The World Academy of Sciences elects Surrey engineer Ravi Silva as a Fellow

Professor Silva is a Distinguished Professor at the University of Surrey and the Director of the University’s Advanced Technology Institute. In recognising his election, TWAS noted that Professor Silva has “advanced fundamental understanding and delivered technologies adopted by Airbus and the European Space Agency, with applications in energy, aerospace, and sensing.”  

TWAS’ citation also highlights Professor Silva’s “scientific excellence” and his contributions to bridging the global North and South. This includes supporting science and technology in Sri Lanka and facilitating collaborations in China, India, and other nations via leadership roles. 

Professor Silva is the only UK-based scientist among the 87 researchers elected to this year’s class of TWAS Fellows.  

Professor Silva has authored more than 700 journal papers, is a named inventor on 50 patents and has supervised the training of more than 180 researchers, many from the Global South, who have gone on to hold senior positions in academia and industry. He has served on advisory boards and expert committees for UNESCO, the European Union, the European Research Council, as well as on councils and committees across more than 20 countries. 

He is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (2008) and a Fellow of the European Academy of Sciences (2024). He was awarded a CBE in the 2021 New Year Honours List. 

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Notes to editors 

• TWAS's announcement of its 2027 class of Fellows, including Professor Silva's citation: twas.org/article/twas-elects-2027-class-fellows