Faculty Recognition | Office of Research and Innovation

Vice President Gage placing medal around a female faculty member

Honoring Excellence

Michigan State University conducts world-class research and creative activity, ranking as one of the top research universities globally. MSU research excellence has been recognized through institutional membership in the American Association of Universities (AAU) since 1964.

The university attracts and welcomes an international community of outstanding graduate students, postdoctoral associates, and faculty visitors to a broad range of highly ranked graduate programs, research centers, and interdisciplinary collaborations.

National and international faculty awards are an important component of institutional reputation. Each year, Michigan State University faculty members earn a variety of honors for their scholarly contributions. Some receive prizes and awards from learned societies or government agencies for specific work or career contributions.

Please review the curated lists of prestigious awards earned by your colleagues and consider those for which you might nominate others. Please contact the Faculty Honorifics Office for assistance.

Announcements

Celebrating the 2025 Postdoctoral Excellence Awardees at MSU

May 1, 2025

Michigan State University proudly recognizes two exceptional postdoctoral scholars for their outstanding contributions to research. Selected through a highly competitive nomination and peer-review process, Dr. Miguel Chirivi, Ph.D., D.V.M., and Dr. Ajmir Khan, Ph.D., were honored with the 2025 Postdoctoral Excellence in Research Awards (PERA).

Hussain Receives Aida Tomeh Distinguished Service Award

Apr 15, 2025

Dr. Fayyaz Hussain, a Professor in the department of Sociology and the Center for Integrative Studies, was recently awarded the Aida Tomeh Distinguished Service Award by the North Central Sociological Association (NCSA).

Wu Receives Prestigious Fellowship from Institute of Advanced Study

Apr 15, 2025

Yulian Wu, Associate Professor of history at Michigan State University, was recently awarded a fellowship with the Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS) in Social Science. Albert Einstein was one of the organization’s first professors and remained there until his death in 1955.

Hegg Honored With IMPACT Award

Apr 11, 2025

Eric Hegg, dean of the Michigan State University College of Natural Science, was honored with The Research Corporation for Science Advancement 2025 IMPACT Award. This award recognizes Hegg's significant contributions to scientific understanding and practical applications in alternative energy research and bioenergetics.

Wu Selected to Co-chair National Academies Committee on Biotechnology

Apr 1, 2025

Felicia Wu, John A. Hannah Distinguished Professor and University Distinguished Professor in Michigan State University’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, was selected to serve as co-chair of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, or NASEM, committee on the ethical, legal, environmental, safety, security, and other appropriate societal issues related to engineering biology research and development.

Goodway Named Red Cedar Distinguished Professor

Apr 1, 2025

Internationally recognized scholar Jackie Goodway has been named a Red Cedar Distinguished Professor. Since 2022, the distinction has recognized faculty who demonstrate exemplary scholarly achievement, teaching excellence and a clear alignment with MSU’s strategic research priorities — strengthening recruitment, recognition and retention of top academic talent across campus.

Contag Elected to 2025 Class of AIMBE College of Fellows

Mar 31, 2025

The American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering, or AIMBE, has inducted Christopher H. Contag, the James and Kathleen Cornelius Chair in the Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Microbiology, Genetics and Immunology; and director of the Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering at Michigan State University, into its College of Fellows.

Four Researchers Named AAAS Fellows

Mar 28, 2025

From protecting butterflies in Michigan and across the nation to uncovering the connection between gut health and stronger bones, Michigan State University researchers are tackling challenges that impact our environment, health and future well-being. In March, Nick Haddad, Gemma Reguera, Laura McCabe and Michael Thoennessen were recognized as 2024 fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, or AAAS.