IEEE-USA is officially entering the domain of U.S. space policy with the launch of its new Space Policy Committee (SPC) — a move that couldn’t come at a more critical time.

With global competition intensifying, NASA’s priorities shifting, commercial space ventures rising, and space control priorities coming into focus — the future of space is being shaped now. IEEE-USA’s SPC will ensure that engineers and technologists have a seat at the table as policies are crafted to govern this rapidly evolving domain.

Why it matters:
U.S. space policy is at a crossroads. From civil space missions and commercial innovation to defense spacepower and strategic competition, today’s challenges are vast and urgent. U.S. based IEEE members bring the expertise and perspective needed to shape policies that foster technological excellence for the benefit of humanity. 

“This initiative underscores our commitment to shaping Washington DC space policy in a way that benefits humanity, harnessing the expertise of our members to guide critical decisions,” shared Tim Lee, IEEE-USA President.

As with IEEE-USA’s other successful policy committees, this new effort will harness member insights to engage policymakers and advance sound science and technology policy.

What the SPC will do:

• Inform: Track and share key space-related developments across sectors
• Shape policy: Develop position statements on emerging space issues
• Advocate: Engage with Congress and federal agencies 
• Advise: Contribute to the shaping of federal space policy regulations

“Space policy is a systems-level challenge that demands engineering insight,” says Dr. Jonny Pellish, inaugural chair of the IEEE-USA Space Policy Committee. “This committee is about connecting technical expertise with policy needs to provide strategic foresight and guide the next era of space innovation.” IEEE-USA’s policy committees consist of IEEE members who are subject matter experts and professionals in a given technology ecosystem.

Pellish brings a rare blend of technical expertise and policy acumen to this role. A senior member of IEEE and seasoned space systems engineer, Dr. Pellish previously served as a Brookings Legis Fellow in the U.S. Senate, and as the Director of Civil Space Policy on the National Space Council, where he gained firsthand experience in legislative processes. His deep understanding of microelectronics, national security, and civil space systems — combined with a passion for workforce development and strategic foresight — makes him uniquely qualified to lead this new committee as it tackles the complex challenges shaping U.S. space policy today.

“This committee is timely, but it’s also catalytic,” said Barry Tilton, IEEE-USA President-Elect. “Dr. Pellish and his committee members are ready to bring top-tier expertise to the front lines of space policy. I’m eager to see how their work will shape the first wave of recommendations and help position the U.S. for leadership in this rapidly evolving field.”

The SPC’s first initiatives are already underway. Visit ieeeusa.org/committees/spc for more information.

About IEEE-USA:
IEEE-USA serves the public good and promotes the careers and public policy interests of nearly 160,000 engineering, computing and technology professionals who are U.S. members of IEEE, the world’s largest technical professional organization. 

Contact:
Leah Laird
Senior Marketing & Communications Specialist, IEEE-USA
202-530-8328 | l.laird@ieee.org

John Yaglenski
Director of Communications, IEEE-USA
202-530-8359  | j.yaglenski@ieee.org

From 10-11 June 2024, IEEE-USA will host the Innovation, Workforce and Research Conferences (IWRC), bringing the CHIPS Act to South Dakota with key sponsor Air Force Research Network- Midwest! This two-day event will feature an evening reception on 10 June and a full-day workshop on 11 June in Sioux Falls. The conference promises to unite stakeholders from academia, government, and industry to foster collaboration and drive innovation in the Dakotas and throughout the Midwest.

IWRC offers a forum for experts from various regions and across the country to discuss research grants, technology transfer programs, start-up funding, intellectual property and a host of other topics related to inspiring and empowering true innovation in the Heartland and Delta Regions.

Most importantly, IWRC brings together change-makers from key parts of local economies to meet, learn, talk, and plan as the CHIPS Act comes to your corner of America.

“The IWRC Dakotas Conference is not just about exchanging ideas,” remarked Stacy Manni (Conference Sponsor, Ph.D., Director, Air Force Research Network- Midwest.)  “It’s about catalyzing economic growth and prosperity in the Dakota region. Our network aims to facilitate collaboration across the Midwest and help state and local partners better engage with the federal government.”

