Since 1985, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) has bestowed the award on young researchers under the age of 40 who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of sensor-based information collection. “IEEE is the world’s leading engineering association for electrical and information technology.  There is no greater recognition for scientists in these fields,” says Professor Wolfgang Koch, Head of the Sensor Data & Information Fusion (SDF) department at Fraunhofer FKIE. "This significant award places Dr. Charlish among the ranks of the truly great radar researchers," said Professor Koch, who did not miss the opportunity to congratulate his close collaborator on the award in a video message. "Alexander Charlish continues a tradition in our department established by pioneer Günter van Keuk and his 'van Keuk Equation' for radar management." Due to the Covid-19 situation, 36-year-old Charlish was presented with the award during the fully virtual "2021 IEEE Radar Conference".

FKIE Institute Director Professor Peter Martini was also visibly proud. "I am delighted by this international recognition of Dr. Charlish's research findings. Since completing his doctorate in 2011, he has done outstanding work on key sensor topics at Fraunhofer FKIE; his work has contributed to the tremendous success of our institute in the field of radar."

In the field of sensor resource management the main objective is to refine and optimize the automation of the sensor’s technical intelligence. "The task is to configure the multifunctional sensors automatically in order to adapt them to their environment. Management involves perception and action, which creates a cognitive system," says Dr. Charlish, explaining his scientific work. "Automation is particularly important because humans don't have the skills needed to control complex sensors on their own. That’s why automation of cognitive skills is also becoming increasingly important in the field of radar system technology when the goal is to use signal generation and processing optimized for real-world applications." Dr. Charlish has always kept practical applications at the forefront of his mind. Many of his research projects have already been transferred to real-world applications in cooperation with various industrial companies such as Hensoldt.

Dr. Charlish emphasizes that this is the result of the excellent team effort at Fraunhofer FKIE. "Even though I am the one who has been recognized with this award, my scientific work would not have been possible without my colleagues in my research group."