Royal Academy of Engineering Fellowships for UofG engineers
Published: 24 September 2025
Two leading University of Glasgow engineers have been elected as Fellows of the Royal Academy of Engineering.
Two leading University of Glasgow engineers have been elected as Fellows of the Royal Academy of Engineering.
Professor Konstantinos Kontis and Professor Douglas Paul are among 74 new Fellows elected by the Academy during its AGM on 23 September.
The group consists of 60 Fellows, nine International Fellows and five Honorary Fellows. They are drawn from every specialism from within the engineering and technology professions and have made exceptional contributions to their field.
Konstantinos Kontis is Mechan Chair of Engineering and Professor of Aerospace Engineering at the University’s James Watt School of Engineering.
His Fellowship citation reads: ‘Professor Konstantinos Kontis FREng is distinguished for his seminal contributions to high-speed flows, plasma flow control, and the development of pioneering diagnostic techniques to characterise flow and thermal fields, leading to notable improvements in efficiency and cost-effectiveness across industrial applications. His ground-breaking work has influenced the design of vehicle-landing protocols and mission-critical subsystems for industry.
‘A Fellow and former Director of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), he received the NATO Science & Technology Team Excellence Award in 2021.
‘He has fostered international collaborations to accelerate the path towards net-zero industrial solutions, revitalised the engineering academic environment, and led initiatives that have reshaped aerospace research and development strategies.’
Professor Kontis said: “I am deeply honoured to be elected a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering. This distinction reflects not only the progress of my own research, but also the strength of the collaborative, interdisciplinary environment fostered here at the University of Glasgow. I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with
exceptional colleagues, students, and international partners across academia, industry, and government.
“This Fellowship is not only a personal milestone, but also a testament to the vital role that high-impact, curiosity-driven engineering research plays in shaping the technologies of tomorrow. I am proud to contribute to the Academy’s mission of advancing engineering for a safer, more sustainable and connected world.”
Douglas Paul is Royal Academy of Engineering Chair in Emerging Technologies at the James Watt School of Engineering and is Principal Investigator for the UK Hub for Quantum Enabled Position, Navigation and Timing (QEPNT).
Professor Paul’s citation reads: ‘Douglas Paul is world renowned for pioneering work in developing new sensors across a range of applications. He was the first to demonstrate microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) gravimeters which has started the field of MEMS gravimetry with many groups and companies across the globe now developing or selling MEMS gravimeters.
‘His innovative process for making efficient germanium-on-silicon single photon avalanche diode (SPAD) photodetectors is now being used by many global semiconductor multinationals to develop short wave infrared cameras for a wide range of applications.
‘His leadership in the quantum technology field includes defining quantum technology in UK legislation.’
Professor Paul said: “I am honoured to receive a Fellowship of the Royal Academy of Engineering in recognition of some of the technology I have pioneered aided by the collaborations with many colleagues. The Academy has a strategy to tackle major engineering challenges to engineer better lives and I look forward to contributing towards that goal.”
The new Fellows will be formally admitted to the Academy at a special ceremony in London on 18 November, when each Fellow will sign the roll book. In joining the Fellowship, they will lend their unique capabilities to achieving the Academy’s overarching strategic goal to engineer better lives.
Sir John Lazar CBE FREng, President of the Royal Academy of Engineering, said: “As we approach our 50th anniversary next year it’s a good timez to reflect on how much we have achieved. The Academy is built on the foundation of our Fellowship, and that remains as true today as half a century ago. Our story began as a ‘Fellowship of Engineering’ of 130 Fellows including such pioneers as Air Commodore Sir Frank Whittle, Lord Hinton of Bankside and Sir Ove Arup, driven by the support of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.”
“Today’s cohort join a community of around 1,700 of some of the most talented engineers and innovators in the UK and around the globe. Their knowledge and experience make them uniquely well placed to tackle the biggest challenges facing the world, and our determination to advance and promote excellence in engineering remains undimmed.”
This year’s new Fellows continue to reflect the Academy’s ongoing Fellowship Fit for the Future initiative announced in July 2020, to drive more nominations of outstanding engineers from underrepresented groups. This commits the Academy to strive for increased representation from women, disabled and LGBTQ+ engineers, those from minority ethnic backgrounds, non-traditional education pathways and emerging industries, and those who have achieved excellence at an earlier career stage than normal.
First published: 24 September 2025
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