Edwin H. Land Medal
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Edwin H. Land Medal
Recognizes pioneering work empowered by scientific research to create inventions, technologies, and products.
The recipient(s) should share Edwin Land's insatiable scientific intensity and curiosity in optics and imaging and, in part, reflect his image as inventor, scientist, entrepreneur, and teacher.
The medal was established in 1992 to honor Edwin H. Land for his unique career as scientist, technologist, industrialist, humanist and public servant. It is jointly presented by Optica and the Society for Imaging Science and Technology (IS&T), and is funded through the support of the Polaroid Foundation, the Polaroid Retirees Association and individual contributors, including Manfred Heiting, Theodore Voss and John J. McCann.
Winners
2024
For seminal contributions to the theory and practice of image/video processing and computer vision arenas resulting in inventions, technologies, and systems that have improved the lives of many worldwide
2023
For pioneering developments and translation of diagnostic and correction ophthalmic technologies impacting millions of patients worldwide
2022
For contributions to novel displays and diffractive optics that led to commercial products and widespread applications, especially for augmented reality, virtual reality, and imaging devices.
2021
For foundational contributions to the invention, development, and commercialization of optical coherence-based technologies for in vivo biomedical imaging, and for the education and mentoring of distinguished scientists and engineers.
2020
For the invention and commercialization of advanced CMOS optical sensor imaging technology and the Quanta Image Sensor, and for university entrepreneurial and national young inventor training activities
2019
For the invention and commercialization of pioneering macro- and micro-scale imaging techniques across RF and optical wavelengths, and the education and mentoring of distinguished scientists and engineers
2018
For contributions to the fields of ophthalmic instrumentation and vision science with innovative imaging technologies, state-of-the-art psychophysical research and entrepreneurial ventures
2017
For substantially shaping the direction and advancement of modern perceptual image quality theory, and for energetically engaging industry to transform his ideas into global practice
2016
For diverse contributions in development of widely used commercial halftoning algorithms for digital printing, digital image processing and color management, and also for leadership as an educator and researcher in the field of electronic imaging
2015
For contributions to the excimer laser ArF and modern deep UV photolithography for the semiconductor industry
2015
For contributions to the excimer laser ArF and modern deep UV photolithography for the semiconductor industry
2015
For contributions to the excimer laser ArF and modern deep UV photolithography for the semiconductor industry
2014
For seminal investigations of time reversal of ultra-sonic waves with applications to imaging and therapy
2013
For scientific contributions to the advancement of diagnostic and correction alternatives in visual optics
2011
For her visionary entrepreneurial and technical leadership of the One Laptop Per Child program to develop a rugged, low-cost educational computer for developing countries
2010
For pioneering research, clinical, and entrepreneurial contributions to providing enhanced imagery for people with impaired vision through image processing, innovative optical designs, fiber optics, and applications of vision science
2009
For his invention of and leadership at a worldwide level of research and development in gradient-index optics along with his extensive entrepreneurial efforts on behalf of education in optics
2007
For his pioneering science, engineering and entrepreneurship in developing and promoting excimer laser surgery for the correction of vision, which has created a new industry and has given millions of people normal vision without glasses
2006
For the discovery of new electro-optic effects in liquid crystals, and visionary anticipation of today’s liquid crystal displays
2005
For seminal research and innovation in three-dimensional imaging, including the famed rainbow hologram
2004
For pioneering work in laser-based inspection systems, and the highly successful application of these systems in the electronics industry
2003
In recognition of his long standing commitment to vision, research and to Retinex theory. He collaborated with Edwin H. Land in the initial Retinex formulation, and he has achieved efficient implementations, giving support to many scientists involved in Retinex-related technologies
2002
For pioneering work in the invention, development, and commercialization of liquid toner electrophotography, and in recognition of outstanding creativity that has a major public impact
2001
For the invention and development of the charge-coupled device, a contribution that has had extraordinary impact on image creation and utilization
2001
For the invention and development of the charge-coupled device, a contribution that has had extraordinary impact on image creation and utilization
2000
For his significant contributions to the advancement of image processing via software and his personification of the spirit of Edwin H. Land
1999
For his numerous inventions, which have accelerated the development of new diagnostic tools to help prevent the loss of sight
1998
For working in collaboration to apply their technical expertise, insight and managerial skills, to make an invaluable contribution to the technical optics community as evidenced by their leadership in the fabrication of precision plano optics and Zygo's extensive range of interferometer-based metrology instrumentation. They revolutionized the optics industry by enabling the routine inspection of precision optical components and systems with unprecedented ease, accuracy, and affordability.
1998
For working in collaboration to apply their technical expertise, insight and managerial skills, to make an invaluable contribution to the technical optics community as evidenced by their leadership in the fabrication of precision plano optics and Zygo's extensive range of interferometer-based metrology instrumentation. They revolutionized the optics industry by enabling the routine inspection of precision optical components and systems with unprecedented ease, accuracy, and affordability
1998
For working in collaboration to apply their technical expertise, insight and managerial skills, to make an invaluable contribution to the technical optics community as evidenced by their leadership in the fabrication of precision plano optics and Zygo's extensive range of interferometer-based metrology instrumentation. They revolutionized the optics industry by enabling the routine inspection of precision optical components and systems with unprecedented ease, accuracy, and affordability
1997
For his new and original computer controlled data processing procedures and equipment in the fields of image motion stabilization, textile design and manufacture, and prepress operations of the printing industry
1996
For his pioneering scientific and entrepreneurial contributions to the field of high power semiconductor lasers
1995
For their independent inventions of bubble-jet and thermal ink jet technology which created a new 3 billion dollar printer industry and enabled low-cost and color printers to be attached to every PC
1995
For their independent inventions of bubble-jet and thermal ink jet technology which created a new 3 billion dollar printer industry and enabled low-cost and color printers to be attached to every PC
1994
For outstanding work in the fields of ophthalmic and stabilized optics as an entrepreneur, and inventor, and an innovator
1993
For significant inventions and ensuing development of synthetic sheet polarizers, plastic optical elements, instant color films and birefringent polymers
* Deceased