Elevating the Pinnacle of IEEE Achievements: A $2 Million Milestone

The IEEE, the world's largest professional technical organization, has announced a groundbreaking decision to increase the prize for its prestigious Medal of Honor to a staggering $2 million, starting in 2025. This move solidifies the IEEE's commitment to recognizing and rewarding the most remarkable, society-changing achievements in the realm of technology and innovation.

Honoring the Visionaries Who Reshape Our World

Raising the Bar for Technical Excellence

The IEEE Medal of Honor, established in 1917, is the organization's highest accolade, bestowed upon individuals whose contributions have had a profound and lasting impact on humanity. From the creation of the internet to the development of life-saving medical technologies, the recipients of this prestigious award have consistently pushed the boundaries of what was once considered impossible. By increasing the prize to $2 million, the IEEE is sending a clear message: the pursuit of groundbreaking innovation and the betterment of society are worthy of the highest recognition and reward.

Elevating the Prestige of IEEE Awards

The decision to increase the IEEE Medal of Honor prize comes after years of advocacy by former IEEE President K.J. Ray Liu, who chaired the Ad Hoc Committee on Raising the Prestige of IEEE Awards in 2024. Liu's vision was to ensure that the IEEE's top honor would stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the most prestigious awards in the world, such as the Nobel Prizes and the ACM Turing Award. With a $2 million purse, the IEEE Medal of Honor now surpasses the financial rewards of these esteemed accolades, solidifying its position as a true pinnacle of technical achievement.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators

The IEEE's commitment to elevating the prestige of its awards is not merely a symbolic gesture. It is a strategic move to inspire and motivate the next generation of technologists, who will undoubtedly be drawn to the allure of the IEEE Medal of Honor and its substantial financial reward. As Liu eloquently stated in the press release, "IEEE Medal of Honor laureates dare to envision the new and revolutionary, and make possible what was previously considered impossible. 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."

A Global Celebration of Innovation

The 2025 IEEE Medal of Honor, along with other high-profile IEEE awards, will be presented at a prestigious ceremony in Tokyo, Japan, in April 2025. This decision to host the event in a global hub of technological innovation underscores the IEEE's commitment to recognizing and celebrating the contributions of its members from around the world. The ceremony will be a testament to the organization's dedication to advancing technology for the betterment of humanity, and a testament to the visionary individuals who have dedicated their lives to this noble pursuit.