The 1997 Draper
Prize
The 1997 Draper Prize
was awarded to Vladimir Haensel, 83, selected for developing the Platforming process, which uses a platinum-based catalyst
to convert petroleum efficiently into high-performance fuels. The
trademarked process also generates large quantities of aromatic
hydrocarbons, which are the raw materials used in the manufacturing
of plastics. He received his award in a special ceremony at the
State Department in February 1998.
The Draper
Prize was endowed in 1988 by The Charles Stark Draper
Laboratory, Inc., of Cambridge, Massachusetts, in memory
of its founder and to increase public understanding of the
contributions of engineering and technology to society. The
prize is awarded annually. It is among the world's largest
engineering awards.
Dr.
Charles Stark Draper, known as the "father of inertial navigation",
led the effort that brought inertial navigation into operational
usage in aircraft, missiles, submarines, and space vehicles.
He was head of the MIT Instrumentation Laboratory, which later
was renamed in his honor and became an independent, not-for-profit
corporation in 1973.
For
additional information about the Draper Prize, contact Leila
Rao, NAE awards administrator, at 202-334-1237 or visit the NAE
Web site or contact Kathleen Granchelli, Communications
Director, Draper Laboratory, at 617-258-2605
The Draper Prize Recipient
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Vladimir Haensel |
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