Release #089-97

Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958 or Brenda Prez (212) 788 - 3256

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today presented three distinguished New Yorkers with the annual Excellence in Science and Technology Awards during a ceremony at Gracie Mansion. Joining the Mayor were Rodney W. Nichols, President and CEO of the New York Academy of Sciences; Fran Reiter, Deputy Mayor for Economic Development and Planning; Schuyler G. Chapin, Commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs, and leaders of the New York scientific community.

"New York City has long been revered as the world's capital of art, culture, communications and business," said Mayor Giuliani. "But what often tends to be overlooked is that we are home to the best in scientific research and the most brilliant minds in the fields of science ant technology."

"For New York City to remain the capital of the world, it is essential that we continue to develop the industries of the future. Achievements in science are critical in making this kind of progress possible and it's up to us to recognize and encourage the scientists who are paving the way now as well as the scientists of the future," concluded the Mayor.

• Dr. Joshua Lederberg, University Professor and President Emeritus, Rockefeller University and 1958 Nobel Prize winner -- for pioneering research into the molecular mechanisms of genes. His work in the fields of immunology, bacterial genetics and infectious disease has had a major impact on science, medicine and the space program. He has been an accomplished educator, computer innovator and advisor to the government and health agencies.
• Dr. Tsung-Dao Lee, Enrico Fermi Professor of Physics, Columbia University and 1957 Nobel Prize winner -- for ground breaking work in theoretical and experimental physics. He has revolutionized the fields of parity violation, nutrino physics, statistical mechanics, time reversal violation, the theory of turbulence and high temperature superconductivity.
• Ms. Yee Ping-Wu, President /CEO of Music Pen, Inc. -- for creating one of the world's leading independent interactive technology companies for the consumer market. She has merged her expertise in music and computer technology to develop unique products for multiple digital platforms in several languages that offers users creative interaction.

Mayor Giuliani made a special presentation to Dr. Alan J. Friedman, whose work in developing the New York Hall of Science in Queens earned him the 1996 American Association for the Advancement of Science Award, which recognizes scientists and engineers who make outstanding contributions to the popularization of science.

The nominations for the Mayor's Excellence in Science and Technology Awards are received through a comprehensive nominating process that includes New York's academic, corporate and governmental communities. All candidates must live or work in New York City and they may be nominated for a special achievement or for a lifetime work. The nominations are administered, evaluated and reviewed by the New York Academy of Sciences in partnership with the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs under the jurisdiction of the Deputy Mayor for Planning & Economic Development, Fran Reiter.