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Awards and Honors

Martin Thuo Elected to African Academy of Sciences and Wins Viness Pillay Award

Professor Martin Thuo, a leading researcher in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at NC State (MSE), has been elected as a Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS). This honor recognizes his significant contributions to materials science, particularly in the areas of nanotechnology, thermodynamics, and applied polymer science. Along with this esteemed recognition, Professor Thuo will also receive the Viness Pillay Award for Applied Polymer Science and Technology, to be presented at the upcoming IUPAC POLY-CHAR 2025 meeting.

Professor Thuo’s election to the AAS Fellowship marks another milestone in a year of notable achievements for the scientist. His research in materials science has paved the way for innovations in energy, health, and environmental sustainability. As a faculty member at NC State MSE, Thuo’s work continues to inspire both his peers and students. He also serves as the deputy director of the Center for Complex Particle Systems (COMPASS) an NSF-STC based at the University of Michigan, a key role in shaping research strategies in the engineering field.

This prestigious recognition comes on the heels of another significant honor for Professor Thuo: his recent election as a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI). This honor further solidifies his position as a leading innovator in applied science and technology.

The AAS Fellowship, awarded through a rigorous and merit-based process, celebrates the contributions of scientists who have made exceptional strides in addressing global challenges through their research. In his new role as an AAS Fellow, Professor Thuo will collaborate with other distinguished scientists to foster knowledge-sharing and drive forward the scientific agenda across Africa.

Professor Donald Brenner, Department Head of NC State MSE, praised Professor Thuo’s remarkable achievements, stating, “We are incredibly proud of Martin for his outstanding contributions to materials science. His recognition by both the African Academy of Sciences and his upcoming receipt of the Viness Pillay Award underscores his leadership in the field. Martin’s work continues to have a global impact, and his success is a testament to the excellence of our department and the research community at NC State.”

As Thuo takes his place among the distinguished Fellows of the AAS, his work will undoubtedly continue to inspire the next generation of researchers and innovators, contributing to the growth of science and technology on both the African continent and the global stage.

For more information on the African Academy of Sciences, the IUPAC POLY-CHAR 2025 meeting, and the full list of newly elected NAI Fellows, please visit their official websites. 

This post was originally published in Department of Materials Science and Engineering.