IEEE History

Tracing its roots to the founding of the AIEE (American Institute of Electrical Engineers) and the IRE (Institute of Radio Engineers), today's global IEEE celebrates 125 years of Engineering the Future in 2009. From its earliest origins, the IEEE has advanced the theory and application of electrotechnology and allied sciences; served as a catalyst for technological innovation; and supported the needs of the profession.

IEEE Today

IEEE is the world's most trusted source for the engineering, computing and technology professions. By bringing together the greatest minds, IEEE fosters innovation and technological excellence for the benefit of humanity. The association continues to attract the best and brightest to help solve the world's most pressing problems and build pride and prestige in the professions.

Through its global membership of more than 375,000 members, including nearly 80,000 students, in 160 countries, IEEE is a leading authority on areas ranging from aerospace systems, computers and telecommunications to biomedical engineering, electric power and consumer electronics among others.

IEEE publishes 30 percent of the world's literature in the electrical and electronics engineering and computer science fields, has developed nearly 900 active industry standards and annually sponsors more than 850 conferences worldwide.

Significant IEEE Milestones/Facts

• 13 May 2009 marks IEEE's official 125th Anniversary. In 2009, IEEE will celebrate 125 Years of Engineering the Future with a year-long celebration around the globe
• Notable Presidents of IEEE and its founding organizations include Alexander Graham Bell (inventor of the telephone), Charles Proteus Steinmetz (fostered the development of alternating current that made possible the expansion of the electric power industry in the United States), Lee De Forest (invented the Audion, a vacuum tube that takes relatively weak electrical signals and amplifies them. The Audion helped to usher in the widespread use of electronics), William R. Hewlett (co-founder of the Hewlett-Packard Company), and Ivan Getting (co-credited with the development of the Global Positioning System (GPS)
• The IEEE Standards Association (IEEE-SA) is a leading developer of industry standards in a broad-range of industries from power and energy, information technology, and telecommunications to transportation, medical and health care, and such emerging new fields as nanotechnology, and cyber security. Globally recognized, the IEEE-SA has strategic relationships with the International Electronic Commission, International Organization for Standardization, and the International Telecommunication Union and satisfies all Standards Development Organization requirements set by the World Trade Organization, offering more paths to international standardization.

Detailed and regularly updated information about the IEEE 125th Anniversary is available at www.ieee125.org or contact Erika Larkin, larkine@ruderfinn.com. Learn more about IEEE at www.ieee.org.