Technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), is advancing at an unprecedented pace. With each breakthrough, society faces urgent questions of inclusivity, transparency, and integration of ethical principles. Our Society (SSIT) is responding with the Technology for Humanity campaign, inviting engineers, scholars, and global thinkers to help ensure that technology serves humanity’s core values.

Why Give?
Your contribution directly supports SSIT initiatives, including:

• Educational programs and public webinars
• Platforms for global dialogue on responsible innovation
• Travel grants and prizes for students at SSIT conferences

Double your Difference!
A generous SSIT Board of Governors member will match the first US$10,000 in donations, doubling the impact of every gift until the match goal is reached.

All SSIT donations are managed by the IEEE Foundation, the philanthropic arm of IEEE.

How You Can Help

• Donate to SSIT online at https://ieeefoundation.org/ieee_ssit
• Mail a check payable to the IEEE Foundation – SSIT Fund to: IEEE Foundation, 445 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
• Direct a gift to the IEEE Foundation – SSIT Fund from your donor-advised fund or family foundation
• Gift your conference speaker’s fee or award honorarium
• Make a gift in honor or memory of someone who has touched your life – and the lives of others
• Ask your employer to match your donation

Tax-Deductible for U.S. Donors
Because donations are processed through the IEEE Foundation, a U.S. 501(c)(3) charitable organization, contributions are tax-deductible for U.S. taxpayers to the fullest extent of the law.

Your support strengthens SSIT’s mission to foster ethical, socially responsible technological progress. By giving today, you help shape a future where technology advances with humanity at the center.

Technovation: The International Journal of Technological Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Technology Management has put out a CFP for a special issue (SI) that aims to advance our understanding of AI innovation from a socio-technical perspective, by emphasizing societal needs and ethical principles to foster inclusive and sustainable outcomes.

Potential topics to be addressed include: Human-centered AI, Responsible AI ecosystems in diverse contexts, Socio-technical and sustainability implications of AI, and Policy and Governance around AI.

The submission system is open until 30 January 2026. View the full CFP by clicking the link below.

It is our great pleasure to share the wonderful news that SSIT’s Dr. Guru Madhavan has been elected as an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (HonFREng).

Guru is the recipient of our 2023 Norbert Wiener Award for Social and Professional Responsibility. He is currently the Norman R. Augustine Senior Scholar and Senior Director of Programs at the US National Academy of Engineering.

Honorary Fellowship is one of the highest distinctions of the UK Royal Academy of Engineering, and Guru joins a "community of almost 1,700 eminent engineers on a mission to use the power of engineering to build a sustainable society and create an inclusive economy that works for everyone." 

Please join us in extending our warmest congratulations to Guru on this well-deserved honor.

The Tech for Society program was structured in two phases and delivered a multi-dimensional learning experience focused on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The initiative included a high-profile inauguration ceremony with institutional leaders, as well as expert sessions by renowned international and national speakers, a practical Ideathon where student teams proposed SDG-aligned innovative ideas, and awareness sessions on SDG-based engineering, sustainable software, and community-driven innovation.

The initiative strongly embedded the message of engineering for societal responsibility, aligning student innovation with global priorities. The program triggered a substantial membership boost due to its real-world relevance and high-quality expert engagement by connecting technical skills to global sustainability challenges.

Sustainathon’25 was a one-day workshop covering SDG 7 (Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities) through expert sessions and interactive demonstrations. The program included hands-on workshops covering renewable energy and smart grids, electric vehicle technologies, and robotics and automation (with working demonstrations).

The workshop attracted a cross-disciplinary audience involving EEE, ECE, Mechanical, CSE & AI/DS students and effectively connected real-world sustainability applications with emerging engineering skills. Sustainathon’25 achieved its objective of enhancing student literacy in sustainability-oriented engineering.

