Sergio Verd√∫, the Eugene Higgins Professor of Electrical Engineering, is the recipient of the 2016 National Academy of Sciences Award for Scientific Reviewing. The award was bestowed in recognition of his leading work in the field of information theory.

Announcing the award, the National Academy stated that Verd√∫ “has contributed to numerous books, monographs, book chapters, and review papers, many of which have become essential reading for those working in information and communication theory.”

In particular, the citation noted Verd√∫’s 1998 book “Multiuser Detection,” a core work for researchers in wireless communications. The academy also said that Verd√∫, along with publisher Mike Casey, developed the concept for the Foundations and Trends monograph series, which extends to computer science, communications and business, “extending Verd√∫’s influence far beyond his own field.”

Verdú joined the Princeton faculty in 1984 after receiving his doctorate in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Among numerous honors, Verdú is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, the National Academy of Sciences and the Real Academia de Ingeniería of Spain. A recipient of the Claude E. Shannon Award (the top award in information theory), Verdú is a Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and past-president of the IEEE Information Theory Society.

The NAS Award for Scientific Reviewing recognizes authors whose work illuminates difficult subjects and renders “a significant service to science.” Verd√∫ is scheduled to receive the award on May 1 at the National Academy of Sciences’ 153rd annual meeting.