December 11, 2025
Prestigious Swedish Academy elects UOW Vice-Chancellor as International Fellow
Professor Max Lu honoured for groundbreaking work in sustainable energy, nanotechnology and materials science
University of Wollongong (UOW) Vice-Chancellor and President Professor G.Q. Max Lu AO has been elected an International Fellow of the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA).
Professor Lu is an internationally recognised leader in advanced materials, nanotechnology and sustainable energy. He has published more than 600 scientific papers, holds around 25 international patents, and has helped deliver commercial solutions in green hydrogen, energy storage and pharmaceutical development.
“I am absolutely delighted and honoured to be elected to this prestigious academy in Sweden,” Professor Lu said. “The Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences was founded in 1919, making it the world’s oldest academy of engineering sciences.”
Professor Lu has held senior leadership roles at universities in the UK and Australia and has received numerous international awards. He has served on the UK Prime Minister’s Council for Science and Technology, was a Director of UK Research and Innovation, and also served on the Australian Prime Minister’s Science, Engineering and Innovation Council.
He is also a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science, the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering, National Academy of Inventors, USA, Royal Academy of Engineering, UK, and foreign member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
He is one of 39 new Fellows elected to IVA this year, joining distinguished engineers, economists, researchers, entrepreneurs and public-sector leaders from around the world.
IVA comprises about 1,300 Fellows, including roughly 300 international members. The Academy’s mission is to advance sustainable social development through science-based engineering and economic expertise. Its reports, seminars and policy initiatives help shape technology, business innovation and long-term national and global challenges.