January 2026 Newsletter

Dear Members and Volunteers,

Welcome to ……

I welcome your feedback and look forward to continuing to improve how we serve you—our valued members and volunteers.

Jill I. Gostin Elected as 2026 IEEE President-Elect

Jill I. Gostin has been elected as the 2026 IEEE President-Elect. Pending acceptance of the IEEE Tellers’ Committee report by the IEEE Board of Directors on 24-25 November, Gostin will begin serving as IEEE President-Elect on 1 January 2026. Gostin will succeed 2026 IEEE President Mary Ellen Randall.

Jill Gostin retired in 2025 as a Principal Research Scientist at the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI), and the Systems Engineering, Integration, and Test Lead in her Division. Her work focused on sensor systems and software. Her publications, service and technical awards, large program management, and leadership of groups including industry, government, and academia have contributed to her career success. She has also served IEEE extensively, including as 2023 IEEE Vice President, Member and Geographic Activities, chairing the MGA Board. She served three years on the IEEE Board of Directors, and in multiple IEEE roles including Board roles in two Societies and one technical Council. She has served or led multiple units and Committees across IEEE, including Local to Global roles. Her leadership has been recognized by being named 2016 Woman of the Year by Georgia Women in Technology and receiving the 2025 IEEE Women in Technology Leadership Award.

* Read more in link.

Kathy Herring Hayashi Elected as

2026 IEEE-USA President-Elect

Congratulations to Kathy Herring Hayashi, IEEE Senior Member, for being elected by the U.S. IEEE membership to serve as the 2026 IEEE-USA President-Elect. Pending acceptance of the IEEE Tellers Committee’s report to the IEEE Board of Directors in November, Hayashi will begin serving as IEEE-USA President on 1 January 2027. She will succeed 2026 IEEE-USA President Barry Tilton.

Kathy has been involved in the semiconductor industry her entire career – developing, deploying and analyzing advanced software tools used to create computer and mobile phone chips. At Unisys Corporation, she worked in research and development designing advanced in-house CAD software tools. Through acquisition, she transitioned to Cadence Design Systems where some previous tools were incorporated into commercial EDA tools. She then brought her professional leadership as Director at Syntricity, a San Diego based semiconductor startup. Later, at Qualcomm Inc., she optimized semiconductor workflows in global compute environments. Kathy has held a variety of leadership roles in technical development, applications engineering and information technology. She currently teaches computer science curriculum at local San Diego Community Colleges and consults on semiconductor technology related to EDA workflows. Kathy served on the Executive Board for the San Diego Dance Theater and has been on Technical Advisory Boards for local community colleges. She has also been a member of a San Diego Athena Forum for Executive Women.

* Read more in link.

Simay Akar Elected as 2026 IEEE WIE Chair-Elect

We’re thrilled to congratulate Simay Akar Koehler. Simay will begin serving as the IEEE Women in Engineering Chair-Elect starting 1 January 2026.

Simay Akar Koehler is a multi-award-winning sustainable energy expert and entrepreneur. As the CEO and Founder of AKEC, a Sustainable Energy Transition & Environmental Consulting Firm, Simay works with clean energy manufacturers and startups. Simay has received highly acclaimed awards, including the 2022 Women in New Energy Entrepreneur of the Year Award and the 2024 IEEE Theodore W. Hissey Outstanding Young Professional Award. With deep expertise in photovoltaic manufacturing, battery storage, electric vehicles, and renewable energy systems, Simay has held leadership roles in multinational enterprises. Having lived in Türkiye, China, and Indiana, USA, and traveled to over 70 countries, she brings a rich multicultural perspective, a globally connected mindset, and an extensive network. She has built strong connections with global women STEM organizations, advocating for inclusion and empowerment to drive positive change. Simay holds a degree from METU, Türkiye, and Energy Innovation and the Emerging Technologies Program at Stanford University.

Summary of Region 6 Activities

• Region 6 membership increased from 38,425 in 2024 to 39,627 in 2025, representing a 3% growth.
• Student Branch reporting rose significantly, from 14 branches in 2024 to 44 branches in 2025, under the leadership of Student Activities Chair Alberto Tam Yong.
• The Region 6 Young Professionals group continued to engage members and promote collaboration across local sections.
• A new IEEE San Francisco Women in Engineering Chapter was successfully established.
• Region 6 supported several key events, including major IEEE conferences such as the Global Humanitarian Technology Conference (GHTC) in Golden, Colorado, and the Generative AI Summit in San Jose, California, as well as industry events like the CASPA Annual Conference, Wearable Technologies Conference, and SEMICon West.
• New Region 6 website will be launched in January 2026.
• The bi-monthly Region 6 newsletter, launched in March, received positive feedback and generated new volunteer interest.
• The Region 6 LinkedIn page achieved over 1,000 followers, expanding outreach and engagement across the IEEE community.

