Stephan Schlamminger of NIST has been named a 2026 IEEE Fellow for his foundational work in redefining the International System of Units (SI) in 2019. His research focused on precisely measuring the Planck constant, a fundamental value that connects mass to quantum mechanics. This achievement allowed the kilogram to be defined by a universal physical constant rather than a physical object, establishing a more stable baseline for scientific measurement.
This work underpins the accuracy required for emerging quantum technologies, ensuring that measurements remain consistent across different labs and devices. While the standard itself was implemented in 2019, the IEEE fellowship in 2026 recognizes the long-term value of this foundation for future quantum hardware and sensors. The honor highlights how precise metrology is essential for the reliability of next-generation quantum systems.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/awards/2026-ieee-fellow-stephan-schlamminger
Keywords: Planck constant, SI redefinition, quantum standards
