Ghanaian engineer honoured with US National Medal of Technology
Ghanaian-born engineer, inventor, and telecommunications expert, Dr. Victor B. Lawrence, has received the prestigious National Medal of Technology and Innovation from US President Joe Biden at a ceremony held at the White House.
The National Medal of Technology and Innovation is the highest honour for technological achievement in the United States. Dr. Lawrence was recognised for his pioneering contributions to digital signal processing, which were instrumental in transitioning global telecommunications from analogue to digital systems.
Dr. Lawrence, who holds more than 20 patents, is the first African-born recipient of the medal. His innovations have also extended to initiatives aimed at expanding internet access in underserved regions, including spearheading efforts to install high-capacity fibre-optic cables along Africa’s west coast.
A Career of Groundbreaking Achievements
Born in 1945 in Ghana, Dr. Lawrence graduated from the Imperial College of Science and Technology at the University of London, earning a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering in 1972. After brief stints in the UK and at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Ghana, he joined Bell Laboratories in 1974.
At Bell Labs, Dr. Lawrence led groundbreaking projects, including advancements in voice-band modems, DSL technology, and the Sirius Radio Satellite System. He also played a pivotal role in the development of HDTV technology, for which he and his team received an Emmy Award in 1997.
Dr. Lawrence has co-authored five books and published over 45 papers in leading journals and conferences. He has also held teaching roles at prestigious institutions, including Princeton University and Columbia University. Currently, he serves as Associate Dean and Charles Batchler Chair Professor of Engineering at the Stevens Institute of Technology.
Trailblazer for Science and Technology
The National Medal of Technology and Innovation, established by the US Congress in 1980, recognises individuals and organisations whose work has enhanced the economy and quality of life.
President Biden described this year’s medalists as trailblazers who embody America’s spirit of innovation. "These individuals push the boundaries of what is possible, tackling challenges like climate change, disease treatment, and technological advancement," he noted.
In addition to Dr. Lawrence, other honourees include Jennifer Doudna, co-creator of CRISPR gene-editing technology, and Moderna, Inc., for its contributions to vaccine development.