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Rui L. Reis inducted member of the National Academy of Engineering, USA
Sunday, 10/9/2016
Washington, USA
Gordon R. England (NAE’s Chairman) and C. Daniel Mote
Jr (NAE’s President) directed Rui L. Reis induction ceremony
Rui L. Reis, Vice-Rector and Full Professor of the
School of Engineering of the University of Minho, was inducted on the 9th
October as member of the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) in the United
States of America. This is one of the major acknowledgements granted to an
engineer worldwide. The scientist from UMinho is the first Portuguese engineer,
with all his academic background and career developed in Portugal, to be
elected international member of NAE. The official ceremony of the award of
certificates took place, in Washington, USA, counting on the presence of Gordon
R. England (NAE’s Chairman) and C. Daniel Mote Jr (NAE’s President).
The director of 3B's Research Group, of the Associate
Laboratory ICVS/3B's and Full Professor of the School of Engineering of UMinho
"was recognised for his contributions to biomaterials and tissue
engineering in regenerative medicine", stated NAE's official website.
Election to the National Academy of Engineering is
among the highest professional distinctions accorded to an engineer. Academy
membership honors those who have made outstanding contributions to
"engineering research, practice, or education, including, where
appropriate, significant contributions to the engineering literature" and
to "the pioneering of new and developing fields of technology, making
major advancements in traditional fields of engineering, or developing/implementing
innovative approaches to engineering education.
Rui L. Reis is among the new 22 foreign members and 80
U.S. members elected by the NAE in 2016. NAE now counts on to 2,275 USA members
and only 232 foreign members. UMinho’s scientist completed all his degrees in
Portuguese universities. Rui L. Reis has never studied or worked in an American
institution, although he maintains wide collaboration with USA universities and
intensively participated in congresses and scientific societies in this
country.
The remaining foreign members elected this year come
from Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, China, Switzerland, India, Japan, Sweden
and USA. Although the average age of NAE members is around 70 years old, the
Portuguese engineer is only 48. There are also other exceptions, such as Larry
Page, founder of Google, who was inducted to NAE at 31 years old. This
nomination follows many others international awards and distinctions Rui L.
Reis has been granted. He is the world President of TERMIS Tissue Engineering
and Regenerative Medicine International Society, constituted by 90 member
states.
- Induction ceremony video: facebook.com/nicholas.peppas/videos/1594058817557176