Prof. Dr. Rainer Helmig, head of the Department of Hydromechanics and Modelling of Hydrosystems of the Institute for Modelling Hydraulic and Environmental Systems (IWS-LH²) was nominated for membership in the Academia Europaea earlier this year. The main criterion for membership is "sustained academic excellence in the candidate's field of expertise". The Section "Physics and Engineering Sciences" of the Academia has recommended the election of Rainer Helmig as a member of Academia after review by the relevant Class Committee. The Board of Trustees has confirmed the election. Besides Rainer Helmig, another 479 scientists were admitted as members of the Academia.
The purpose of the Academia Europaea is to promote and disseminate outstanding scientific achievements in the humanities, law, economics, social and political sciences, mathematics, medicine, and all branches of the natural and engineering sciences throughout the world for the benefit of the general public and to further the education of the general public of all ages. The aim of the Academy is to promote European research, to advise governments and international organizations on scientific matters, and to encourage interdisciplinary and international research.
The Physics and Engineering Section of the Academia Europaea covers all subfields of physics, engineering, and materials science, including those at the interface with other disciplines. The research in all subfields of the section is highly international and competitive.