President Donald Trump is scheduled to present the National Medal of Science on Thursday to SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, Google co-founder Sergey Brin, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and AMD CEO Lisa Su, Reuters reported, citing a White House official.
Dell Technologies CEO Michael Dell and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella are set to receive the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, according to the same report.
A White House event on scientific discovery
The awards are scheduled alongside a White House event focused on scientific discovery. Reuters said an invitation described plans to highlight the administration’s approach to managing and distributing federal research funding. White House science adviser Michael Kratsios, Energy Secretary Chris Wright and NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman are also scheduled to speak.
What the medals recognize
The National Science Foundation calls the National Medal of Science the country’s highest recognition for scientists and engineers. Established by Congress in 1959, it honors contributions across fields including physical, biological, mathematical, engineering and social sciences, and the president presents the medal at the White House.
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office describes the National Medal of Technology and Innovation as the nation’s highest honor for technological achievement. It recognizes lasting contributions to U.S. competitiveness, quality of life and the technological workforce.
