The US National Academy of Engineering (NAE) recently announced the admission of 124 new members, bringing the total number of current members to 2,420. Among the new members, 106 are American and 18 are international scientists, representing the best of the engineering community. The NAE has acknowledged the pioneering role of these academicians in developing new fields of technology, creating breakthroughs in traditional engineering disciplines, and bringing new approaches to teaching engineering. Their acceptance reflects their devotion and competence, as well as their exceptional commitment to furthering the discipline of engineering.
Professor Thuc-Quyen Nguyen, co-chair of the VinFuture Prize Pre-screening Committee and Director of the Center for Polymers and Organic Solids at the University of California, Santa Barbara has been highly praised for her leadership role in engineering education, as well as her efforts to promote diversity in the field. Not only that, her outstanding research on organic photovoltaics for buildings and energy-saving greenhouses have been lauded by the science community.
Professor Nguyen said, “Being elected as a member of the US National Academy of Engineering is an immense honor, and it carries with it a sense of responsibility to contribute to the betterment of society. As members of the scientific community, we are not only tasked with conducting research and teaching, but also with helping to create a more equitable future. I am particularly passionate about supporting and advancing more female scientists, and I am eager to utilize my position to help make this a reality.”
Dr. Xuedong Huang (member of the VinFuture Prize Council, and Director of Azure AI, Microsoft) has also been elected as a new member of the esteemed US National Academy of Engineering. Renowned for his technical contributions in the fields of speech and language technologies, Dr. Huang has been a major leader in the development of cloud-based intelligent systems, so this recognition is of great significance for the science community and the public at large. It is a testament to Dr. Huang’s dedication, expertise, and commitment to the advancement of technology.
Dr. Huang shared, “I am humbled to be elected as a new member of the National Academy of Engineering. Being a part of this prestigious community of engineers is both a recognition of my contributions and a motivation for my future endeavors. I have always been passionate about advancing the frontiers of engineering and innovation to address the grand challenges of our society. I look forward to collaborating with the other members of the Academy and the broader engineering community, to foster excellence, leadership, and service in engineering.”
Dr. Huang further stated that his mission to use science and technology to improve the quality of life is shared by the VinFuture Prize Council and the US National Academy of Engineering. He is excited about joining hands with world-class experts to further promote the impact of science and technology on society. By working together, the scientific community can help ensure that science and technology are used for the benefit of all.
Election to the NAE is one of the highest professional honors accorded to an engineer. Members have distinguished themselves in business and academic management, in technical positions, as university faculty, and as leaders in government and private engineering organizations. This includes exchanging experiences, connecting, and leading key research cooperation projects, as well as demonstrating responsibility to the community. In particular, NAE members play an important role in helping the younger generation of engineers access technology and use it for practical applications in life.
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Founded in 1964, the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) is a private, independent, nonprofit institution that provides engineering leadership in service to the nation. The mission of the National Academy of Engineering is to advance the welfare and prosperity of the nation by providing independent advice on matters involving engineering and technology, and by promoting a vibrant engineering profession and public appreciation of engineering. The National Academy of Engineering (NAE) and the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) and the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) are part of the National Academies.
The VinFuture Foundation, established on International Human Solidarity Day on December 20th, 2020, is a non-profit organization co-founded by billionaire Mr. Pham Nhat Vuong and his wife, Mrs. Pham Thu Huong. The Foundation’s core activity is awarding the annual VinFuture Prize for transformational scientific and technological innovations that have created or have the potential to create meaningful changes in millions of people’s lives across the planet.
A total of four prizes are awarded by the VinFuture Prize every year, consisting of the VinFuture Grand Prize valued at US$3 million – one of the largest ever annual prizes globally. There are also three Special Prizes, each valued at US$500,000, dedicated to female innovators, developing country innovators, and innovators with outstanding achievements in emerging fields. In addition, the Foundation conducts many activities to accomplish its mission, such as engaging in strategic grantmaking activities, catalyzing intellectual connections, and collaborating in Sci-Tech development.
