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Two Naval Researchers Awarded Top Technology Awards

For Immediate Release: Aug 23, 2001

Arlington, VA -- Dr. Vernon Simmons, former Senior Scientist, Naval Surface Warfare enter, Carderock Division (NSWCCD) in West Bethesda, Md. and Dr. Yuan-Ning Liu, Chief Research Scientist, NSWCCD, were awarded the Dr. Arthur E. Bisson Prize for Naval Technology Achievement for their leading-edge scientific research in structural acoustics.

This research resulted in greater understanding of the interactions of acoustics and structures for submarines, leading to major advances in stealth and sonar performance. "Their contributions have led the way to successful structural acoustics-based solutions to problems that only 20 years ago were considered to be beyond available technology," said Gary Jebsen, Submarine Technology Program Manager, Office of Naval Research.

The award honors the late Dr. Arthur E. Bisson, director of Science and Technology, at the Office of Naval Research from 1993 to 1996. An award ceremony was held at the Office of Naval Research on August 23, 2001.

The prize recognizes a person or persons who have successfully translated research findings into substantive fleet programs that meet critical Naval requirements. Dr. Bisson provided a model of principled, effective leadership in transitioning science and technology to naval capabilities. In his last assignment as the Office of Naval Research's Director of Science and Technology, Dr. Bisson was a prime mover in the integration of all Naval science and technology developments funded by the Office of Naval Research, where new technology develops from earliest scientific concepts through prototyping and manufacture. Dr. Bisson's vision for an integrated science and technology program provided a new paradigm for faster and better-coordinated transition of science and technology advances into Naval systems.

About the Office of Naval Research

The Department of the Navy’s Office of Naval Research provides the science and technology necessary to maintain the Navy and Marine Corps’ technological advantage. Through its affiliates, ONR is a leader in science and technology with engagement in 50 states, 55 countries, 634 institutions of higher learning and nonprofit institutions, and more than 960 industry partners. ONR, through its commands, including headquarters, ONR Global and the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C., employs more than 3,800 people, comprising uniformed, civilian and contract personnel.