RIIZE’25 focused on school-level outreach designed to inspire 11th-grade students towards engineering, technology, and responsible innovation. The two-day program included orientation sessions and brainstorming rounds, as well as workshops on topics such as: Full Stack Web Development, Amazon PartyRock (No-Code AI), GitHub Basics, Canva for Creative Presentations

This model brought SSIT’s mission directly to pre-university learners, establishing an early foundation in ethical and inclusive STEM learning. The event succeeded as a large-scale social impact outreach, generating high enthusiasm among school students and strengthening mentorship culture among IEEE volunteers.

RIIZE’25 stands as a model for early-stage STEM sustainability education.

IEEE Micromouse UNISIMON was held at Simon Bolivar University, Colombia with hybrid components. The program included four training modules, technical talks and student showcases with project demonstrations, interactive social media engagement with prize-based activities, and support from EDS Uniandes and SSIT Unisimon, featuring expert speakers such as Alba Avila and Mery Solorzano

The event served as both a hands-on learning platform and a strong membership awareness activity.

Budget adjustments were made due to fewer competing teams, resulting in lower expenditure without reducing program quality.

The Micromouse event played a vital role in strengthening SSIT’s presence in the Colombian Caribbean Section. It delivered high engagement from new and graduating students, increased visibility for SSIT in R9, and a pipeline of new students preparing to join IEEE and SSIT

This event strategically supported membership stabilization and expansion in a region where continued outreach is essential.

This is the twenty-third installment of our column introducing SSIT members to our Standards Committee activities. For previous installments, see the September 2023 – November 2025 issues (available at the SSIT Newsletter Archive).

1. What is this standard?
The IEEE Standards Association AgeTech Industry Connections Activity has initiated work on a groundbreaking standard for evaluating wearable fall detection devices. The IEEE P3925 Standard for Evaluation of Wearable Fall Detection Devices aims to establish uniform performance evaluation methods that apply across all types of wearable fall detection technology, regardless of form factor or underlying system architecture.

The standard will define different types of falls and create consistent methods for measuring and comparing device performance. Whether the technology takes the form of a specialized pendant, a wrist-worn device, or a fall detection function embedded in a commercial smartwatch, this standard will provide a common framework for assessment. Critically, it will also establish minimum performance requirements and feature recommendations that devices should meet to be considered reliable.

2. Why is it important?
Falls represent the leading cause of accidental injury and death among seniors, yet despite decades of available fall detection devices, no independent standard exists to evaluate their effectiveness. This absence of standardization creates a dangerous knowledge gap: seniors and their care providers have no reliable way to determine whether a wearable fall detection device will actually perform when needed.

The consequences of this gap are serious. Devices currently on the market may fail to detect a significant percentage of actual falls or generate excessive false alarms. Both outcomes undermine trust in the technology. Media reports and specialized publications have documented resistance to adoption and mistrust among the very population that could benefit most from these devices. When a senior or their family invests in a fall detection device, they need confidence that it will work in a genuine emergency.

As global populations age rapidly, with seniors over 65 representing a growing proportion of society, the need for standardization has become urgent. Fall detection technology is recognized as one of the most critical tools for enabling aging in place, allowing seniors to maintain independence while having a safety net. The technology literally saves lives and reduces the lasting impact of falls, but only if it works reliably. A standard provides the foundation for that reliability by allowing devices to be properly benchmarked and compared.

 
3. What is a real-world example of how this might help?
Consider Margaret, a 78-year-old widow living independently in her own home. She wants to remain in her familiar surroundings rather than move to assisted living, but her adult children worry about what would happen if she fell while alone. They research fall detection devices and find dozens of options with varying price points and marketing claims, but no objective way to compare their actual performance.

Without a standard, Margaret's family faces an impossible choice. One device advertises "advanced AI detection" but provides no performance data. Another claims "99% accuracy" but doesn't specify what that means—99% of what types of falls, tested under what conditions? A third option is affordable but has online reviews mentioning frequent false alarms that have led other users to stop wearing the device entirely.

With an IEEE standard in place, Margaret's family could compare devices based on consistent, independently verified metrics. They would know how each device performs in detecting different fall types, understand the typical false alarm rate, and make an informed decision based on Margaret's specific needs and living situation. Healthcare professionals advising the family would have objective data to guide their recommendations. Manufacturers would have clear performance targets, driving innovation toward genuinely effective products rather than competing primarily on marketing claims.

