Indian born scientist and Professor (Emeritus) at Stanford University Arogyaswami Joseph Paulraj has been awarded the prestigious 2014 Marconi Society Prize for developing the theory and applications of MIMO antennas.

His idea for using multiple antennas at both the transmitting and receiving stations - which is at the heart of the current high speed WiFi and 4G mobile systems - has revolutionised high speed wireless delivery of multimedia services for billions of people, said the Marconi Society in a release said.

"Paul has made profound contributions to wireless technology, and the resulting benefit to mankind is indisputable. Every wifi router and 4G phone today uses MIMO technology pioneered by him," Chairman of the Marconi Society Professor Sir David Payne said.

"MIMO will soon be pervasive in all wireless devices. Moreover, Paulraj's work has provided fertile ground for thousands of researchers to explore and advance MIMO's potential to enhance wireless spectrum efficiency," he added.

Reacting to the announcement Paul said: "In telecom there are two top recognitions; the IEEE Alexander Graham Bell Medal which has a bias toward theoretical contributions, and the Marconi Prize, which honours contributions that convert breakthrough ideas into products benefiting billions of people. I am incredibly honoured to have won both. The Marconi Prize emphasises service to humanity. It is the highest recognition I can imagine."

Each year Marconi Society recognises one or more scientists who pursue advances in communications and information technology for the social, economic and cultural development of all humanity.

The Marconi Society was founded by Gioia Marconi Braga, daughter of radio inventor Guglielmo Marconi.