Zhigang Suo honored with Humboldt Research Award

Zhigang Suo, Allen E. and Marilyn M. Puckett Professor of Mechanics and Materials at the Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), has been honored with a Humboldt Research Award.

The award is granted in recognition of a researcher's entire achievements to date to academics whose fundamental discoveries, new theories, or insights have had a significant impact on their own discipline and who are expected to continue producing cutting-edge achievements in future are eligible to be nominated for a Humboldt Research Award.

Suo studies small materials structures and the mechanics of nanofabrication, self-assembly, and durability. A paper he co-authored with his once mentor John Hutchinson, "Mixed-mode cracking in layered materials," is among the 10 most-cited papers in the field of engineering in the past decade. At SEAS Suo has played an active role in curricular development and in building a stronger student community.

Eligible to be nominated for the Humboldt Research Award are eminent foreign researchers at the peak of their academic careers and in leading positions, such as full professors or directors of institutes.

Award winners are invited to spend a period of up to one year cooperating on a long-term research project with specialist colleagues at a research institution in Germany. The stay may be divided up into blocks.

The Humboldt Foundation grants up to 100 Humboldt Research Awards annually. Nominations may be submitted by established academics in Germany. Direct applications are not accepted. The award is valued at 60,000 EUR.