The head catalyst researcher at Ford Motor has received a special award for his contribution to advances in emissions-reducing technology.

The National Medal of Technology was yesterday given to Haren Ghandi, who possesses more than 40 American patents and who played a key role in developing the precious metals-based catalysts that drive the automotive industry.

Mr Ghandi began his career with Ford in 1967, having studied chemical engineering to PhD level at Bombay University. Ford was trying at the time to find way of complying with Clean Air Act requirements to reduce emissions by 1975.

He is especially proud of his identification of the poisonous effects of lead in petrol, which led to initiatives to remove that material entirely from the fuel.

'To me, that has been the most outstanding secondary benefit of the catalyst's introduction to automobiles. It improved the quality of air that we all breathe'.

Almost 150 scientists have received the medal during its 18-year history, including the founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates. Mr Ghandi is the first recipient to work for a carmaker, with some suggesting the award is a further example of the Bush administration's belief in the development of emissions legislation.