IEC Recognizes 11 Canadians with Prestigious Award

September 28, 2022

The Standards Council of Canada (SCC) is proud to announce that 11 Canadians received the 1906 Award from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The 1906 Award was created to commemorate the year that IEC was established. It recognizes the invaluable achievements of technical experts in advancing IEC’s standardization work. 

A total of 219 experts were nominated this year. Submissions were received from 73 technical committees (including the Joint Technical Committee ISO/IEC JTC 1) and 25 National Committees. 

The 11 Canadian recipients are: 

Ajay Garg, Expert of IEC Technical Committee 8: System aspects of electrical energy supply

In recognition of his incredible contribution to the work of technical committee (TC) 8 and its subcommittees (SC). He was instrumental in the creation and growth of all SCs. This includes leading the development of standard IEC 62934, Grid integration of renewable energy generation – Terms and definitions, and the technical committee’s terminology framework. In his role as Co-Convenor of Ad-Hoc Group 1, he led the roadmap development for SC 8C on Network Management in Interconnected Electric Power Systems. 

Alexandre Trudel, Expert of IEC Technical Committee 4: Hydraulic turbines

In recognition of his extensive technical contributions to the work of TC 4 Working Group (WG) 37, named “Hydraulic machines, IEC 63230, Fatigue assessment of hydraulic turbine runners: from design to quality assurance.”

Denis Thibault, Expert of IEC Technical Committee 4: Hydraulic turbines

In recognition of his significant technical contributions to TC 4/WG 37, “Hydraulic machines, IEC 63230 – Fatigue assessment of hydraulic turbine runners: from design to quality assurance.”

Elias Ghannoum, Expert of IEC Technical Committee 7: Overhead electrical conductors

In recognition of his service as Chair of TC 7 and Convenor of maintenance team 1. As a leading international expert in the field of overhead electrical conductors and overhead lines, his involvement with IEC spans more than 30 years. His distinguished work has advanced the mission of TC 7.

François Sergerie, Expert of IEC Technical Committee 4: Hydraulic Turbines

In recognition for his extensive technical contributions to TC 4/WG 30, “Guide for installation procedures and tolerances of hydroelectric machines.”

Harald Buchwald, Expert of IEC TC 77/SC 77B: High frequency phenomena

In recognition of his immense support to the Convenor of TC 77/SC 77B/WG 10, and his contributions to the maintenance of several standards in the IEC 61000-4 series, which included the successful completion of the new edition of IEC 61000-4-3, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 4-3: Testing and measurement techniques – Radiated, radio-frequency, electromagnetic field immunity test.

Itai Suez, Expert of IEC Technical Committee 82: Solar photovoltaic energy systems

In recognition of his exceptional contributions and guidance as Project Leader for IEC TS 62915, Photovoltaic (PV) modules – Type approval, design and safety qualification – Retesting.

Jim MacFie, Expert of ISO/IEC Technical Committee, JTC1: Information Technology

In recognition of his leadership in the development of ISO/IEC JTC 1 process improvements including the revision of JTC 1 meeting guidance to comprehend pandemic restrictions and support guidance for a new normal.

Joe Fitzharris, Expert of IEC Technical Committee 114: Marine energy – Wave, tidal and other water current converters

In recognition of his service in several leadership roles within TC 114, including co-leading the publication alignment efforts across the suite of TC 114 standards and leading the ad-hoc group focused on technology qualification. 

Jonathon Paradis, Expert of IEC Technical Committee 76: Optical radiation safety and laser equipment

In recognition of his active participation, consistent recognition of his technical expertise and strong leadership. In his work with WG 1, WG 8 and WG 9, he has made many valuable contributions to the development of current and draft publications for moving platform laser products, safety of optical fibre communication systems, and photobiological safety of UV lamp products.

Richard Roberts, Expert of IEC Technical Committee 65: Industrial-process measurement, control, and automation

In recognition of his contributions to the development and maintenance of the IEC 61511 series of standards, and his excellent leadership in his tenure as Convenor of TC 65/SC 65A/MT 61511, “Functional safety – Safety instrumented systems for the process industry.” His guidance and fostering of best practices for the safe automation of processes is highly appreciated by the industry.

This year’s winners bring the total number of Canadians honoured with the IEC 1906 Award to 94. 

SCC congratulates this year’s recipients, and thanks all Canadian experts who volunteer their time on international standardization committees and systems. Participation allows experts to improve the health, safety, and economic prosperity of all Canadians, while becoming global leaders in their own industries. SCC identifies opportunities for Canadians to participate in more than 450 international committees.

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