Monash researchers elected Fellows of the Australian Academy of Science

Congratulations to Monash researchers Professor Stefan Maier (Monash Science) and Professor Huanting Wang (Monash Engineering) on being elected Fellows of the Australian Academy of Science.

Two Monash University researchers have been elected Fellows of the Australian Academy of Science, one of the nation’s highest honours for scientific achievement, recognising their outstanding contributions to engineering, materials science and advanced technologies.

Professor Huanting Wang and Professor Stefan Maier were among 26 of Australia’s leading scientists elected as Fellows in 2026, recognised for their exceptional contributions to research and innovation.

Professor Robyn Ward AM, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) and Senior Vice-President congratulated both researchers on the prestigious recognition.

“Election to the Australian Academy of Science is among the highest honours a researcher can receive in Australia, and this recognition reflects the extraordinary global impact of Professor Wang’s and Professor Maier’s work,” Professor Ward said.

“Their research exemplifies Monash’s commitment to world-leading discovery and innovation that addresses major global challenges, from clean energy and sustainable technologies to next-generation materials and advanced computing.”

Professor Wang, a globally recognised leader in membrane science and chemical engineering, was recognised for pioneering advances in the separation and purification of substances through the design of novel membrane technologies.

His research has driven the development of functional membranes capable of selectively filtering ions for mineral extraction and improving the efficiency and sustainability of industrial separation processes, including water desalination and purification.

Professor Wang’s work spans clean energy transition technologies, nanomaterials, catalysis and advanced materials engineering, helping shape more sustainable industrial and environmental applications.

“I am deeply honoured and humbled to be elected to the Australian Academy of Science,” Professor Wang said.

“This recognition reflects the dedication and creativity of the many outstanding students, early career researchers and collaborators I have had the privilege to work with over the years.

“I am incredibly grateful for their contributions and the support I have received from colleagues across my career.

“I look forward to continuing our efforts to advance membrane science and sustainable technologies, and to contributing to the work of the Academy.”

Professor Maier, Head of the Monash School of Physics and Astronomy, was recognised for pioneering research in nanophotonics, plasmonics and nanophotonic materials, fields focused on manipulating light at the nanoscale.

An internationally renowned experimental physicist, Professor Maier has conducted groundbreaking research into light-matter interactions below the diffraction limit of light, helping advance technologies in energy conversion, biosensing, optoelectronics and advanced computing.

Professor Maier said he was honoured to be elected a Fellow of the Academy.

“I am deeply honoured to be elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science,” Professor Maier said.

“This recognition reflects the outstanding students and junior researchers I’ve had the privilege to work with throughout my career, including here at Monash.”

“Nanophotonics research is opening extraordinary opportunities in areas ranging from sustainable energy conversion to quantum technologies and advanced computing, and I’m excited to continue building those capabilities at Monash and in Australia.”

Professor Maier joined Monash University in 2022 following senior academic leadership roles at Imperial College London and Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich. His research has helped shape the global field of plasmonics and nanophotonics, including advances in controlling and concentrating light at dimensions far below conventional optical limits.

The 2026 Fellowship announcements further reinforce Monash University’s standing as a global research institution delivering internationally recognised research excellence and impact.See the full list of fellows here.