IEEE Emerson Pugh History of Technology Book Prize
The IEEE Emerson Pugh History of Technology Book Prize is awarded to to recognize a recent book (published in the previous three years) on the history of an IEEE-related technology that exemplifies exceptional scholarship and appeals to a technical audience.
Initially, the IEEE Emerson Pugh History of Technology Book Prize will be for a book published in English. Books that have been translated from another language will be eligible for three years after publication date of the translation. Books will be considered that have been published in the previous three years (e.g., books eligible for the 2026 award will have been published in 2022–2025).
Publishers can nominate published books for the award by emailing ieee-history [at] ieee.org with the book’s title and publication information. Nominations may be sent at any time of year. Nominations received by 15 December will be considered for the following calendar year’s award. The IEEE History Committee expects to make its decision each year by 1 November.
Made Possible thanks a gift from the Estate of Emerson W. Pugh to the IEEE Foundation
Publishers may nominate books for this award by emailing ieee-history [at] ieee.org with the title and publication information. Nominations must be received by December 1 to be considered for the following year’s award. The IEEE History Committee will announce its decision by November 1 each year.
Eligibility Requirements:
Only published books will be considered (no bound galleys or manuscripts)
For ebooks, submit a digital PDF that includes publication date information
Publishers must obtain consent from all authors before submitting their book
Books that don’t win remain eligible for consideration in subsequent years, up to three years from their publication date
Edited collections are not eligible
Additional editions (2nd, 3rd, etc.) of previously published books are not eligible
Award Details
There is no entry fee
The award includes a certificate and US$2,500 honorarium
If no suitable candidate is identified, the award may not be given that year
A senior representative from IEEE and/or the IEEE History Committee/Center will aim to present the certificate in person at an appropriate public venue (travel costs will not be deducted from award funds)
Current Recipient
2025, Chen-Pang Yeang, Transforming Noise (Oxford University Press, 2023)