6 Bay Area scientists honored with nation's highest science award

WASHINGTON (KGO) -- Six Bay Area scientists were honored at the White House Thursday with the prestigious National Medal of Science, the nation's highest award for a scientist.

President Obama presented each recipient with the medal during a ceremony.

The government gives the honor to scientists who have made major achievements in science, technology and innovation.

Six of the 10 medals went to scientists from the Bay Area. They include 3 UC Berkeley faculty members, one from UCSF and two from Stanford.

Two other Bay Area residents were honored with the National Medal for Innovation. One was from the Fogarty Institute in Mountain View, the other inventor was from the Milpitas-based SanDisk.