Nominees Sought for National Medal of Technology and Innovation

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is seeking nominations for the nation's highest honor for technological achievement. The USPTO administers the NMTI program on behalf of the Secretary of Commerce. The deadline for nominations is May 29, 2009. The nominations can be made for an individual, a team of up to four individuals, a company or a division of a company. The honorees are chosen for their outstanding contributions to the nation's economic, environmental and social well-being through the development and commercialization of technological products, processes and concepts; technological innovation; and development of the country's technological manpower. There are currently four vacancies on the committee that evaluates nominees for the NMTI. The Evaluation Committee reviews all nominees for the medal. Members are drawn from the public and private sector and are distinguished experts in the fields of science, technology, business and patent law. Committee members are appointed by the Secretary of Commerce for three-year terms. They are eligible for one reappointment.