The standard would enable Margaret to age in place with dignity and privacy—protected by technology she and her family can trust—while giving everyone involved confidence that help will arrive when truly needed.

4. What stage is it at?

The project is currently in its foundational stage. A Project Authorization Request (PAR) has been approved by the SSIT Standards Committee and it is currently being assessed by the IEEE Standards Association New Standards Committee (NesCom). The PAR is expected to be approved by the end of 2025. The PAR establishes the scope, purpose, and framework for the standard development process. Members of the IEEE AgeTech community will be involved in developing the standard and potentially assist with user led testing. 

When the PAR has been approved, a call for participation to join the working group will be issued so technical experts, stakeholders, and interested parties can collaborate to develop the detailed specifications, testing protocols, and performance benchmarks that will comprise the final standard. 

5. What is the current geographical or disciplinary representation of your working members?

Membership of the new P3925 working group will be invited from around the globe. We welcome participation from all interested parties.

6. What type of people might be interested or well-suited for this standards group?
This working group needs individuals who understand the intersection of technology, healthcare, and aging populations. Engineers and technical specialists with expertise in wearable sensors, accelerometers, motion detection algorithms, and embedded systems are essential for defining testable performance metrics. Product developers and manufacturers who have worked with fall detection technology bring practical insights into implementation challenges and market realities.

Healthcare professionals, particularly those specializing in geriatrics, rehabilitation medicine, and fall prevention, provide critical clinical perspective on what constitutes a meaningful fall, how different fall types should be categorized, and what performance levels are clinically relevant. Researchers studying aging, biomechanics, and injury prevention can contribute evidence-based insights into fall characteristics and detection requirements.

Quality assurance specialists and testing professionals who understand certification processes and performance validation methodologies will be invaluable in developing practical testing protocols. Bioethicists and privacy advocates can ensure the standard addresses data protection concerns, which are particularly important given that these devices serve a vulnerable population.

Representatives from senior advocacy organizations, assisted living facilities, and caregiving professionals who interact daily with the target user population bring essential perspectives on real-world usage patterns, acceptance factors, and practical needs. Anyone passionate about using technology to enable dignity and independence for aging populations while ensuring safety and reliability would find meaningful ways to contribute.

7. What triggered your own interest in this area?

In 2024, I joined Telecom Design, a French IoT firm in 2024 with an AgeTech focus. I realized that there are large discrepancies in the adoption of fall detection devices in different countries and that no national or international standards exist. I also realized that only a small portion of seniors receive the benefit of fall detection. As an Electrical Engineer, I was familiar with IEEE and through the AARP AgeTech Collaborative, I met George Arnold of the AgeTech industry group and later Peter Wishart of IEEE Society on Social Implications of Technology. It became clear that IEEE is ideally suited to bring to life a standard to deliver better outcomes for seniors.

8. Call to Action
The development of the IEEE Standard for Evaluation of Wearable Fall Detection Devices represents a critical opportunity to transform how we protect one of society's most vulnerable populations. This standard will only succeed if it incorporates diverse perspectives and expertise from across the technical, clinical, and user communities.

We invite you to join this important work. Whether you're an engineer, healthcare professional, researcher, manufacturer, caregiver, or advocate for aging populations, your expertise and perspective are needed. The working group is forming soon, and early participation will shape the standard's development from its foundation.

You can indicate your interest in this project by adding the working group to your interests in IEEE myProject (search for “Fall Detection” to locate the working group). Or you can contact the P3925 chair Hervé Muller [email protected], on +1 972 757 7251 or the program manager, Malia Zaman [email protected], to be added to the list of parties contacted about the working group initiation.   

The time to act is now. As populations age globally, the need for reliable fall detection technology will only grow more urgent. By contributing to this standard, you'll be part of the solution, helping to build a future where aging in place is safer, more dignified, and supported by technology that people can trust.

