Researchers are named among academy’s cohort of Fellows

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, September 26, 2026

Two researchers from Cambridge University, Professors Clemens Kaminski and Duncan McFarlane, have been named Fellows of the Royal Academy of Engineering for their pioneering work in optical imaging and digital manufacturing technologies. Their election highlights ongoing advancements that promise to improve sectors like clean energy, pharmaceuticals, and industrial automation, with formal induction set for October 19 in London.

Two researchers from Cambridge University have been elected as Fellows of the Royal Academy of Engineering, recognizing their significant contributions to engineering and technology. Professors Clemens Kaminski and Duncan McFarlane are among 75 newly appointed Fellows announced this year.

Professor Kaminski, who leads the department of chemical engineering and biotechnology and holds a position in chemical physics, has been acknowledged for his work in advanced optical imaging and sensor technologies. His research group, Laser Analytics, has developed innovative methods that utilize light to analyze chemical processes across various scales. These techniques have applications in sectors such as clean energy and pharmaceutical research and benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration with scientists and clinicians. Kaminski, also a Fellow of Robinson College, Cambridge, described the honor as recognition not only of his own efforts but also of the contributions of his colleagues and students.

Professor McFarlane, a Fellow of St John’s College, focuses on manufacturing automation, control systems, and the broader integration of digital systems within industrial supply chains. His current research includes distributed, intelligent industrial automation, resilient and adaptable manufacturing, and low-cost digital industrial solutions. Leading the “digital manufacturing on a shoestring” program, McFarlane is working to implement affordable digital technologies tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), addressing challenges typically faced by smaller companies in adopting such innovations. This project is active both across the UK and internationally.

In addition to Kaminski and McFarlane, Dr. Loubna Bouarfa, an affiliated lecturer at the Maxwell Centre, was also named among this year’s Fellows.

Sir John Lazar, president of the Royal Academy of Engineering, highlighted the importance of the 2026 cohort joining a group of over 1,700 top engineers and innovators. He emphasized the collective role of the Fellows in advancing ideas and transforming innovation into practical impact.

The new Fellows will be officially inducted during a ceremony in London scheduled for October 19.

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