LED lighting innovators honoured with QEPrize

Isamu Akasaki, Shuji Nakamura, Nick Holonyak Jr, M. George Craford and Russell Dupuis have been recognised for the immense impact the technology has had, revolutionising one of humanity’s most fundamental requirements. LED lighting is 75 per cent more energy efficient than traditional incandescent and compact fluorescent bulbs, with LED bulbs lasting 25 times longer than their incandescent predecessors.

Solid state lighting – enabled by LEDs – has changed lighting, from automotive headlights to screen technology and traffic signals. Its low cost has also made lighting more accessible in low-income countries, helping to drive sustainable development.

“The impact of this innovation is not to be understated,” said Professor Sir Christopher Snowden, chair of the QEPrize Judging Panel.

“It makes lighting a lot cheaper and more accessible for emerging economies. For example, LEDs are being used on fishing boats where previously the only option would have been paraffin lamps. They are much cheaper and safer. It is not only an extreme engineering achievement, but a societal one that has a significant impact on the environment.”