Tang Prize Laureates have recently garnered prestigious recognition from the United States government. Jane Goodall, recipient of the 2020 Tang Prize in Sustainable Development, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Biden on January 4th. This medal, the highest civilian honor in the U.S., recognizes Dr. Goodall's extraordinary contributions as a world-renowned conservationist, ethologist, and advocate for the protection of chimpanzees and their habitats. Her groundbreaking research redefined our understanding of the relationship between humans and animals.
On January 3rd, President Biden also presented the National Medal of Technology and Innovation to Dr. Jennifer A. Doudna and Dr. Feng Zhang, both recipients of the 2016 Tang Prize in Biopharmaceutical Science. Dr. Doudna, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, and Dr. Zhang, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, were recognized for their innovative work in developing the CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing system, a breakthrough technology with the potential to revolutionize biomedical research and disease treatment. This medal is the nation's highest honor for achievement and leadership in advancing technological progress.
According to a White House statement, the Presidential Medal of Freedom is bestowed upon individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors.[1] Since it was first awarded in 1985, the National Medal of Technology and Innovation has recognized American innovators whose vision, intellect, creativity, and determination have strengthened America's economy and improved our quality of life. The medal was established by Congress in 1980 and is administered by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.[2]
Dr. Jenn-Chuan Chern, CEO of the Tang Prize Foundation, expressed his immense pride in the laureates' achievements and conveyed his congratulations on behalf of Dr. Samuel Yin, founder of the Tang Prize.
About the Tang Prize
Since the advent of globalization, mankind has been able to enjoy the convenience brought forth by the advancement of human civilization and science. Yet a multitude of challenges, such as climate change, the emergence of new infectious diseases, wealth gap, and moral degradation, have surfaced along the way. Against this backdrop, Dr. Samuel Yin established the Tang Prize in December 2012. It consists of four award categories, namely Sustainable Development, Biopharmaceutical Science, Sinology, and Rule of Law. Every other year, four independent and professional selection committees, comprising many internationally renowned experts, scholars, and Nobel winners, choose as Tang Prize laureates people who have influenced and made substantive contributions to the world, regardless of ethnicity, nationality or gender. A cash prize of NT$50 million (approx. US$1.7 million) is allocated to each category, with NT$10 million (approx. US$ 0.35 million) of it being a research grant intended to encourage professionals in every field to examine mankind’s most urgent needs in the 21st century, and become leading forces in the development of human society through their outstanding research outcomes and active civic engagement.
[1] White House. "President Biden Announces Recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom." January 4th, 2025.
[2] White House. "President Biden Honors Nation's Leading Scientists, Technologists, and Innovators." January 3rd, 2025.