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Bruno Meyer, an IEEE Fellow, was recently awarded the 2025 IEEE Richard M. Emberson Award for his exemplary leadership of IEEE Technical Activities and structuring IEEE to make contributions in response to climate change. Meyer formalized the Technical Activities Board’s (TAB) Climate Change Programs and streamlined IEEE’s diverse climate initiatives into a more visible and coordinated effort.

Meyer received his award in late April during the 2025 IEEE VIC Summit and Honors Ceremony Gala in Tokyo, Japan. As part of his award, he received a cash prize, which he generously donated to the IEEE Foundation.

“I had a strong sense at the outset that this cash prize was completely unexpected. It is not the product of my individual work or discovery. It is the consequence of my involvement with IEEE and a collective effort. So, I felt I had to donate the cash prize,” Meyer explained his decision to give. “I have been following and admiring all that the IEEE Foundation does. The obvious benefactor for me was the IEEE Foundation.”

Meyer, based in France, has spent his professional career working in the energy and power systems industry. As a young researcher, his manager, an IEEE member, encouraged him to join the organization. Over the decades, he has greatly appreciated the knowledge sharing and global network IEEE has brought to him.

Climate change and sustainability were brought to the forefront of Meyer’s professional activities years ago when wind and solar generation needed to be connected to the electrical grid. He found the challenges presented by the new technology fascinating and the implications of more sustainable energy with a huge impact on the citizens of the entire planet.

“I am so passionate about climate change and sustainability because it is a topic that ranges across several areas of engineering and sciences,” Meyer said. “It is a topic easily understood, but represents a complex challenge to solve. Both science and technology have a key role to play.”

The award surprised Meyer, who felt his volunteer work with IEEE was a “win-win” situation that taught him lessons he could apply in his professional work. He believes the longer he has remained active in IEEE, the more he has received back from his membership. This belief was another driving factor for him to donate his prize, as well as his observations that IEEE’s strength is in its collective intelligence, experience, and resources.

“Together, members across the IEEE can be a significant force in providing or supporting solutions that will contribute to and benefit humanity,” shared Meyer.

When asked about his hopes for the impact of his donation, Meyer shared, “I don’t think my contribution will necessarily directly impact issues on climate change. However, they may indirectly contribute by supporting children to go into STEM or encouraging women to take higher roles in engineering or management positions. It is up to the Foundation to decide where it is best to invest, but investing in the future strength of our profession can only act in parallel to other initiatives, like sustainability.“

You can join Meyer by making an honorarium gift to the IEEE Foundation. Find out how with our online guide.