The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) has named Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) Interim President Winston “Wole” Soboyejo to its Class of 2022 Fellows. The honor, which TWAS refers to as the “apex of scientific achievement,” is bestowed on scientists who have made significant contributions to the advancement of science in the developing world. Soboyejo, an international scholar, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, and respected materials scientist and engineer, is one of 53 Fellows from around the world to be elected to this year’s class and one of only two from the United States. In total, TWAS has 1,192 elected Fellows representing 108 countries, 11 of them Nobel laureates.
Soboyejo was also recently named a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, an institution for the promotion of excellence in engineering training and practice to ensure the technological growth of Nigeria. Its Fellows represent senior Nigerian engineering professionals—living in Nigeria and abroad—who have distinguished themselves in business, academia, and government. Soboyejo is not the first member of his family to be named to this list; his father, Alfred Soboyejo, was elected a Fellow in 2020 and nominated his son for this year’s class, making the Soboyejos the first father and son duo in the Academy.
“Engineering and science are critical for helping address the great problems facing people in the developed and developing world, so it is an especially great honor to be recognized for not only my work as an engineer, but as a scientist, too,” said Soboyejo. “Sustainable global development requires all minds working together, and I am grateful to both the World Academy of Sciences and the Nigerian Academy of Engineering for the opportunities to join other Fellows who are also engaged in this important work. My sincere hope is to build new partnerships and collaborations with fellow scientists and engineers to foster important global advancements and growth.”
