By Juan Manuel Ramirez Cortes, 2024 IEEE Instrumentation and Measurement Society President
The IEEE Instrumentation and Measurement Society (IMS) proudly celebrates its 75th anniversary this year and continues to lead in technology and inclusivity.
The origins of IMS trace back to March 9, 1950, with the establishment of the Institute of Radio Engineers (IRE) Professional Group on Instrumentation. In 1964, IEEE expanded into several technical groups, including the Group on Instrumentation and Measurement (GIM). On May 22, 1978, GIM officially became the IEEE Instrumentation & Measurement Society (IMS). Over the decades, IMS has evolved into a mature, well-established, and consolidated IEEE Society.
IMS Honored with Inaugural IEEE DEI Award
One of IMS’s most notable achievements is receiving the inaugural IEEE TAB Award for Society/Council Impact on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in 2022. At the February 2023 IEEE TAB meeting, a plaque was presented to IMS with the inscription:
This award is conferred to the Instrumentation and Measurement Society for its impact on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, as demonstrated through its intentional, strategic, and systematic work over two decades to achieve an inclusive community in the field of instrumentation and measurement for the benefit of IEEE members and humanity.
This recognition highlights IMS long-standing commitment to DEI principles.
When the call for nominations for this award was announced, it became evident to us that IMS had naturally embedded DEI practices into its programs and actions over many years. By promoting key contributions to DEI, IMS simultaneously created synergy that was enhanced in its approach to governance, programs, and initiatives.
For many years, the Nominations & Appointments (N&A) Committee diligently proposed election slates reflecting diversity in gender, geographic region, and employment type, fostering a governing structure that is both representative and effective. IMS strategically managed a diverse portfolio of technically and financially sponsored conferences, selecting international locations to enhance accessibility and participation. The flagship I2MTC conference rotates across IEEE regions to promote geographic diversity and foster cross-cultural engagement.
Women actively contribute across all Society activities, including serving as Technical Program Committee members, session chairs, and leaders in IMS Technical Committees and Chapters. Women have held key roles such as Society President, Editor-in-Chief of the I&M Magazine, and Vice Presidents, with at least one woman having held all seven VP positions over the past 20 years. Women regularly publish papers in the IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement and contribute articles and columns to the I&M Magazine. They also serve as Associate Editors across IMS publications. These initiatives significantly enhanced diversity across the Society in terms of gender, age, career stage, career path, and geographic origin.
IMS commitment to DEI is formally established in the text of the Strategic Plan, Conference Guidelines, Society Handbook, and other governing documents. IMS has cultivated a community that prioritizes inclusion and equity by adhering to intentional, systematic, and strategic principles.
Receiving the inaugural IEEE TAB Award for Society/Council Impact in DEI is not just a milestone but part of an ongoing journey and a continued commitment to the future ahead.
It represents an honor that reinforces our determination to uphold and advance these principles for the benefit of IEEE members and humanity.
