For more than a century, IEEE has awarded its Medal of Honor to recognize the extraordinary work of individuals whose technical achievements have had world-changing impact. To better demonstrate how these technology, engineering, and science innovators have changed our society globally, IEEE announced that starting next year, the IEEE Medal of Honor monetary prize will be increased to US $2 million. This significant increase places the award among the largest such monetary prizes worldwide, and is a substantial increase from its previous prize of $50,000.
In addition, for the first time, the IEEE Medal of Honor laureate will be announced at a dedicated press conference, to be held in February in New York City. The organization’s highest award, as well asadditional high-profile awards, will be presented to recipients at next year’s IEEE Honors Ceremony, which will for the first time be held in Tokyo, in April.
IEEE
“By significantly increasing the IEEE Medal of Honor monetary prize to $2 million, we are elevating our recognition of extraordinary individuals and the work they have done to benefit humanity to its rightful place as one of the world’s most prestigious technology-focused prizes and awards,” said 2024 IEEE President and CEO Thomas M. Coughlin.
The IEEE Medal of Honor is bestowed for remarkable, society-changing achievements such as the creation of the Internet; development of life-saving medical device technologies including the CAT scan, MRI, ultrasound, and pacemaker; as well as transistors, semiconductors, and other innovations at the heart of modern electronics and computing.
“IEEE Medal of Honor laureates dare to envision the new and revolutionary, and make possible what was previously considered impossible,” said K. J. Ray Liu, chair of the Ad Hoc Committee on Raising the Prestige of IEEE Awards and 2022 IEEE President and CEO. “Their seismic accomplishments and positive impact on our world inspires today’s technologists, who stand on their shoulders to continue advancing technology to make the world a better place.”
“By significantly increasing the IEEE Medal of Honor monetary prize to $2 million, we are elevating our recognition of extraordinary individuals and the work they have done to benefit humanity to its rightful place as one of the world’s most prestigious technology-focused prizes and awards.”—2024 IEEE President and CEO Thomas M. Coughlin
The IEEE Medal of Honor may be awarded to an individual or team of up to three who have made exceptional contributions or had extraordinary careers in technology, engineering, and science. The criteria for the award’s consideration include the significance and originality of the achievement and its impact on society and the profession, as well as relevant publications and patents tied to the achievement.
Past recipients include technology pioneers and IEEE Life Fellows Robert E. Kahn, Vinton G. “Vint” Cerf, Asad M. Madni, and Mildred Dresselhaus.
As IEEE continues to honor transformative achievements in technology, engineering, and science, it reinforces its commitment to recognizing innovation that shapes our world. As a public charity, the increased Medal of Honor prize reflects IEEE’s unwavering mission of advancing technology for humanity.
This book covers the past 100 years of the IEEE Medal of Honor.
Register for the press conference live stream to learn who the 2025 IEEE Medal of Honor recipient will be.
Read the full news release here.