Call for Nominations for the 2027 Region 6 Director-Elect

The Call for Nominations for the 2027 IEEE Region 6 Director-Elect is now open! We’re seeking outstanding candidates to help lead and shape the future of IEEE Region 6. The elected candidate will serve as Director-Elect (2027–2028) and Region 6 Director (2029–2030), representing our region on the IEEE Board of Directors.

🗓 Nomination Deadline: December 31, 2025
📍 Apply Here: IEEE Call for Nominations – R6 DE
📧 If you cannot access the form, please email kathyh@ieee.org.

🔹 Qualifications: Senior Member or higher, Region 6 member in good standing, and proven IEEE leadership experience.

Learn more: Full Job Description

Join us in advancing IEEE’s mission—nominate yourself or a colleague today!

IEEE Reaches 500,000 Members Worldwide

IEEE has officially surpassed half a million members for the first time in history! 🎉

This remarkable achievement reflects the unwavering commitment, passion, and collaboration of our global community — from dedicated volunteers and members to the hardworking IEEE staff who continue to support our shared vision every day.

For more than a century, IEEE has brought together engineers, scientists, educators, and innovators with a common purpose: advancing technology for humanity. Today’s milestone is not only a number — it’s a celebration of the collective impact we’ve made across industries, communities, and generations. As we continue to grow, our mission remains clear: to inspire innovation, empower the next generation of engineers, and drive technological progress that benefits society worldwide. Let’s celebrate this incredible accomplishment and the powerful community that made it possible. Together, we are shaping a brighter, more connected future. 🌏💡

🌍 IEEE at FIRST Global 2025! 🤖

IEEE Region 6 Director Joseph Wei was invited by FIRST Founder Dean Kamen to attend the FIRST Global Challenge in Panama City, held from October 29 to November 1, as a VIP guest. He was joined by Jamie Moesch from IEEE Educational Activities and Kohava Mendelsohn from IEEE Spectrum, who also represented IEEE at this inspiring global event. During the event, IEEE representatives explored opportunities for a strategic partnership between IEEE and FIRST, aiming to further strengthen global STEM education, inspire young innovators, and expand hands-on learning opportunities for students worldwide.

This year’s FIRST Global Challenge brought together teams from 190 countries for three days of creativity, collaboration, and friendly competition — all focused on using technology and innovation to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Events like FIRST Global embody IEEE’s mission of advancing technology for the benefit of humanity — empowering the next generation of engineers, scientists, and innovators to build a brighter, more connected future. 🌎✨

🔗 Learn more about FIRST Global: https://first.global

Joint Northeast/Northwest/Central Fall 2025

Area Meeting

The Joint Northeast/Northwest/Central Fall 2025 Area Meeting was held at UC Berkeley on October 18, 2025, offering an excellent opportunity to connect with passionate and dedicated IEEE volunteers—both new and experienced—who continue to strengthen our region’s network and community. The meeting brought together over 50 IEEE professionals and students for a day of collaboration and inspiration.

This year’s meeting introduced a new format, combining semi-formal presentations with interactive discussions and idea exchanges, fostering deeper collaboration among attendees. In parallel, a student training session was organized by Region 6 Student Activities Coordinator Alberto Tam Yong, with two preparatory workshops conducted ahead of the meeting to support student participants.

Overall, the meeting provided a meaningful and inspiring experience that strengthened professional relationships, encouraged cross-section collaboration, and reinforced our shared mission to advance technology for humanity across the IEEE Region 6 community.

For further reading, check this link.

IEEE Bay Area Anniversary Celebration

The IEEE Bay Area celebrated a remarkable milestone event, honoring the 50th anniversaries of the Santa Clara Valley and Oakland East Bay Sections and the 121st anniversary of the San Francisco Section. This special occasion highlighted the long-standing legacy of innovation, leadership, and community that IEEE has fostered across the Bay Area for more than a century.

More than 160 attendees, including Life Members, Senior Members, Members, and student members, joined the celebration. The event provided a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, friends, and mentees, reflecting on the strong sense of community and mentorship within IEEE.

Wearable Technologies AG Conference in September

Over 110 IEEE Santa Clara Valley Section members attended the Wearable Technologies AG Conference on September 16–17, 2025, held at the Computer History Museum. The conference brought together innovators, researchers, and industry leaders to explore the latest trends and breakthroughs in wearable technology.

