Henry Samueli Receives the 2025 IEEE Medal of Honor for Groundbreaking Innovations in Communication Technology
Henry Samueli, the founder of Broadcom and a preeminent electrical engineer, has been named the recipient of the prestigious IEEE Medal of Honor for 2025. This distinguished award not only includes a monetary prize of $2 million—an increase that reflects the honor's significance—but also recognizes Samueli's lasting impact in the fields of communication technology and education. Samueli's groundbreaking innovations have profoundly altered how society connects and communicates through advanced broadband technologies.
As a prominent IEEE Fellow, his work has spearheaded the development and commercialization of a variety of analog and mixed-signal communications systems. These contributions have enabled the rapid expansion of both wired and wireless communications, integral to the modern digital landscape, including smartphones, tablets, and various Internet of Things (IoT) devices. IEEE President and CEO Kathleen Kramer emphasized the global significance of Samueli’s innovations, stating that his technologies are vital to virtually every individual around the world.
Much of Samueli's foundational work can be traced back to his time as a professor of electrical engineering at UCLA, where he developed novel digital signal processing architectures for broadband communications. Following this academic success, he founded Broadcom, which became a cornerstone for advanced broadband communications. The company was particularly known for producing the first digital cable set-top box modem chipset, setting the stage for high-definition video streaming technology that is ubiquitous in homes today.
K.J. Ray Liu, the Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee on Raising the Prestige of IEEE Awards, noted that the innovations stemming from Samueli's research did not merely contribute to technical advancement—we can trace cultural and economic paradigm shifts across numerous industries back to these developments. Samueli's philanthropic endeavors also stand out, as he has made significant investments in STEM education, ensuring that future generations have the resources and support needed to pursue careers in science and technology.
Looking ahead, the IEEE Medal of Honor will be presented at the 2025 IEEE Honors Ceremony on April 24, 2025, marking the first celebration held in Tokyo, Japan. This prestigious event not only celebrates Samueli’s achievements but also serves as a reminder of the transformative power of technology in enriching lives and fostering innovation.
In a history that spans over a century, the IEEE Awards Program continues to be the premier peer-recognition initiative, honoring the most significant contributions in science, technology, and engineering advancement. As the newest recipient of the IEEE Medal of Honor, Samueli’s vision and dedication to advancing technology reflect the organization’s mission to leverage knowledge for the betterment of humanity. Those interested in learning more about the significance of the IEEE Awards can explore further through the organization's channels, reinforcing the essential role of engineering and innovation in global progress.