Reflection on IGNITIA 1.0
In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, my role as an SSIT volunteer is to ensure our students are not just spectators but active creators. On 28 July 2025, this mission came to life in Beta Hall during "IGNITIA 1.0," our dedicated Hands-On ML Bootcamp. 

Collaborating with The CorporateWorms, we focused on demystifying Machine Learning for our students. The "on the ground" impact was immediate and intuitive. Watching over the packed hall, I witnessed the transition of students from hesitation to confidence as they navigated complex datasets under the expert guidance of resource persons A. Sandhiya and Arjun Anapalli from The CorporateWorms. 

For me, the most rewarding aspect of volunteering is facilitating these peer-driven learning ecosystems. By bringing in young industry leaders to mentor our undergraduates, we are doing more than teaching algorithms; we are creating a platform where technology is accessible, practical, and community-oriented. This hands-on mentorship session, the spark of IGNITIA 1.0 is actually shaping the next generation of capable engineers who will make this world a better place than before.

Reflection on Sri Sairam Engineering College Chapter’s NEXUS MEET 
As an IEEE SSIT volunteer and Faculty Advisor, I believe that true technological stewardship begins with mentorship. On 29 October 2025, we facilitated the "NEXUS MEET," an interactive gathering designed to bridge the gap between our newly inducted students and the experienced SCOPE and MAGIC members of our SSIT chapter of Sri Sairam Engineering College, Chennai. 

While the event was hosted virtually on Google Meet, the "on the ground" impact was remarkable. Witnessing the interaction between fresh minds and seasoned student volunteers reminded me why this society is vital. It wasn't merely an orientation; it was an ethical alignment of IEEE with the SDGs designed by The UN. I watched as our Chairman and CEO Dr. Sai Prakash Leomuthu and senior members guided the juniors not just through the best practices of the chapter, but through the core mission of SSIT: understanding the weight of our innovations and serving humanity with a purpose. 

My role sits at the intersection of teaching mathematics and mentorship as well. Seeing students shift their focus from conservative classroom learning to social responsibility affirms that our efforts at Sri Sairam Engineering College are cultivating not just engineers, but global citizens who care about sustainability. The enthusiasm displayed during Nexus Meet proves that the future of ethical technology is in safe hands. To read more about this event, click the link.

Reflection on a Visit from Dr. Supavadee Aramvith, Chair of the IEEE Thailand Section 
One of my primary goals as an IEEE SSIT volunteer is to dismantle geographical barriers to learning. This vision materialized on 12 August 2025, when we hosted the technical talk, “Intelligent Vision: Redefining Video Analytics with AI at the Edge,” at SSR Hall, Sri Sairam Engineering College, Chennai. 

IEEE Sairam, in collaboration with the IEEE Madras Industry Coordination Committee, invited Dr. Supavadee Aramvith, Chair of the IEEE Thailand Section, to our campus, creating a profound "on the ground" impact. I watched as the abstract concepts of edge computing and video analytics transformed into concrete possibilities for our students. The energy in the room shifted from passive listening to active Inquiry as students grasped the opportunity to explore the global scale of intelligent systems. The true value of volunteering lies in facilitating these international connections. Seeing our students engage deeply with a global expert validates the effort behind organizing such events. It ensures that our future engineers understand that intelligent vision is not just about algorithms. It is all about cross-border collaboration and real-world application.

Reflection on SDG Immersion Program 

As an IEEE SSIT advisor, I have always believed that engineering must serve a purpose beyond the traditional classroom. Commencing on 6 November 2025, the Sairam SDG Immersion Program became the largest manifestation of this belief. Joining hands with the State Institute of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, we organized a training program for the first-year students of Sri Sairam Engineering College, focused on the "Localization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)."

This program is a first-of-its-kind initiative by an educational institution that channels the potential of first-year students in developing their critical thinking and social knowledge. The real transformation happened during their field exposure visits to three model villages. Witnessing students step out of the classroom and into the community was profound. I saw them understand "Idea Engineering" not just to hypothetical problems, but to real-world challenges faced by the villages. 

