[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 73 (Monday, April 29, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E399-E400]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING PROFESSOR BARRY BARISH FOR RECEIVING THE NATIONAL MEDAL OF 
                                SCIENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MARK TAKANO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 29, 2024

  Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Professor Barry 
Barish of University of California, Riverside, for receiving the 
National Medal of Science from President Biden in honor of his great 
achievements and invaluable contributions to the field of particle 
physics.
  The citation for his award reads ``For exemplary service to science, 
including groundbreaking research on sub-atomic particles. His 
leadership of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory 
led to the first detection of gravitational waves from merging black 
holes, confirming a key part of Einstein's Theory of Relativity. He has 
broadened our understanding of the universe and our Nation's sense of 
wonder and discovery.''
  In addition, Professor Barish was awarded the 2017 Nobel Prize in 
physics in recognition of his leadership in the discovery of 
gravitational waves--first predicted by Einstein a

[[Page E400]]

century earlier. Professor Barish is currently faculty at University of 
California, Riverside, in the Department of Physics and Astronomy where 
he was instrumental in recruiting and developing a new group of faculty 
focused on the broad field of experimental cosmology.
  These young faculty are conducting cutting edge research exploring 
the universe using gravitational waves, searching for dark matter, 
using the smallest known particles to probe the origin of matter in the 
universe, and studying the earliest light leftover from the big bang to 
understand how the universe formed. This group now plays leading roles 
in international experiments exploring this groundbreaking science and 
is developing novel instruments that will lead the way for future 
scientific endeavors for years to come. This research group is also 
training the next generation of scientists and engineers.
  The skills that students learn will prepare them to be future leaders 
in research and industry alike, becoming experts in emerging 
technologies like semiconductors and quantum sensors, and they will be 
prepared to grow these vital industries.
  I commend Professor Barish for his remarkable achievements in science 
and teaching and his work training the next generation of scientists at 
University of California, Riverside. May their work continue to 
illuminate the mysteries of the universe and inspire us all to reach 
for the stars.

                          ____________________