Rosalind W. Picard, Professor of Media Arts and Sciences and Grover M. Hermann Professor in Health Sciences and Technology at the MIT Media Lab, has been named a recipient of the 2026 IEEE Medal for Innovations in Healthcare Technology, one of IEEE’s highest honors.

Picard is recognized “for pioneering contributions to wearable affective computing for health and wellbeing.” She is the founder and director of the Media Lab’s Affective Computing research group, whose work explores how technologies can understand, support, and enhance human emotional and physiological health.

IEEE Medals represent the highest distinction in the IEEE Awards hierarchy, recognizing achievements that advance technology and serve broad societal interests. Bestowed annually at the discretion of the IEEE Awards Board, these honors — including the IEEE Medal of Honor, the organization’s most prestigious award — are approved by the IEEE Board of Directors following a rigorous nomination and review process.

The IEEE Medal for Innovations in Healthcare Technology is sponsored by the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. The 2026 IEEE Medals will be presented at the IEEE Honors Ceremony & Gala on Friday, April 24, 2026  in New York City.