Dr. Mark Humayun will receive the medal on 22nd January
At a January 22 White House ceremony, President Barack Obama will award Mark S. Humayun, MD, PhD, co-director of the USC Eye Institute and director of the USC Institute for Biomedical Therapeutics the prestigious National Medal of Technology and Innovation, the nation’s highest award for technology achievement.
Dr. Humayun, who is one of nine recipients of the medal this year, was chosen for his lifelong dedication to bridging medical science and engineering to restore sight. He holds more than 100 issued patents and patent applications, most in the area of bioimplants for ophthalmology. His innovative work is best exemplified by the development of the Argus II, the only FDA approved retinal prosthesis system that allows those with certain blinding diseases to regain some useful vision.
“I am very honored to receive the National Medal of Technology and Innovation,” said Dr. Humayun. “Medical breakthroughs such as the Argus II come after long periods of research and development and I am grateful to have been and continue to be surrounded by teams of very talented individuals.”
The National Medal of Technology and Innovation, presented by U.S. presidents since 1980, is given to individuals, small teams collaborating on innovative systems or divisions of companies, all whom have contributed to the nation’s economic, environmental and social well-being.
“Mark Humayun epitomizes the culture and dedication of the experts at the USC Eye Institute to constantly seek new solutions in the mission to prevent blindness,” said Rohit Varma, MD, MPH, director of the USC Eye Institute. “One of the reasons the USC Eye Institute has been ranked in the Top 10 of ophthalmology departments over the last 21 years by U.S. News & World Report, is because of the innovative stars in our constellation like Mark who help guide and inspire us. As only the third USC recipient in 30 years to receive this prestigious honour we are tremendously proud of Mark.”
