The award, the nation's highest honor for technological innovation, will be presented “for contributions to electrode design and tissue restoration that have led to the widespread use of numerous clinical devices. His discoveries and inventions have saved and enriched thousands of lives and have formed the cornerstone of much of the modern implantable medical device field.” 

Because of Dr. Geddes and the teams he has created, led, and inspired, burn victims today heal with fewer scars, heart patients exercise with greater confidence, athletes and "weekend warriors" can repair damaged tendons and ligaments, and infants can be monitored in a more holistic approach.  By laying a solid foundation of fundamentals with his early work and continually building onto that foundation throughout his lengthy career, Dr. Geddes has made a direct impact on the everyday lives of untold people. 

More information on the award can be found here, the official UNS release is here, the announcement on our blog is here, and more information will be posted shortly. UPDATE: The ceremony for the awarding of the National Medal of Technology to Les Geddes and other Laureates will be webcast through the White House Web Site. The ceremonies, which will include the 2005 and 2006 Laureates for the National Medal of Technology and the National Medal of Science, is scheduled to begin at 1:50 p.m. Eastern -- which means you might want to log in a little early just to be safe.