Professor Jan Sykulski named IEEE Fellow

Professor Jan Sykulski of the School of Electronics and Computer Science at the University of Southampton has been named a Fellow of the IEEE. He is honoured for his contributions to methods and applications of computational electromagnetics.

As an IEEE Fellow Professor Sykulski joins an elite group of engineers and researchers from around the world who are recognized by the IEEE (the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) for their unusual distinction and outstanding contributions to the electrical and information technologies and sciences for the benefit of humanity and the profession. Elevation to Fellowship of the IEEE follows a rigorous evaluation procedure.

Professor Sykulski has been a member of staff in the University since 1980 and was appointed Professor of Applied Electromagnetics in 1995. He led the Electrical Power Engineering research group from 2000 to 2009. He has received numerous honours from universities and learned societies in many parts of the world, and in 2004 he received the title of Professor from the President of the Polish Republic, after nomination from the Universities of Lodz, Poznan, and Szczecin.

His research interests and contributions have been focused on the application of high temperature superconductivity to power devices; the development of fundamental methods of computational electromagnetics (including software development); and advances in design and optimization methods which involve electromagnetic aspects but are aimed at developing real devices.

He has also played a very prominent role in a number of professional communities and societies. This has included running the International Compumag Society and chairing the Electromagnetics Professional Network of the IEE, both of which work towards coordination of the worldwide effort in this field. As Editor of COMPEL: The International Journal for Computation and Mathematics in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, he has been able to promote research activities around the world.

‘I am obviously thrilled’ – says Jan – ‘especially since computational electromagnetics tends to frighten people off, so it is good to see the field recognised and my efforts noticed. I have found simulating fields and designing electromagnetic devices enormously gratifying over the years and have been privileged to work with many distinguished colleagues around the world. Teaching the subject to students is stimulating and a continuous challenge, while working in ECS inspirational.’

The IEEE is the world’s leading professional association for the advancement of technology. Through its global membership, IEEE is a leading authority on areas ranging from aerospace systems, computers and telecommunications to biomedical engineering, electric power and consumer electronics.

The Head of the School of Electronics and Computer Science, Professor Harvey Rutt, commented: ‘Not only is this a notable individual recognition of the research contributions of one of the School’s most distinguished professors, but it is an excellent endorsement of the strength of the School’s research and its international reputation in a fundamental area of technology.’