Local chapters of the IEEE Consumer Technology Society (CTSoc) and the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBS) sponsored an exhibit at the conference, highlighting IEEE’s contributions to wearable technology and the benefits of IEEE membership.

A special thanks to Wearable Technologies AG for their partnership and to the dedicated IEEE volunteers at the exhibit table, whose enthusiasm engaged attendees, inspired future volunteers, and helped attract new members.

The conference was a fantastic opportunity for IEEE members to connect, learn, and showcase how our community continues to advance technology for humanity.

Renew Your IEEE Membership and Stay Connected!

Thank you for being part of IEEE! Your membership plays a vital role in advancing technology and improving lives around the world. Every member contributes to a global network of innovators, engineers, and professionals who are shaping the future through collaboration, research, and innovation.

By renewing your IEEE membership, you continue to:
✅ Access cutting-edge knowledge through IEEE publications, conferences, and standards.
✅ Expand your professional network across industries, disciplines, and continents.
✅ Develop leadership skills through volunteer opportunities in your local section and technical societies.
✅ Inspire the next generation of engineers, scientists, and technologists.
✅ Support IEEE’s mission of advancing technology for humanity.

Set yourself apart from your peers — renew today and continue to grow, lead, and make a difference in our global community.

🔗 Renew your membership here: https://www.ieee.org/membership/renew.html

EPICS in IEEE Call for Committee Members!

Are you passionate about service learning and engineering for humanity? Here’s your chance to make an impact!

In 2026, several seats on the EPICS in IEEE Committee will open as members complete their terms. We’re seeking dedicated volunteers to help shape the future of EPICS in IEEE.

As a committee member, you’ll play a vital role in:
✔ Reviewing projects
✔ Making funding decisions
✔ Guiding strategic initiatives for the program

If you’d like to learn more about the commitment and responsibilities, feel free to reach out: epicsinieee@ieee.org

👉 Ready to apply? Submit your application here: Apply Now

Join us in empowering communities through engineering-driven solutions! 🌟

The GenAI for Good Challenge

Applications are Open! Submit by 1 December 2025

Generative AI has the potential to transform lives—not in theory, but in practice. The GenAI for Good Challenge, powered by IEEE Humanitarian Technologies and ITU, is designed to help innovators turn ideas into deployable AI solutions.

Winning teams will access up to $25,000 in funding, collaborate with global partners, and follow a clear pathway from prototype to real-world impact.

This year’s use cases focus on urgent national priorities aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals:
– AI-Chatbot for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) – The Gambia: Scale prevention advice to reduce the growing burden of NCDs.
– AI-Powered Agricultural Extension Chatbot – Lesotho: Equip agricultural advisors and smallholder farmers with timely, localized guidance to strengthen resilience and outcomes.
– AI-Powered Extreme Weather Advisor – Bangladesh: Deliver early warnings and preparedness tools that help households respond to climate shocks.
Read more in this link: https://bit.ly/4kiBJ4w

The GenAI for Good Challenge

Applications are Open! Submit by 1 December 2025

Generative AI has the potential to transform lives—not in theory, but in practice. The GenAI for Good Challenge, powered by IEEE Humanitarian Technologies and ITU, is designed to help innovators turn ideas into deployable AI solutions.

Winning teams will access up to $25,000 in funding, collaborate with global partners, and follow a clear pathway from prototype to real-world impact.

This year’s use cases focus on urgent national priorities aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals:
– AI-Chatbot for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) – The Gambia: Scale prevention advice to reduce the growing burden of NCDs.
– AI-Powered Agricultural Extension Chatbot – Lesotho: Equip agricultural advisors and smallholder farmers with timely, localized guidance to strengthen resilience and outcomes.
– AI-Powered Extreme Weather Advisor – Bangladesh: Deliver early warnings and preparedness tools that help households respond to climate shocks.
Read more in this link: https://bit.ly/4kiBJ4w

2025 IEEE New Era AI World Leaders Summit- Uniting Satellite, Hamanity & a Smart World

Prepare to be inspired by a powerhouse lineup of global visionaries:

• U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Chair Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation – A leading voice in science and technology policy, championing innovation and AI leadership on the national stage.
• Dr. David Baker, 2024 Nobel Prize Laureate – Celebrated for his groundbreaking work using AI to reprogram protein structures, unlocking cures for diseases that have eluded science for centuries
• Dr. Siavash Alamouti, 2022 Marconi Prize Winner – Inventor of the legendary Alamouti Code, embedded in billions of wireless devices worldwide and foundational to modern communication

And many more trailblazers from academia, industry, and government will join us to shape the future of AI for humanity.

