Benjamin Mazin, a physicist who made a breakthrough in the field of superconducting detectors, and Hatice Altug, a scientist working on the development of nanophotonic devices for optical communications and on-chip biosensing, are two of eight photonics-related researchers to receive a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers from President Barack Obama. Each of them will be given a research grant lasting up to five years. These recipients are among 94 researchers who were honored by the US government. Awardees are selected for their pursuit of innovative research and their commitment to community service.