Paolo Braca, a senior scientist at NATO’s Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE) in La Spezia, Italy, has been named a Fellow of the prestigious Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) for 2025.
This distinction, awarded to just 0.1% of IEEE members each year, recognises Braca’s pioneering contributions to networked surveillance systems. The IEEE Fellowship is reserved for individuals whose achievements have significantly advanced engineering, science, and technology, delivering meaningful benefits to society.
“I am truly honoured to be named an IEEE Fellow and deeply appreciate this recognition of the work carried out at CMRE over the years,” said Braca. “This achievement is not just a personal milestone but a testament to the dedication and excellence of the incredible team I have had the privilege to work with.”
As head of CMRE’s Data Knowledge and Operational Effectiveness (DKOE) Branch, Braca’s research focuses on signal processing, machine learning, and sensor fusion, integrating data from satellites, coastal radar, sonar, and autonomous vehicles. “A large part of my career has been dedicated to solving fundamental challenges in surveillance. Using real data, we’ve demonstrated that we can now predict where a vessel will be in three—or even 24—hours, something that was previously impossible,” he explained.
The IEEE is the world’s largest professional organisation dedicated to advancing technology for humanity. Fellowship is one of its highest distinctions, with this year’s cohort including researchers from NASA, the US Army Research Lab, and leading universities worldwide.
Beyond his technical contributions, Braca values the collaborative environment at CMRE. “Working in an international setting, alongside colleagues from diverse cultures and backgrounds, is incredibly enriching. It’s a space that pushes you to study, improve, and gain new perspectives.”
Looking ahead, Braca hopes his recognition will inspire the next generation of scientists. “While this is an individual honour, it was only possible with the support of a great team. Many researchers who worked with me are now professors at top universities and innovators in leading tech companies such as Google. I am proud to have played a role in sparking their curiosity and guiding their growth over the years.
“I hope the next generation will continue building on the work we’ve started.”
