India-born Prof A J Paulraj won 2014 Marconi Prize

Arogyaswami Joseph Paulraj, the Indian born Scientist and Professor (Emeritus) at Stanford University on 21 January 2014 was awarded with prestigious 2014 Marconi Society Prize. He was awarded for developing the theory and application of MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) antennas. His discovery of use of multiple antennas at both the receiving and transmitting end has helped in revolutionizing the speed of wireless delivery in the world of multimedia services.

The technology at present is being used in high speed WiFi and 4G mobile systems. Almost every Wifi router and 4G phone uses MIMO technology that was pioneered by Pulraj.

About Arogyaswami Joseph Paulraj

• In 2010 he won the Padma Bhusan for his contribution to India

• Paulraj in his contribution has contributed the APSOH sonar technology to the naval defence of India. He successfully redesigned the sonar with many new signal processing concepts as shortcomings of the British origin Sonar was exposed during the war with Pakistan

• In 1986 he served as the founding director for three major labs – CAIR (Center for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics), CDAC (Center for Development of Advanced Computing) and CRL (Central Research Labs of Bharat Electronics).

• He was born in Pollachi near Coimbatore

• At the age of 15 years he joined Indian Navy through National Defence Academy (NDA) and served it for 30 years

• He did electrical engineering from Naval College of Engineering, Lonavala

• He perceived his doctorate in electrical engineering from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) New Delhi

About the Marconi Society Prize

The Marconi Society was established in 1974. The annual Marconi Prize is awarded by the Marconi Society to enhance the spirit of Guglielmo Marconi, the engineer, scientist, entrepreneur and inventor. His contributions to communications and information are directed to the social, economic and cultural improvement of all humanity. The 100000 dollar Marconi Prize recognizes achievements of those living individuals from anywhere in the world whose aspirations, careers and accomplishments are characterized by a similar dedication. Through symposia and other means, the Marconi Society seeks to develop, explore and disseminate relevant research. This year, Marconi Society is celebrating the 50th Year in 2014.

Marconi award is one of the two top recognitions in the telecom sector. The other recognition is IEEE Alexander Graham Bell Medal. The Marconi award is given to people who make their contribution to convert telecom through breakthrough ideas as it emphasis on service to the humanity. It was founded by Gioia Marconi Braga, daughter of radio inventor Guglielmo Marconi. The Marconi Prize is equivalent to Nobel for technology pioneers.