National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology Commissioner Receives National Medal of Science
6 January 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Washington, DC –
On Friday, National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology Commissioner Angela Belcher received the National Medal of Science, the nation’s highest honor for scientists and engineers.
Commissioner Belcher is an innovator, teacher, and leader in the field of biological engineering. She is passionate about using biology in exciting new ways to make positive impacts on technology and health. Drawing inspiration and materials from nature, Commissioner Belcher has used biology to create display screens, batteries, and novel methods of early cancer detection. She has also worked closely with the Department of Defense throughout her career to invent and translate technologies for defense applications.
As a Commissioner, Dr. Belcher is dedicated to strengthening the American biotechnology sector and to improving science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education at all levels. Her insights as a biotechnology innovator and business leader informed the Commission’s forthcoming policy proposals across all its areas of focus, including policies designed to help bridge the gap between ideas in the lab and scaled-up commercial products.
“Congratulations to Commissioner Belcher on this prestigious award. I am proud to call Angie a friend and colleague on the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology, and I am grateful for her commitment to public service and scientific advancement.” – NSCEB Chair Senator Todd Young
“Commissioner Belcher’s work deserves nothing less than this recognition of the National Medal of Science. Her passion, commitment, and incredible depth of knowledge and creativity make her a world-class innovator. It is an honor to work with her on the Commission.” –NSCEB Vice Chair Michelle Rozo
The National Medal of Science is a presidential award established in 1959 and presented to distinguished scientists for their outstanding contributions in the physical, biological, mathematical, engineering, or social and behavioral sciences, in service to the nation.
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About NSCEB: The National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology is a time-limited, high-impact legislative branch advisory entity whose purpose is to advance and secure biotechnology, biomanufacturing, and associated technologies for U.S. national security and to prepare the United States for the biorevolution. The Commission will publish a comprehensive report in early 2025, including recommendations for action by Congress and the federal government. The bipartisan Commission is composed of Congressionally-appointed Commissioners with members from both the Senate and the House of Representatives as well as experts from industry, academia, and government. For more information about the Commission, visit biotech.senate.gov.
Contact: press@biotech.senate.gov
