IEEE Honors 2026 Medal Recipients for Transformative Innovations

IEEE, the world’s largest technical professional organization, has announced the recipients of its esteemed 2026 IEEE Medals. These awards recognize individuals whose groundbreaking innovations and leadership in technology significantly benefit humanity. The announcement was made on December 11, 2025, following a correction to a previous news release dated December 10, 2025.

The honorees exemplify the spirit of innovation that drives progress across various fields, impacting millions globally. Their contributions have strengthened essential infrastructure, enhanced healthcare, expanded communication capabilities, and improved overall quality of life. These awards celebrate a diverse group of pioneers whose work is pivotal in creating a more connected and sustainable future.

2026 IEEE Medal Recipients

“Each year, the IEEE Medals honor those whose work has fundamentally advanced technology and improved the human condition,” said Kathleen Kramer, the 2025 IEEE President and CEO. “The 2026 honorees exemplify ingenuity and scientific excellence that inspire future generations. Their contributions span breakthroughs in computing, communications, healthcare, and education, shaping a more interconnected world.”

The 2026 recipients include:

• IEEE Frances E. Allen Medal sponsored by IBM: Luis von Ahn for creating CAPTCHA and founding Duolingo, expanding access to education.
• IEEE Alexander Graham Bell Medal sponsored by Nokia Bell Labs: Scott J. Shenker for his research in computer networks that underpins modern cloud computing.
• IEEE Jagadish Chandra Bose Medal in Wireless Communications sponsored by Mani L. Bhaumik: Erik Dahlman, Stefan Parkvall, and Johan Sköld for their work in developing LTE and 5G standards.
• IEEE Mildred Dresselhaus Medal sponsored by Google, LLC: Karen Ann Panetta for her contributions to image processing and advocacy for women in engineering.
• IEEE Edison Medal sponsored by the Edison Medal Fund: Eric A. Swanson for pioneering biomedical imaging and terrestrial communication technologies.
• IEEE Medal for Environmental and Safety Technologies sponsored by Toyota Motor Corporation: Wei-Jen Lee for leadership in electric power systems and renewable energy integration.
• IEEE Founders Medal sponsored by the IEEE Foundation: Marian R. Croak for pioneering VoIP technologies and mobile donation platforms.
• IEEE Richard W. Hamming Medal sponsored by Qualcomm, Inc.: Muriel Médard for advancements in network coding and information theory.
• IEEE Medal for Innovations in Healthcare Technology sponsored by the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society: Rosalind W. Picard for her development of wearable technologies for health monitoring.
• IEEE Nick Holonyak, Jr. Medal for Semiconductor Optoelectronic Technologies sponsored by Friends of Nick Holonyak, Jr.: Steven P. DenBaars for his work on gallium nitride semiconductors and LED technologies.

Award recipients will be honored at the IEEE’s annual Honors Ceremony on April 24, 2026 in New York City. The IEEE Medal of Honor Laureate for 2026 will be revealed in January 2026. For further details, visit the IEEE Awards Website.

About IEEE

For over a century, IEEE has led the way in recognizing individuals whose contributions have significantly advanced engineering, science, and technology. By honoring those who transform innovations into societal benefits, IEEE continues to shape the future across various fields, including computing, telecommunications, energy, and healthcare.

As the world’s largest technical professional organization, IEEE is a public charity focused on advancing technology for humanity, providing trusted resources through publications, conferences, and educational activities.