Obama honors best in science, technology

WASHINGTON, Oct. 7 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama awarded the nation's highest honor for achievement in science and technology to 13 recipients Wednesday.

"We recognize your contributions, but we also celebrate the incredible contributions of the scientific endeavor itself," Obama said while presenting the National Medal of Science and the National Medal of Technology and Innovation. "We see the promise -- not just for our economy but for our health and well-being -- in the human capacity for creativity and ingenuity."

Scientific progress offers the nation the opportunity to achieve prosperity, defend itself and lift the economy through new discoveries, Obama told the gathering in the East Room. Recipients include members of academia, scientific institutions and industry.

To those who say investments in science are "a luxury" in an economically tough time, Obama said, "I could not disagree more. Science is more essential for our prosperity, our security and our health, and our way of life than it has ever been."

Obama said he had an another reason for gathering the honorees at the White House.

"Sasha has a science fair coming up," he said. "And I was thinking that you guys could give us a few tips. Michelle and I are a little rusty on our science. "