Stanford University President John Hennessy recently received the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Medal of Honor.

The IEEE Medal of Honor is the organization’s highest honor, awarded “for exceptional contribution or an extraordinary career in the IEEE fields of interest.” Hennessy was recognized for pioneering the Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC), as well as for his leadership in higher education.

The RISC processors were more effective than earlier microprocessors, and Hennessy helped convert this research into a business when he cofounded MIPS Computer Systems. His later research focused on the architecture of high-performance computers.

The IEEE is the world’s largest professional technical association, boasting more than 400,000 members, and is dedicated to “advancing technological innovation and excellence for the benefit of humanity.”

Hennessy is a professor of electrical engineering and computer science, and was also formerly the dean of the School of Engineering. He has served as Stanford’s President since October 2000.

The IEEE 2011 Medal of Honor award committee is chaired by Paul Cheung, professor of electrical and electronic engineering at the University of Hong Kong.

–Brendan O’Byrne