The Digital Entertainment Group has named Poppy Crum, chief scientist at Dolby Laboratories, the 2021 recipient of the Hedy Lamarr Award for Innovation in Entertainment Technology. In its fifth year, the Hedy Lamarr Award recognizes female executives in the fields of entertainment and technology who have made a significant contribution to the industry.
A distinguished female leader in neuroscience and technology, Crum reflects DEG’s efforts to promote innovations in entertainment and technology and to recognize women who are making advancements in these fields. At Dolby, Crum is responsible for integrating neuroscience and data science into algorithm design, technology development and technology strategy. She is also an Adjunct Professor at Stanford focusing on the impact of modern technologies and immersive environments such as augmented and virtual reality on neuroplasticity and learning.
Crum is recognized for her creativity, future vision, and excellence to develop and champion technologies that promote increased immersion and success in the translation of the creative and technological intent of an experience. Her work has also supported significant directions for diversity and inclusion in building technologies that are personalized to benefit all individuals.
The award will be presented during an online event on December 6.
“It is an honor to recognize Poppy Crum, an outstanding female leader in neuroscience and technology, with this year’s Innovation Award. She is a true visionary working to better lives and society through the development of immersive technologies,” said Amy Jo Smith, president & CEO, DEG.
“I am thrilled to accept the Hedy Lamarr Innovation Award from DEG,” said Crum. “This honor represents a dedication to excellence in the field of technology initiated by Hedy Lamarr that continues to be led by many outstanding women who are committed to driving advancements that enhance our world and the experiences we have in it. It is truly gratifying to be recognized among them.”
Austrian-American actress Lamarr was a Hollywood legend who is best known for her roles in film classics including Samson and Delilah, The Strange Woman and Tortilla Flat. She was also a lifelong inventor whose innovative work included pioneering “frequency hopping,” which became the foundation for spread spectrum technology. Conceived by Lamarr and composer George Antheil for radio guidance systems and patented in 1942, this highly secure technology resists interference and dropout, and is utilized today for a variety of cellular, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth applications.