Professor Michalis Zervas elected Fellow of Royal Academy of Engineering
Professor Michalis Zervas, Deputy Director at the University of Southampton's Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, one of the highest professional honours bestowed upon an engineer in the UK.
Professor Zervas is among world leading figures in engineering and technology elected to the Academy's Fellowship in 2026. The new Fellows were announced during the Academy's 50th anniversary year and represent some of the most influential innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs and industry leaders making an incredible impact across engineering and technology today.
Professor Zervas was nominated in recognition of his outstanding work in fibre optics and high-power fibre lasers, with the nomination citing the following accomplishments:
“Professor Michalis Zervas is a global leader in fibre optics and high-power fibre laser engineering. His pioneering work on erbium-doped fibre amplifiers that power the internet, fibre Bragg grating devices and filters, and the GTWave™ fibre geometry for high-power lasers has transformed photonics performance and scalability. As co-founder and Chief Scientist of SPI Lasers, he translated academic breakthroughs into industrial impact, earning recognition as a MacRobert Award finalist. He holds 73 patents, has published over 290 papers, and leads cutting-edge research in AI-enabled smart fibre systems. Through mentorship, outreach, and innovation, Michalis Zervas has shaped both the academic and industrial landscape.”
Reflecting on his nomination, Professor Michalis Zervas said:
""I am extremely pleased and honoured to be elected a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering. This recognition reflects not only my own work, but also the contributions of the talented colleagues, students and collaborators I have had the privilege to work with and learn from throughout my career in academia and industry. I am excited to support the Academy’s mission and contribute to its work in using engineering and technology to make a positive impact on society and economy.”
This year’s new Fellows, announced in the year of the Academy’s 50th anniversary, are making an incredible impact across the engineering and technology sector with innovations in clean energy, AI, medicine and public health. These leading figures have influenced academia and business, worked to widen participation in engineering for people from underrepresented backgrounds, and provided expert policy advice to government.
Professor Graham Reed, Director of the ORC, said:
“I am delighted to hear that Professor Michalis Zervas has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering in 2026. This highly deserved recognition reflects his exceptional achievements and leadership in the fields of fibre optics and high-power fibre laser engineering. His election is a fitting recognition of his contributions and marks another proud milestone for the ORC, and we congratulate him warmly on this well-deserved achievement.”
Professor Zervas will be formally admitted to the Fellowship at a ceremony in London on 19 October 2026, when each Fellow will sign the roll book. Professor Michalis Zevas will be joining the Academy's network of leading engineers working together to develop innovative solutions and engineer better lives.