IEEE Edison Medal

The motivation for most scientific and technological advances has been derived from man's imagination and his dedicated desire to achieve a better standard of living. Thomas Alva Edison was endowed with many of those qualities and characteristics which are so necessary to bridge the gap between imagination and realization.

On 21 October 1879, Mr. Edison succeeded in producing the first practical incandescent electric light bulb -the beginning of modern illumination.

Twenty-five years later, on 11 February 1904, a group of Mr. Edison's friends and associates created a medal in his name, to commemorate the achievements of a quarter of a century in the art of electric lighting. In their words: 'The Edison Medal should, during the centuries to come, serve as an honorable incentive to scientists, engineers, and artisans to maintain by their works the high standard of accomplishment set by the illustrious man whose name and feats shall live while human intelligence continues to inhabit the world.'

The American Institute of Electrical Engineers four years later, entered into an agreement with the founders to award the medal, the award now carries the designation of IEEE.

The IEEE Edison Medal has been presented since 1909.

Sponsor: Samsung Electronics Co.

Presented to: An individual

Scope: In the evaluation process, the following criteria are considered: leadership, individual contributions, originality, breadth, patents/publications, other achievements, honors, duration of dominance, quality of nomination.

Eligibility: This medal is awarded for a career of meritorious achievement in electrical science, electrical engineering or the electrical arts.

Prize: The award consists of a gold medal, a small gold replica, a certificate and honorarium.

Basis for Judging: In the evaluation process,the following criteria are considered: leadership; individual contributions; originality; breadth; patents/publications;  other achievements;  honors;  duration of dominance; and quality of nomination.

Nomination deadline: 1 July

Presentation:  At the annual IEEE Honors Ceremony.

IEEE Edison Medal Nomination form (DOC, 35 KB) 

IEEE Edison Medal Nomination form (PDF, 22 KB) 

Guidelines for preparing an IEEE Nomination Form

IEEE Edison Medal Recipients (PDF, 24 KB)

Bios for recent award recipients - 2002 to present

Yrjo Neuvo, Chair
Toshiharu Aoki
Mark T. Bohr
Peter J. Delfyett
Russell D. Dupuis
Bruce Hajek
Fred C. Lee
Thomas A. Lipo
Donald Scifres