Jorge Yutronic Fernández is the first recipient of the AIE/IEEE Joint Prize of Excellence Award. He is the executive director of the Chilean Fund for the Promotion of Scientific and Technological Development, which provides money for industry-focused R&D activities between Chilean companies and the country’s universities.

The joint award was established in 2005 by the IEEE and Chile’s electrical and electronics industry association, the Asociación de la Industria Eléctrica–Electrónica de Chile (AIE). Presented in August by IEEE President-Elect Lewis Terman in Santiago, Chile, the biannual award recognizes “a professional whose contributions in the fields of communications, electricity, electronics, and/or related fields have made a great beneficial impact on society” and has been working in the country for at least three years.

“We feel this award is a very significant occasion for AIE, Chilean industry, and the technical community of Chile—as well as for the IEEE,” Terman said at the awards presentation. “It is the first IEEE joint award to be established with an industry association, and only one of seven such joint awards in the world.” Other dignitaries present included AIE President Eduardo Cordero and Alejandro Barros, the executive secretary of digital strategy for the Chilean government.

Fernández was cited for his “contributions and leadership in engineering and entrepreneurial activities.” He has held high-level positions at several organizations including the National Commission for Scientific and Technological Research, which supports the development of science and technology in Chile by defining public policies, promoting research programs, and increasing public awareness. He helped automate the facilities of several mining, transportation, and energy companies. In addition, he has been involved with establishing public institutions working on scientific and technological development, and has worked to modernize the information technology departments at several of his country’s universities.

The award consists of a plaque, a certificate, and a year’s paid membership in the IEEE and one of its societies.

The IEEE Awards Board approves the creation of joint awards with a country’s national societies, and the IEEE Foundation provides the funding. For a list of joint awards, visit http://www.ieee.org/portal/pages/about/awards/JANS/jans2.html