Sandra Richardson (Conference Speaker, Ph.D., Section Head, Research Capacity and Competitiveness Section, NSF Office of Integrated Activities) agreed, “By fostering partnerships, leveraging resources, and enhancing the research infrastructure within EPSCoR jurisdictions, we are creating an environment where creativity and innovation flourish in our jurisdictions, and more broadly in businesses throughout the United States.”

The conference agenda also features expert-led discussions on a wide array of topics, including EPSCOR, small business administration, federal partnerships, the future of the South Dakota workforce, partnering with tribal colleges, and more. A fireside chat about AI and the Dakotas will be held with Luke Lindberg (President and CEO, SouthDakota Trade (confirmed), and Dr. José-Marie Griffiths (President, Dakota State University). Participants can also expect engaging break-out sessions on topics such as engaging with the federal government, funding opportunities, utilizing state and local resources, AI, regional economic development, and how the CHIPS Act affects South Dakota and neighboring regions. 

“In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, preparing our workforce for the jobs of tomorrow is paramount. It’s not just about the CHIPS Act, it’s about how it can be harnessed for the greater good. ” (Dennis Hedge, Conference Speaker, PharmD., Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, South Dakota State University).

President José-Marie Griffiths of Dakota State University added, “South Dakotans are natural innovators. That is why our universities are stepping up to offer cutting-edge courses to ensure South Dakotans have the jobs of the future, like advanced degrees in Artificial Intelligence we now offer at Dakota State University.”

The IWRC Dakotas Conference invites stakeholders from across the region to join forces and contribute to the growth and prosperity of local innovation economies. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to meet, learn, talk, and plan for the future success of the Dakota region.

For more information, a full itinerary, and registration details, visit IWRC.ieeeusa.org.

About IEEE-USA:

IEEE-USA serves the public good and promotes the careers and public policy interests of over 150,000 engineering, computing and technology professionals who are U.S. members of IEEE, the world’s largest technical professional organization. 

Contact:

Leah Laird
Senior Marketing & Communications Specialist, IEEE-USA
202-530-8328 | l.laird@ieee.org

John Yaglenski
Director of Communications, IEEE-USA
202-530-8359  | j.yaglenski@ieee.org

From shooting hoops during March Madness to incredible innovations in sustainable tech, to a breathtaking cruise of the Alaskan Wilderness with our world-changing members and unforgettable speakers, IEEE-USA is proud to announce an action-packed calendar of events for 2024:

18-24 Feb, suit up for Engineers Week! This year’s theme is “Welcome to the Future.” Organized by Discover Engineering, and sponsored by IEEE-USA, this week is all about celebrating the way engineers change our world for the better. We particularly look forward to the Future City Competition, happening 18 February, and judged by three IEEE volunteers. IEEE-USA sponsors the Most Advanced Smart Grid Award for this youth competition, which asks students to design and build model future cities to solve a citywide sustainability issue. We hope you’ll participate in Engineers Week as well—engaging with students through engineering and taking part in conversations around the growing need for engineers, technicians and technologists.

17 Mar: IEEE-USA will hit the court for the Big Hoopla Annual STEM Challenge – we’ll host an activity booth showcasing how to create mini lightsabers using the power of electrical and electronics engineering. Our brilliant volunteers will work with the kids to build them, and supervise the mini lightsaber duels that will no doubt ensue!

April will be a busy month for IEEE-USA!

• IEEE GreenTech (Apr 3-5 in Springdale, AR)
• IEEE-USA Congressional Visits Day (Apr 10-11 in Washington, D.C.)
• IEEE SusTech (Apr 14-17 in Portland, OR)
• IEEE SoutheastCon (Apr 15-17 Virtual, Apr 24-25 In-person)

After our flagship cruise of 2023 was such a success, we are thrilled that 9-16 September 2024 will see our 2nd Annual Cruise to ALASKA! Enjoy this bucket-list event combining learning, adventure and entertainment — with an incredible line-up of speakers and networking opportunities as you cruise the beautiful Alaskan wilderness with your friends. This will be one event you do not want to miss – you can find details and even book your stateroom today at ieeeusa.org/cruise.

