WATCH: Joe Biden confused at awards ceremony as he relies on handlers to direct him

The National Medal of Science is the nation’s highest scientific honour, with the National Medal of Technology and Innovation being the US's highest award for technological achievement.

Biden praised the winners in his speech, stating "this is a happy occasion. We need some more happy occasions. Thank you, thank you all for being here."

Biden explained: "With this year's recipients, outstanding may be an understatement. They're extraordinary, delivering clean drinking water and fuel efficient heat sources to low income countries, growing crops that can withstand extreme weather, deepening our knowledge of blood vessels, nerve cells and molecules pointing the way toward new treatments for diseases like cancer, Parkinson's and addiction.

"Transforming how we live, work and communicate by helping create advanced manufacturing and expand access to the Internet."

Biden continued: "You all are so damn impressive. I really mean it. Think of how you are literally changing the world for the better. Thank you, everybody.

"Congratulations again to our outstanding laureates and their families. And remember what America's all about, you do, possibilities, possibilities. That's who we are. Anything is possible if we put our mind to it. And with you all, you've got incredible minds."

As Biden finished his speech and accepted the applause from the crowd, the President then hovered around his podium as a tannoy announced: "Please remain in your seats until the President and recipients have departed".

Biden appears to mouth "okay?" as he looks confused as to where to exit the stage, or if he should exit the stage.

He then walks to the centre of the stage where he looks confused again at a stage handler, before walking down the stairs at the front of the stage to leave.

Biden then looks relieved as he smiles at the crowd before he leaves the room.