Global electrotechnology prize awarded

The IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) Lord Kelvin Award, claimed to be the highest global prize in electrotechnology, has been awarded to Uwe Kampet of BSH Home Appliances, Germany. The award honours the vision of Lord Kelvin and Charles Le Maistre, the first IEC president and general secretary, respectively, as they sought to understand and improve the practical applications of the millions of electrical and electronic devices and systems that are part of our daily lives.

Kampet currently occupies the position of senior expert technical regulation and standardisation at BSH Home Appliances and has been active in the IEC for nearly 20 years. He was presented with the 34th Lord Kelvin Award due to his commitment to the mission of the IEC and long-term contribution to increasing safety, as well as enabling the technical harmonisation that underpins global trade.

Under his leadership as chair of CISPR F from 2004 to 2015, Kampet helped shape EMC International Standards covering lighting products, household appliances, power tools and more. Such standards are of increasing importance due to the increasing proliferation of electric and electronic systems and devices, all of which generates signals that can potentially interfere with the normal operation of other nearby pieces of equipment.

Kampet was also instrumental in establishing broad cooperation between his committee and other organisations, like ITU and the International Amateur Radio Union. Thanks to his efforts, CISPR F Standards have been nationally and regionally implemented without modifications.

 “The IEC Lord Kelvin Award is the highest global distinction in electrotechnology,” said IEC President Junji Nomura. “With this award we recognise Uwe Kampet’s valued leadership and tireless support of the IEC, global trade and a safer world.”