KU scientists’ group gathers to welcome new fellows

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) came together on May 4 to network and welcome three newly elected members. Chancellor Douglas A. Girod greeted the group and recognized the new inductees:

• Chris Beard, Foundation Distinguished Professor of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
• Jianming Qiu, professor of virology and molecular genetics
• Michael Wolfe, Mathias P. Mertes Professor of Medicinal Chemistry.

The event, sponsored by the Office of Faculty Affairs and attended by numerous academic leaders, provided an opportunity for the group to network, discuss potential collaborations and consider future activities.

“As a leading research university, KU has a special role in conducting research that improves lives, creates jobs and helps us better understand our world,” Girod said. “Thanks to our talented faculty, we do this every day.”

AAAS fellows are among the world’s top scientists. Now with 35 AAAS fellows at KU, along with hundreds more researchers recognized with prestigious awards for excellence in their fields, the university continues to demonstrate its growing strength as a research institution and its commitment to honoring faculty for innovative work. 

The KU AAAS Fellows group plans to continue meeting semiannually to forge ties, share information and encourage nominations to add to their ranks. To be nominated as an AAAS fellow, researchers are required to have a continuous membership in the organization for at least four years prior to nomination.

For more information, please contact Robin Lehman, director of faculty recognition and awards, at rlehman@ku.edu.