The American Society for Metals (ASM) has awarded the 2026 International Gold Medal to Roger Narayan, Distinguished Professor in the Lampe Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering at NC State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Roger Narayan is the second NC State faculty member to win the award. The first was his father, Jagdish Narayan, the John Fan Family Distinguished Chair Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. He received the medal in 1999 for his contributions to laser processing and modeling of novel and advanced materials.

ASM recognized Roger Narayan for his research on laser direct writing, two-photon polymerization and the convergence of biomaterials and laser-based manufacturing.

“Receiving the ASM International Gold Medal is a tremendous honor,” Narayan said. “I am deeply grateful to be recognized among such distinguished peers. The recognition is a reflection of the incredible teamwork and collaboration over the years from my students and colleagues at the university.”

Narayan’s work demonstrates the biomedical functionality of laser-processed biomaterials for biosensing, drug delivery and tissue engineering. The two-photon polymerization enables rapid iteration and manufacturing of medical device physical parameters, including geometry and length, for specific clinical applications.

“The Gold Medal motivates me to keep pushing forward to develop new materials for biomedical devices and additive manufacturing, as well as support the education of future engineers,” said Narayan.

He is an author of over 300 publications and several book chapters on novel approaches for processing biomedical materials. He is also an editorial board member for several academic publications.

ASM established the award in 1943 to recognize outstanding knowledge and versatility in the field of materials science and engineering. The 2026 awards will be presented at the ASM Awards Dinner banquet next summer.