Arthur “Skip” Lupia, vice president for research and innovation, has been named the third co-chair of the Strategic Council for Research Excellence, Integrity, and Trust. Lupia takes over following France Córdova’s departure after four years of service. Involved since the council’s 2021 inception, Lupia authored a 2024 PNAS piece on public confidence in science and led the August 2025 memo on scientific integrity. The council, part of the National Academies, fosters research ethics and resilience. Read more.
Luke Shaefer, faculty director of Poverty Solutions at U-M, will assume the role of chief executive of Health, Human Services, and Poverty Solutions for Detroit. Part of Mayor Mary Sheffield’s administration, Shaefer will tackle health inequities and homelessness. As Hermann and Amalie Kohn Professor, he will oversee the Detroit Health Department and more. On leave from U-M, Shaefer aims to improve Detroiters’ well-being and enhance the Detroit Partnership on Economic Mobility. Read more.
Kon-Well Wang, a distinguished professor at U-M, has been selected as a 2026 AIAA Fellow for contributions to adaptive structures in aerospace. AIAA, the leading aerospace society, honors Wang for his impact on aerospace systems and engineering education. “I am greatly honored to be recognized by my peers and colleagues for this prestigious fellowship,” he stated. With over 30,000 members globally, AIAA is a hub for aerospace advancement. Read more.
The Modern Language Association has honored Adela Pinch, professor emerita, with the 56th James Russell Lowell Prize for her book on Victorian women writers. Two honorable mentions were awarded to Jonathan Elmer and Damion Searls for their literary work. The prize celebrates exceptional books and critical studies by association members.
Gaurav G. Desai, professor at U-M, has been elected second vice president of the Modern Language Association, progressing to president by 2029. Kate Ostrom, lecturer in romance languages, will serve on the Executive Council through 2030, contributing to language studies advancement.
Barry Rabe, an emeritus professor at U-M, received the 2025 Elinor Ostrom Career Achievement Award from the APSA for his work in science and environmental policy. His influential books focus on sustainable policy solutions, earning him praise for merging academic excellence with public policy. Rabe’s research also delves into federalism and executive power in U.S. politics. Read more.
U-M’s Mary Anne Limbach received the 2026 Annie Jump Cannon Award for her work on white dwarf exoplanets. Jon Miller and Michael Meyer were named AAS Fellows for their significant contributions to astrophysics. Meyer’s work in infrared instrumentation and planetary systems, and Miller’s high-energy astrophysics research, notably black holes, were highlighted. Miller will also serve as vice chair of the AAS High Energy Division.
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