You can count on a jam-packed conference season in the Fall with IEEE events such as the Women In Engineering Forum USA East, the Global Humanitarian Technology Conference (GHTC), and UEMCON – all with dates to be determined.

From 5-7 Jan, we watched our student and young professional members shine at the IEEE Rising Stars Conference, sponsored by IEEE-USA, in Las Vegas, NV. This annual event connects top young engineers worldwide, offering talks, workshops, and networking with industry experts. Attendees engage in cutting-edge tech discussions and leave with skills and connections for success.

8-10 Jan, also in Las Vegas, was the 14th Annual IEEE Computing and Communication Workshop and Conference (CCWC). This conference provides an opportunity for researchers, educators and students to discuss and exchange ideas on issues, trends, and developments in Computing and Communication. IEEE-USA was a technical sponsor for this event.

For more information about the IEEE-USA Alaska Cruise (reservation page coming soon), please visit cruise.ieeeusa.org.

If you’d like to get your company involved in this unique opportunity, sponsorship packages are also available at cruise.ieeeusa.org/sponsorship.

Stay tuned for more exciting events happening in the Fall of 2024.

About IEEE-USA:
IEEE-USA serves the public good and promotes the careers and public policy interests of over 150,000 engineering, computing and technology professionals who are U.S. members of IEEE, the world’s largest technical professional organization.

Contact:
Leah Laird
Senior Marketing & Communications Specialist, IEEE-USA
202-530-8328
l.laird@ieee.org

John Yaglenski
Director of Communications, IEEE-USA
202-530-8359
j.yaglenski@ieee.org

IEEE-USA is thrilled to announce the much-anticipated 2024 Congressional Visits Day (CVD), scheduled to take place on April 10-11, 2024. This annual event, a cornerstone in the technology and engineering community, serves as a platform to elevate the voices of engineers, scientists, mathematicians, researchers, educators, and technology executives in Washington, D.C.

CVD plays a vital role in driving dialogue and advocating for issues pertinent to IEEE members in the United States. It’s a unique opportunity for participants to engage directly with elected officials, fostering discussions on legislation and policies that shape the technology landscape.

Objective and Agenda:

The primary objective of CVD is to introduce participants, representing a diverse spectrum of expertise and industries, to elected officials. The event begins on April 10th with an immersive training session and policy briefing conducted by IEEE-USA’s government relations professionals. Participants will then convene on Capitol Hill on April 11th, engaging in meaningful discussions with legislators and/or their staff, focusing on pertinent technology policy matters in Congress.

CVD Training:

Recognizing the importance of accessibility, IEEE-USA is offering virtual training sessions alongside the in-person training. These sessions will be livestreamed and available for on-demand viewing, ensuring all participants have the opportunity to benefit from the valuable insights shared.
Russ Harrison, Managing Director of IEEE-USA, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “CVD stands as a pinnacle event for our community, enabling us to directly advocate for issues crucial to the advancement of technology and engineering. It’s a platform where we unite, amplify our voices, and contribute to shaping policies that drive innovation and progress.”

About IEEE-USA:

IEEE-USA serves the public good and promotes the careers and public policy interests of over 150,000 engineering, computing and technology professionals who are U.S. members of IEEE, the world’s largest technical professional organization.

More information about the 2024 CVD can be found at: https://ieeeusa.org/public-policy/cvd/.

Contact:

Leah Laird
Senior Marketing & Communications Specialist, IEEE-USA
202-530-8328 | l.laird@ieee.org

John Yaglenski
Director of Communications, IEEE-USA
202-530-8359 | j.yaglenski@ieee.org

Bill aims to boost vital American semiconductor industry and U.S. technological innovation

WASHINGTON (9 August 2022) – IEEE-USA commends the members of the U.S. Congress and the President for enacting the CHIPS and Science Act. This bill, passed by Congress with bipartisan support and signed into law today by President Biden, represents a significant step forward for America’s scientific and engineering endeavors.

