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IEEE Control Systems Award Renamed for Roger Brockett
IEEE Life Fellow Roger Brockett was a renowned researcher, educator, and innovator. His research inspired a generation of engineers and mathematicians. On 19 March 2023, the world lost this amazing individual and incredible scientist when he passed away. His spirit and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone who had the good fortune to know him.
In 1991, Roger was the seventh recipient to be honored with the IEEE Control Systems Award in recognition of his substantial contributions to the field of control systems. This esteemed award acknowledged his pioneering and innovative advancements in nonlinear control, stability, robotics, and control engineering education. Established in 1980, this prestigious Award recognizes outstanding contributions to control systems engineering, science, or technology and carries a cash prize of US$10,000.
To celebrate Roger’s legacy and lasting impact on the control system field, the IEEE Board of Directors approved renaming the IEEE Control Systems Award to honor him. Effective with the 2026 presentation, the award will be known as the IEEE Roger W. Brockett Control Systems Award.
John Baillieul, a long-time friend and former student of Roger Brockett, shared about the renaming that “Among the thirty-plus IEEE Technical Field Awards, slightly more than half are named for pioneers in the fields being recognized. My personal feeling is this type of name association increases the prestige of the Award.”
The annual presentation of the newly renamed IEEE Roger W. Brockett Control Systems Award will be supported by the IEEE Control Systems Society along with the family, friends, and colleagues who donated to the IEEE Roger Brockett Memorial Fund.
Join the others who have given to the Brockett Memorial Fund and help us fully endow this important Award in the field of control systems in honor of Roger Brockett. To donate, you may use the link www.ieeefoundation.org/brockett or mail a check to the IEEE Foundation at 445 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854, noting the gift is for the IEEE Roger Brockett Memorial Fund. The IEEE Foundation will notify the Brockett Family about your gift, but not the amount. If you have questions or wish to hold a personal consultation regarding the Fund or ways to contribute, please call +1 732-562-3860 or email donate@ieee.org.
Nominate a worthy candidate for the newly renamed IEEE Roger W. Brockett Control Systems Award. Nominations are due by 15 January 2025. Download nomination forms and award-specific criteria.