The IEEE Medal of Honor is the highest award bestowed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). It recognizes exceptional contributions to the field of electrical engineering, electronics engineering, and related disciplines.
Originally established in 1917 as the Edison Medal by the American Institute of Electrical Engineers (AIEE), the medal was named in honor of Thomas Edison. In 1963, following the merger of AIEE with the Institute of Radio Engineers (IRE) to form IEEE, the award was renamed to the IEEE Medal of Honor.
The IEEE Medal of Honor is awarded for a singular achievement or for a series of contributions that have had a profound impact on technology, society, and the engineering profession. The selection criteria include:
The medal is awarded annually, and nominations are reviewed by the IEEE Awards Board. The recipient is chosen by a committee composed of past IEEE presidents, past medal recipients, and other distinguished members of the IEEE community.
The medal itself is designed with a gold-plated bronze medallion. On the obverse, there is an image of James Clerk Maxwell, considered the father of electromagnetism, and the reverse side features a laurel wreath surrounding the inscription "IEEE Medal of Honor."
Some of the notable recipients of the IEEE Medal of Honor include:
The IEEE Medal of Honor not only honors individuals for their technical accomplishments but also serves as an inspiration for engineers and scientists worldwide, promoting excellence in the engineering disciplines.