Professor Wei Liu, an alumna of the Institute for Manufacturing (IfM), has been elected a Member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts (EASA), one of Europe’s most prestigious academic academies. The announcement was made on 7 March 2026 at the Academy’s annual assembly in Salzburg, Austria.

Founded in 1990, the European Academy of Sciences and Arts is a distinguished European learned society dedicated to advancing scientific and societal progress. Its membership comprises leading scientists, artists and practitioners in governance, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and international knowledge exchange. Among its more than 2,000 members are 38 Nobel Prize laureates.

Professor Liu completed her PhD at the IfM from 2012 to 2016 and is currently a Professor in the Department of Engineering at King’s College London. Her election recognises her contributions to research at the intersection of design engineering and healthcare technologies, with a particular focus on interdisciplinary innovation and human-centred systems to address complex societal challenges.

Professor Liu after successfully completing her viva, pictured here with her examiners.

At the IfM, Professor Liu was part of a research environment that brings together academic rigour with close engagement with industry and a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. This approach supports researchers in developing solutions to real-world challenges while contributing to fundamental knowledge. Reflecting on this experience, she highlighted the lasting influence of the IfM community on her work.

Professor Liu at the IfM, celebrating her graduation.

Professor Liu says, "I am deeply honoured to be elected to the European Academy of Sciences and Arts. My time at the IfM provided an exceptionally supportive and inspiring environment that has profoundly shaped my research journey. What stood out most was the strength of the community: generous, collaborative, and intellectually curious, as well as the opportunities provided by supervisors and the institute's leaders, and the dedication of colleagues and mentors who were always willing to support and challenge one another.

“I am deeply grateful for this experience and for the people who made it so special. I hope this recognition will help advance interdisciplinary research in design engineering and healthcare innovation, and contribute to international dialogue that benefits both academia and society."

Find out more about the EASA and its elected members: https://euro-acad.eu/members