Professor Sriram Subramanian elected Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering

Professor Sri Subramanian leads the Multi-Sensory Devices (MSD) lab at UCL, where his group develops new ways for people to interact with technology through touch, sound and other senses. A global leader in human–computer interaction, he has transformed the field of acoustic manipulation through ultrasound-based technologies that enable mid-air touch sensations, levitation and contactless control.

His early hardware designs led to the creation of Ultrahaptics (now Ultraleap), a global leader in mid-air haptics. He went on to establish Metasonixx, which develops reconfigurable acoustic metamaterials for adaptive sound control, and more recently co-founded AcoustoFab, a company using sound fields to manipulate liquids, powders and biological samples for laboratory automation and digital manufacturing.

Sri is also a strong advocate for science communication, with his demonstrations of levitation, holography and multi-sensory experiences inspiring young people in STEM and attracting coverage in outlets including The Guardian, The Times and CNN.

His election as a Fellow recognises both his pioneering contributions to human–computer interaction and his role in advancing UK innovation and engineering impact.

Reflecting on the announcement, Professor Subramanian said:

I am deeply honoured to be elected a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering. This recognition reflects not only my work but also the creativity and dedication of the many students, collaborators, and colleagues I have had the privilege to work with. I am inspired by the Academy’s mission to engineer better lives and look forward to contributing to that shared vision.

Election to the Academy is a lifetime honour and connects Fellows to a community that advises government, shapes national policy, and supports innovation in industry and academia.

The Academy welcomed 74 new Fellows this year, recognising leading figures whose work has had a significant and lasting impact on engineering.

UCL congratulates Professor Subramanian on this achievement and looks forward to his contributions as part of the Academy’s Fellowship.