It is my great honor to serve as President of the IEEE Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation Society (DEIS). DEIS has long been a unique and essential global community, bringing together researchers, engineers, and industry partners who share a deep commitment to dielectric and electrical insulation science and technology. Our Society stands at the intersection of materials, physics, power systems, electronics, diagnostics, and applications that support modern society.

Today, our field is entering a period of profound transformation. At the foundation of this change lies a simple truth: the way we use electrical energy—and the systems that support it—are being fundamentally reshaped by the global drive toward carbon neutrality. The electrification of society, the large-scale integration of renewable energy, the rapid expansion of power electronics, data centers, and digital infrastructure are redefining the demands placed on electrical insulation systems.

Electrical insulation and dielectric technologies are not peripheral—they are the backbone of safe, efficient, and reliable next-generation energy and electronic systems.

Another emerging societal value that is closely linked to our materials community is the circular economy. Sustainability, recyclability, lifetime design, resource efficiency, and environmental responsibility are no longer optional—they are becoming essential requirements.

Finally, accelerating this transition is a powerful new driver: AI for Science.
Data-driven discovery, physics-informed machine learning, and digital materials platforms are radically transforming how we understand, design, and optimize dielectric and insulating materials. AI is not simply a tool for efficiency—it is becoming a new scientific partner that allows us to rethink materials from their very origins.

In this era, DEIS has a vital role to play:

  •  To connect academia, industry, and standards communities 
  •  To support early-career researchers and students across the world 
  •  To foster open, respectful, and constructive dialogue across disciplines and cultures 

I strongly believe that our greatest strength lies in the breadth of our community—across regions, technical expertise, perspectives, and generations.

I sincerely thank all volunteers, committee members, and officers who dedicate their time and energy to our Society. I look forward to working with you to shape the future of DEIS together.

With my very best wishes,

Akiko Kumada, Ph.D.
President, IEEE Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation Society
Professor, The University of Tokyo

January, 2026