Awards & Recognition Program

To recognize a career of meritorious achievements and outstanding technical contributions by a living individual in the field of applied superconductivity over a period of time (nominally more than twenty years) based on novel and innovative concepts proposed by the individual, the authorship or co-authorship of a number of publications of major significance to the field of applied superconductivity, and the presentation of a number of invited and plenary talks at major national and international conferences and meetings. Two awards are given annually, one in Small Scale Applications and one in Large Scale Applications.

The award recognizes a living individual for a career of meritorious achievements and outstanding technical contributions in the field of applied superconductor materials technology, over a period of time (nominally more than twenty years) based on novel and innovative concepts and theories proposed by the individual, the authorship or co-authorship of many publications of major significance to the field of applied superconductor materials technology, and the impact that the candidate’s contributions have had on the development and maturing of applied superconductivity.

In 2013, the award was renamed the "IEEE Dr. James Wong Award for Continuing and Significant Contributions to Applied Superconductor Materials Technology."

The award recognizes a living individual for a career of meritorious achievements and outstanding technical contributions in the field of applied superconductor materials technology, over a period of time (nominally more than twenty years) based on novel and innovative concepts and theories proposed by the individual, the authorship or co-authorship of many publications of major significance to the field of applied superconductor materials technology, and the impact that the candidate’s contributions have had on the development and maturing of applied superconductivity.

Up to the year 2013, the award was titled the " Award for Continuing and Significant Contributions in the Field of Applied Superconductivity (Materials)".

To recognize sustained service to the applied superconductivity community that has had a lasting influence on the advancement of the technology either through the demonstration of exceptional service to and leadership within the community, the formulation and promotion of major programs in applied superconductivity or through leadership and management roles in a major research organization. Named after the late Max Swerdlow who, starting in the 1960’s and continuing for more than 20 years, served as Program Manager for Superconductivity at the US Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR). His office funded the majority of the programs in the US on superconducting materials and large-scale applications of superconductivity other than those funded by the Department of Energy. Max Swerdlow’s dedication and perseverance in the support of these activities played a crucial role in the maturing of applied superconductivity. 

To recognize the potential impact of superconductivity on the fields of electrical engineering, physics, medicine and energy by rewarding entrepreneurs who have established a successful business or had the primary responsibility within a commercial organization to commercialize a device or service based on a property of superconductivity. The award will recognize young entrepreneurs while they are still growing their businesses to encourage others to follow their path. This award is named for Mr. Carl H. Rosner, whose career is an excellent example of a successful entrepreneur in the commercialization of superconductivity.

To recognize the best-contributed paper published in the IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity during one volume year. The award is named in honor of Professor Ted Van Duzer, first Editor-in-Chief of IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity. 

The fellowship is awarded annually to a full-time graduate student pursuing a PhD (or equivalent) degree in the area of applied superconductivity, at an accredited college or university of recognized standing worldwide. The intention of the award is to encourage students to enter and contribute to the field of applied superconductivity. 

IEEE "Life" status is an automatic process which is based on an individual's membership record. The member must be at least 65 years of age and a member of IEEE or one of its predecessor societies for such a period that the sum of his/her age and his/her years of membership equals or exceeds 100 years. (IEEE Bylaw I-102.2) Members who qualify each year will be notified by mail in the fourth quarter of the qualifying year. "Life" status will be effective on 1 January of the following year.

As it stands today, the IEEE Grade of Fellow is conferred by the Board of Directors upon a person with an extraordinary record of accomplishments in any of the IEEE fields of interest. The total number selected in any one year does not exceed one-tenth of one percent of the total voting Institute membership. Each new Fellow receives a beautifully matted and framed certificate with the name of the Fellow and a brief citation describing the accomplishment, a congratulatory letter from the incoming IEEE president and a gold sterling silver Fellow lapel pin with an antique finish. 

Please note: The majority of the list below includes "IEEE Fellows" elevated by the Council on Superconductivity. The Council acknowledges that there are additional members of our community that have been elevated by other organizational units of the IEEE.