Category Archives: Announcements

Announcements

IEEE Future Networks: Connecting the Unconnected Challenge

Connecting the Unconnected Challenge

 

The IEEE Connecting the Unconnected Challenge is a new, global competition that solicits applications from early-stage projects and concepts that offer innovative ways to bridge the digital divide and connect unconnected (or under-connected) populations and regions.

Internet access is critical to education, industry, and healthy living. Unconnected populations lack access to sell goods and services online, and students lack access to schooling, which can force a decision between learning or earning a living. This digital divide is particularly impactful on women. According to UNESCO, across 10 countries in Africa, Asia, and South America, women are 30-50% less likely than men to make use of the internet, and at a global level, women are 23% less likely than men to use mobile internet.

In light of this dire and increasing need, IEEE’s Future Networks Initiative (FNI) has developed a competition that will reward projects and concepts that increase access and connectivity in less developed countries, or in areas of developed nations where connectivity is lacking. Open to start-ups, grassroots organizations, university projects, and others, the competition has two tracks that innovative solutions may fall under: a Proof-of-Concept Track and a Concept-Only Track.

Since solving connectivity issues is a multifaceted problem, each track also has different categories under which solutions may fall:

  • Technology Applications that increase broadband access or otherwise enable connectivity in innovative ways
  • Business Models that provide novel ways to make broadband connectivity more affordable
  • Community Enablement programs that increase the likelihood that populations choose to adopt available broadband access when previously they did not. (In these cases, supply and affordability are not problems, but people still don’t use the internet.)

Phase 1 of the competition will consist of a 500-word abstract, and the submission portal is scheduled to be open through 16 July. Those who advance to Phase 2 of the competition will complete longer applications in August.  Please visit the site for more information and help spread the word about this new program.

Please contact Ashutosh Dutta for more information!

Ashutosh Dutta, Ph.D.
Fellow of the IEEE
IEEE Future Networks Founding Co-Chair
IEEE Communications Society Distinguished Lecturer
Member-At-Large – IEEE Communications Society

Announcements, M. Women in Engineering, S. New Jersey Coast

WIE: Secrets of the Surface: The Mathematical Vision of Maryam Mirzakhani

Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture and society and has been observed annually in the month of March in the United States since 1987. IEEE Women in Engineering NJ Coast Section is showcasing a woman who was a groundbreaker in Mathematics, although she was raised in a repressive society.

We will be screening “Secrets of the Surface: The Mathematical Vision of Maryam Mirzakhani” Here’s a sneak peak  https://vimeo.com/380123288     Join us on any one of 3 dates:

  • March 17th at 12 noon
  • March 23rd at 7 pm
  • March 30th at 5:30 pm

This film examines the life and mathematical work of Maryam Mirzakhani, an Iranian immigrant to the United States who became a superstar in her field. In 2014, she was both the first woman and the first Iranian to be honored by mathematics’ highest prize, the Fields Medal

 

Register at: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/267151

NOT limited to IEEE members – please share with your colleagues.

Any Questions

Margaret Lyons, Treasurer NJ Coast Section Women In Engineering –

margaret.j.lyons@ieee.org

Announcements, M. Women in Engineering, P. Women in Engineering, S. New Jersey Coast, Sections

Woman in Engineering GIRL DAY Zoom Event

February 25, 2021

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm “Meet the Engineers”
1:00 pm – 1:30 pm Q&A

Meet 6 Female Engineers, and Learn What They Do.

This event is targeted to Middle School and High School Girls.   You will get to ask questions through chat & you will receive an email address to further the discussion.

Link to the Presentation – password is: fb=2PLs=

Questions about this event? – Dru Reynolds dru@drureynolds.com (IEEE Volunteer) for more information.

Presented by WIE

Announcements, Student Activities

FUTURE50 – Student Membership 50% Discount

Good News! Student Members Can Now Save 50% on IEEE Membership Dues

IEEE now offers a reduced dues option for all student and graduate student members. Using promotion code FUTURE50 when they join or renew will give them a 50% discount! Any student who has already joined or renewed for 2021 at full price and would like to take advantage of this discount may get a refund toward next year’s renewal by reaching out to the Contact Center.