For me, bridging the gap between education and understanding human needs is the essence of SSIT. This immersion program proved that when we ground our curriculum in empathy and sustainability, we empower students to be not just engineers, but changemakers of our future.

Information About the Journal

IEEE Technology and Society Magazine (TSM) is SSIT’s award-winning flagship publication. It features peer-reviewed and general interest articles that explore and analyze the profound impacts of technology on our world.

Information About the Journal

The IEEE Transactions on Technology and Society (TTS) publishes four issues each year (March, June, September, and December); submissions are accepted on a rolling basis.

The editorial team seeks research papers on the interactions among technology, science, and society; on the impact of such interactions on individuals and society; and on the ethical, professional and social responsibility in the practice of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

For expressions of interest to serve on the editorial board as an ongoing reviewer or associate editor, or for other enquiries please email founding editor-in-chief [email protected].

Information About the Newsletter

The SSIT Insights Newsletter publishes monthly issues that include SSIT reports, announcements, accolades, events, initiatives, conferences, and regular features from our members. Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis.

We welcome submissions from all members for future newsletter content. 

IST-Africa 2026 

May 2026

Online

IST-Africa 2026 will provide a world-class international forum to showcase existing technology-enabled Research, Innovation and ICT4D activities and capacity in Africa, Europe and other parts of the world. The Conference Programme combines strategic keynote presentations, a High-Level Roundtable, technical and policy papers, case studies and workshops. It also provides an opportunity to identify potential partners for future research cooperation under Horizon Europe.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, IST-Africa 2026 will take place as a virtual event during May.

SASIGD 2026 (CFP is Live)

13–14 August 2026

Gandipet, Hyderabad, India

The IEEE International Conference on Sustainable AI for Social Impact and Global Development (SASIGD 2025) focuses on leveraging AI to address critical global challenges, emphasizing sustainability, inclusivity, and equity. Conference tracks include AI-driven solutions for environmental sustainability, healthcare innovation, inclusive development, energy efficiency, smart cities, and economic empowerment.

SASIGD 2026 brings together global innovators to advance Responsible and Sustainable AI across seven tracks:

• Track 1: AI for Environmental Sustainability
• Track 2: AI for Healthcare and Well-being
• Track 3: AI and Inclusive Development
• Track 4: Green AI and Energy Efficiency
• Track 5: Ethics, Governance, and Policy in AI
• Track 6: AI for Economic Empowerment
• Track 7: AI for Smart and Resilient Cities

Submission Deadlines:

Call for Papers-Submission deadline: 31 January 2026
Call for Student Posters-Submission deadline: 15 February 2026

You can begin the submission process by clicking the link here.

All accepted papers will be published in IEEE Xplore.

fPET 2026 (CFP is Live)

9-11 June 2026

College Park, MD, USA

The next Forum on Philosophy, Engineering, and Technology (fPET 2026) will occur at the University of Maryland, College Park on 9-11 June. Since 2007, the mission of fPET is to encourage reflection on engineering, engineers, and technology; and to build bridges between existing organizations of philosophers, engineers and scholars in related fields.

Abstract submissions are due 25 January 2026. All submissions will be peer-reviewed by the program committee. Abstracts accepted for presentation will be published on the fPET website.

More information on the conference and its submission tracks can be found on its website.

ICEDEG 2026 (CFP is Live)

13–14 August 2026

Gandipet, Hyderabad, India

The International Conference on eDemocracy & eGovernment (ICEDEG) is in its twelfth year of providing a forum for research and technology development in the growing area of eDemocracy and eGovernment. Original, unpublished research paper submissions are invited from industrial, academic, and other non-profit or public sector researchers reporting substantial results. Topics of interest include advanced computing, space data & governance, sector-specific digital transformation, and more.

Submission Deadlines: 

Abstract submission (long, short, and poster): 15 February 2026
Full paper (long, short, and poster): 28 February 2026
Call for tutorial proposals: 28 February 2026
Call for workshop proposals: 28 February 2026
Call for the doctoral symposium: 28 February 2026