On Friday, the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees approved 17 University Research Professors for the 2026-27 academic year. Established by the Board of Trustees in 1976, the professorships program recognizes excellence across the full spectrum of research at UK.
“It is our privilege each year to recognize distinguished experts who have made significant contributions across the breadth of research fields at the University of Kentucky,” said Ilhem Messaoudi, UK’s acting vice president for research. “This cohort of University Research Professors have demonstrated excellence in fields that address scientific, social, cultural and economic challenges in our region and around the world.”
College leadership developed criteria for excellence within their area of expertise and then nominated faculty who excelled at these criteria. Each University Research Professor receives a one-year award of $10,000 and participates in other events planned around the program.
This year, two engineering professors received the honor: Scott Berry, associate professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace engineering and Wayne T. Sanderson, professor in the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering.
Throughout the summer, the university will feature a 2026-27 University Research Professor in UKNow to share more about each professor’s area of research and how their work is advancing Kentucky and beyond.