🚀 Registration Opens November 5, 2025 — Don’t Miss Out!

Register & Learn More: https://attend.ieee.org/neweraai25/

🌟 Event Highlights:
• Extraordinary Participation: Over 230 speakers including U.S. academicians from Harvard and Johns Hopkins, medical school professors, corporate executives, startup CEOs, and IEEE Past and Incoming Presidents – all contributing to the community.
• Celebratory Welcome: A local high school band will escort keynote dignitaries to the main stage featuring the 2025 World FIRST Robotics Champion Team from Henry Jackson High School and their world-title robots! 🤖
• Round-Table Career Lunch with industry managers
• Best Speaker Prizes
• Six “Smart World” Symposia and Three “Smart Technology” Tracks:
 – Intelligent Commerce & Economy
 – AI for Industry & Infrastructure
 – AI in Medicine, Vitality & Longevity
• Cutting-Edge AI Interactive Workshops
• Immersive UAV, Humanoids & Robotics Expo – The Future in Motion

🌟Don’t miss this chance to innovate, connect, and make an impact with AI for humanity!

2026 IEEE Rising Stars Conference

Register now for Rising Star! Don’t miss out—next price increase for registration is November 23.

🎰 All happening in the heart of Las Vegas!

💾 Save the date and refer to the website link for more information:
https://lnkd.in/gZe8nmhU
📝 Sign up for the mailing list to get notified when registration launches:
https://lnkd.in/gspgTuUK

IEEE SusTech 2026 Call for Papers

Submission Deadline Extended – 15-Nov-25

The 13th Annual IEEE Conference on Technologies for Sustainability (SusTech 2026) will be held April 19–22, 2026 in Santa Ana, CA (hybrid). SusTech 2026 is designed to explore technical development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the future generations. The conference brings together scientists, engineers, technologists, and scholars to explore emerging technologies and intelligent systems that support sustainable development—meeting the needs of today without compromising the future.

ℹ️ Conference website: https://ieee.org/sustech

🔎 Focus Areas include:
✅ Agriculture & Food Technology
✅ Green Computing & Climate-aware ICT Infrastructure
✅ Next-Generation Power Grids
✅ Sustainable Electronics
✅ Sustainable Communities and Quality of Life

✅ Intelligent Transportation Systems
✅ Social Innovation

✅ Biosphere preservation

✅ Circular Economy, Waste reduction and management

✅ Water Resources Management

We welcome submissions from industry, government, academia, and students in the form of papers, posters, and workshops.

📢 Submission Deadline: November 15, 2025

📄 Download the CFP: https://shorturl.at/0gAMl
🌐 Author guidelines & submission: https://ieee-sustech.org/authors

Let’s work together to create innovative, impactful, and sustainable solutions for our shared future!

SusTech 2026 Student Poster Contest

SusTech 2026 invites undergraduate and graduate students to submit abstracts for the Student Poster Contest. NOTE: Abstracts cannot be based on any paper submitted to SusTech 2026.

Students are encouraged to present ideas or designs for projects and products that support the sustainability topic areas of the conference. Selected posters will be showcased during the Virtual Student Poster Session on Sunday, April 19, 2026, from 4:00 – 6:00 PM (Pacific Time).

📅 Important Dates

Abstract submission deadline: February 15, 2026 (11:59 PM US Pacific Time)

Notification of acceptance: February 28, 2026

Accepted posters must register for the contest and pay a $50 submission fee.

📄 Download the 1-Page Call for Posters Flyer (PDF)

Note: SusTech 2026 reserves the right to cancel the contest if there are insufficient entries.

👥 Who can participate?

Poster authors must be either undergraduate or graduate students at the time of submission and may be members of a team comprising of up to four students. At least one student author must be an IEEE student member at the time of the submission of the poster to the Contest. The poster should be fully the work of the student or students and completed before they have received the engineering or scientific degree. Posters should not be regarding an accepted submitted paper to SusTech 2026. At least one author must attend the Contest to present the poster. Remote presentation options will be available.

🏆 Awards

Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third places as determined by the judges. First place $1000; second $750; third $500, honorary $250.

For full contest details and the list of conference topics, visit:
🔗 https://ieee-sustech.org/student-poster-contest/

2026 IEEE Sections Congress

The triennial gathering of IEEE Section leadership is back in 📍 Glasgow, Scotland on 📅 August 21–23, 2026

This premier event will bring together hundreds of delegates from all 10 IEEE Regions to:
🤝 Network with global peers
📚 Share knowledge & best practices
🚀 Collectively shape the future of IEEE

🌐 The official website is now live: 2026 IEEE Sections Congress