And the President said the United States should encourage more discoveries.
The President said that under his administration the United States will invest three percent of its gross domestic product to advancing science. He said money will be invested in education and tax credits for research, development and experimentation. Earlier in the day, Takeuchi said that was what she was hoping to hear.
Takeuchi believes scientists are on the cusp of some revolutionary discoveries that could help improve lives and protect national security.