This bill appropriates $52.7 billion for American semiconductor production, research and development, and workforce education initiatives. This will help strengthen and secure America’s semiconductor supply chain. Additionally, the bill provides $1.5 billion in appropriations for wireless supply chain innovation for next generation wireless technology deployment (5G and 6G).

The CHIPS and Science Act authorizes new programs and investments, including significant new funding for the National Science Foundation (NSF), the NSF Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (TIPs) Directorate, the Department of Energy, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Critically, the bill seeks to strengthen innovation across the entire country, including areas that have traditionally had less investment in the innovation economy. New workforce development programs will target workers including those seeking technical certifications, attending community college, and undergraduate students.

Among these new programs are Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs, which will support innovation strategies in geographically diverse parts of the country. These should focus on rural America and other parts of the country that are not currently home to many high-tech companies.

The bill also outlines 10 key technology focus areas to direct federal research and development activities to promote innovation and commercial application of technologies deemed critical to U.S. economic competitiveness and national security. Some of the key focus areas include artificial intelligence, high performance computing, quantum information science and technology, robotics, and advanced energy.

“The CHIPS and Science Act represents a tremendous step forward for American innovation,” said Deborah M. Cooper, 2022 IEEE-USA President. “This bill will bring well-paying jobs to many Americans, helping to transform overlooked parts of the country.”

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About IEEE-USA:
IEEE-USA serves the public good and promotes the careers and public policy interests of over 150,000 engineering, computing and technology professionals who are U.S. members of IEEE, the world’s largest technical professional organization.

Visit us online at ieeeusa.org, follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook,  follow us on Instagram, subscribe to our YouTube channel and check us out on LinkedIn.

Contact:
Russ Harrison
Director of Government Relations, IEEE-USA
202-530-8326
r.t.harrison@ieee.org

Orbital telescope’s first full-color images just released

WASHINGTON (13 July 2022) – IEEE-USA today praised the international team behind the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), calling the orbital device a triumph of engineering. NASA, in partnership with ESA (European Space Agency) and CSA (Canadian Space Agency), released the first batch of breathtaking images yesterday.

“The JWST is an enormous technical achievement,” said Deborah M. Cooper, 2022 IEEE-USA President. “The challenge posed by launching a self-building telescope into the incredibly harsh environment of space cannot be understated. Countless things had to work just right for this project to be a success, and as the first images have shown, they worked perfectly.”

The telescope, launched on December 25, 2021, is designed primarily to conduct infrared astronomy. JWST is the most powerful telescope ever sent into space, and its high resolution and sensitivity will allow it to view objects too old, distant, or faint to be seen by the Hubble Space Telescope, which has been in orbit since 1990. JWST will allow the world to see exoplanets and galaxies at unmatched clarity. Yet it can also capture images of our own solar system, and upcoming images of planets such as Jupiter are sure to yield many discoveries.

Unlike Hubble, which operates in low Earth orbit, JWST is deployed in an area of space 1.5 million kilometers (930,000 mi) away from Earth’s orbit, at a spot called the second Lagrange point, or L2. This location is ideal for JWST to observe the universe without obstruction and with minimal orbital adjustments.

“Hundreds of companies and several thousand engineers, scientists, and technicians from 15 countries around the world have contributed to the JWST program so far,” said Cooper. “This telescope will not only provide invaluable insight into the origins of our universe, but will also inspire new generations of technical professionals to help push the envelope of scientific achievement for decades to come.”

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About IEEE-USA:
IEEE-USA serves the public good and promotes the careers and public policy interests of over 150,000 engineering, computing and technology professionals who are U.S. members of IEEE, the world’s largest technical professional organization.

Visit us online at ieeeusa.org, follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook,  follow us on Instagram, subscribe to our YouTube channel and check us out on LinkedIn.

Contact:
Russ Harrison
Director of Government Relations, IEEE-USA
202-530-8326
r.t.harrison@ieee.org