Economou Receives 2026 EFCE Michael L. Michelsen Award
Published Sep 28, 2026
Professor Ioannis G. Economou, executive director for research and graduate studies and professor at Texas A&M University at Qatar, has received the 2026 European Federation of Chemical Engineering (EFCE) Michael L. Michelsen Award, one of the most prestigious honors in the field of thermodynamics internationally.
Presented by the EFCE Working Party on Thermodynamics and Transport Properties, the award recognizes Economou’s internationally renowned contributions to molecular thermodynamics and its application across materials, energy, process and environmental engineering. His research has advanced technologies in areas including carbon dioxide capture, green solvents, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), ionic liquids, pharmaceuticals and shale gas systems. The award also recognizes his commitment to education and training in thermodynamics and transport properties in Qatar and internationally.
The award further recognizes his longstanding service to the EFCE Working Party on Thermodynamics and Transport Properties. He was a founding member of the working party in 2006 and served as its first chair from 2007 until 2014, helping shape its direction and impact within the global chemical engineering community.
This year’s recognition is especially significant as it coincides with the 20th anniversary of the working party. Coinciding with the milestone anniversary, the award was presented to the working party’s first chair and co-founder. The award was sponsored by AVEVA, a leading industrial process simulation technology company.
As part of the recognition, Economou delivered a plenary lecture during the opening session of the 34th European Symposium on Applied Thermodynamics (ESAT 2026), held in Lisbon, Portugal from 10 to 13 May. The symposium brought together leading researchers and industry experts from around the world to discuss advances in thermodynamics and related fields.
“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from the EFCE,” Economou said. “Advances in thermodynamics have the potential to drive innovation across a wide range of fields, from carbon capture and sustainable energy systems to advanced materials and process engineering. This award reflects the collective efforts of many talented students, researchers and collaborators I have had the privilege to work with throughout my career in Texas A&M University at Qatar and elsewhere.”