This week with NSF Director Panchanathan

This week, NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan began the new year by strengthening strategic global partnerships and commemorating the groundbreaking achievements of the nation's brightest scientists and engineers.

On Monday, Jan. 6, Panchanathan virtually welcomed delegates from Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, including Minister ABE Toshiko. The group discussed opportunities to deepen U.S.-Japan collaborations in STEM, emphasizing the importance of working together to develop a robust workforce and tackle global challenges in critical technologies.

Later in the week, NSF reflected on the National Medal of Science (NMS) ceremony, held at the White House on Jan. 3, honoring the 2024 NMS and National Medal of Technology and Innovation recipients.

"Congratulations to the 2024 recipients of the National Medal of Science and National Medal of Technology and Innovation. The distinguished laureates include many exceptionally talented and inspiring scientists and engineers, whose groundbreaking work has been supported by NSF at various stages of their careers," said Panchanathan. "These individuals exemplify NSF's commitment to investing in talent, advancing education and promoting mentorship across the nation. Their achievements will continue to drive progress, strengthen our nation's competitiveness and inspire future generations of innovators."