The dinner event–which took place at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, DC–recognized Dr. Craig Barrett, Dr. Rita Colwell and Ambassador Thomas Pickering, whose work has furthered the legacy of the late Congressman George E. Brown, Jr.

A distinguished list of presenters and honored guests paid tribute to the honorees, including:

• Dr. Arden Bement, Director of the Global Policy Research Institute, Purdue University, and former director of the National Science Foundation
• Mrs. Marta Brown, wife of the late Congressman George Brown
• Dr. Vinton Cerf, Chief Internet Evangelist, Google, and member of the CRDF Global Advisory Council
• Ms. Rose Gottemoeller, Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Arms Control, Verification and Compliance; and former member of CRDF Global’s Board of Directors
• The Honorable Carla A. Hills, Chair and CEO, Hills & Company International Consultants
• Representative Rush Holt (D-NJ), U.S. House of Representatives
• Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX), U.S. House of Representatives
• Mr. Viktor Vekselberg, President, Skolkovo Foundation
  
• Dr. Charles Vest, President, National Academy of Engineering, and President Emeritus, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In her welcoming remarks, CRDF Global President and CEO Cathy Campbell paid tribute to the honorees for their distinguished accomplishments.

“Tonight we honor three very distinguished individuals for their contributions to international science and technology cooperation,” Campbell said. “Each of tonight’s awardees–Rita Colwell, Craig Barrett, and Tom Pickering–has contributed in different ways, through academic research, business, education, policy, and diplomacy. They have all demonstrated passion for their work, a strong commitment to global engagement, and a perseverance that inspires all of us at CRDF Global.”

Dr. Vest introduced Dr. Barrett as a friend and colleague who served as the chair of the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) when Dr. Vest was appointed the president of NAE.

“Craig is on my personal list of heroes because even while he was an incredibly busy CEO, he always found time to exert national leadership and good citizenship of a type that all too frequently is missing today,” Dr. Vest said. “Craig is exactly the kind of citizen that the late and great George Brown valued, listened to and supported.”

"It’s just a pleasure to be here and a pleasure to be part of CRDF Global," Dr. Barrett said. "It’s pretty clear what the twenty-first century holds. Countries that want to be successful are going to be engaged in educating young people to the highest extent possible—creating smart people. They’re going to invest in smart ideas. They’re going to invest in research and development because the only hope of any economy of any country in the future is to be able to put smart people together with smart ideas in the right environment to let them do something wonderful. That’s what CRDF Global is all about from an international standpoint."

Mr. Vekselberg recounted the history of his close friendship with Dr. Barrett, who is serving as the international co-chairman of the Skolkovo Foundation Council. The Skolkovo Foundation served as the Presenting Sponsor of the 2011 George Brown Award dinner.

“There’s just only one person we should call teacher. A man who will accept your problems and give you answers and support you to your satisfaction—that is the only teacher,” Mr. Vekselberg said. “And I would like to say thank you, Craig Barrett. For me, you are a teacher, and I hope I will be able to use your strong brain and powerful spirit for many years.”

Dr. Bement shared his thoughts on the outstanding scientific achievements of his longtime colleague, Dr. Colwell, whom he succeeded as director of the National Science Foundation. Dr. Colwell, who was unable to attend the presentation, was recognized at an Aug. 26 ceremony.

“Rita Colwell is a superstar in science. In Hollywood, when you drop the names of Brad, Gwyneth and Leonardo, everyone knows to whom you’re referring. When you drop the name of Rita in scientific gatherings, everyone likewise knows,” said Dr. Bement. “I know that Rita would be especially proud to receive the George Brown Award from CRDF Global.”

Dr. Vinton Cerf emphasized Dr. Colwell’s passion for her work and her tremendous influence on him.

“One thing that I find most interesting is Rita’s enthusiasm for science. She is articulate, she is excited, she incites the same feeling in people that she talks to and works with,” Dr. Cerf said. “And so I have learned a great deal from her in the time that I have known her.”

Dr. Cerf also urged the audience to support CRDF Global.

“CRDF Global is probably the best kept secret in Washington,” Dr. Cerf added. “And I would like to seriously ask every single one of you to fix that problem. CRDF Global is a stunning organization that has done some very remarkable things. Please go on the website to see what they’re up to.”

Ambassador Carla A. Hills introduced Ambassador Pickering as a friend and colleague who showed leadership in his service to the nation.

"I’m indeed honored to be invited by CRDF Global to participate in the presentation of the 2011 George Brown Award to Ambassador Tom Pickering, as dear friend and a splendid partner," Amb. Hills said. "Now I remember George Brown, the wise man of science, and I know that he would enthusiastically endorse the selection of Tom to receive this award that carries his name. Through five decades of outstanding diplomatic service, Tom has advanced the mission of CRDF Global by demonstrating that international scientific cooperation can be a powerful diplomatic tool.”

"I am particularly pleased with this award. It came as a surprise. My credentials in science are close to zero but my interest in science is high. And I’ve come to believe that science and diplomacy are natural handmaidens that can work together in interesting and important ways," Ambassador Pickering said.

In her remarks about Ambassador Pickering, Ms. Gottemoeller spoke on behalf of U.S. Deputy Secretary of State William Burns.

“Bill Burns sent the following message: There can be no greater honor in American diplomacy and no more daunting task than to follow in the footsteps of Ambassador Pickering. Like Tom, I have served as the ambassador to the Russian Federation and Jordan, and as the undersecretary of state for political affairs,” Gottemoeller said. “Bill concludes: Tom Pickering is quite simply the best diplomat I have ever known. And I owe an enormous debt to him. I owe an enormous debt to him as a mentor, role model and friend.”

Representatives Johnson and Holt described the legacy of the late George Brown and his impact on their lives.

“I’m so pleased to be associated with George Brown. George Brown was my first chair of my committee when I came to Congress 19 years ago,” said Representative Johnson. “I’m so delighted to see the results of some of his foresightedness for putting this group together. I still think that global science will be the glue that brings us all together and what will be the savior of this planet.”

“George understood what so many of us now know, that understanding the value of science is something that policymakers in non-science areas should understand,” Representative Holt said. “So I’m sure that Rita Colwell could speak about the positive impact of the proper funding of federal science research, and that Craig Barrett could talk about the need for a permanent R&D tax credit, and Ambassador Pickering could teach us a thing or two about science as a force for progress and reconciliation in the world. I’m pleased to be here tonight to join in honoring these outstanding people and cheering CRDF Global on the great work that you’re doing.”

More Information About the George Brown Award