Kerry Rowe

Queen’s University professor Kerry Rowe (Civil Engineering and GeoEngineering Centre at Queen’s-RMC) has been elected a fellow of the Royal Society in the United Kingdom. Dr. Rowe is one of only four Canadians, and the world’s only civil engineer, elected to the prestigious institution in 2013. 

“I am absolutely delighted with this recognition which really acknowledges my wonderful colleagues in the Geoengineering Centre at Queen’s-RMC and my past and present graduate students, without whose collaboration it would not have been possible to have achieved this distinction,” says Dr. Rowe.

Dr. Rowe, a former vice-principal (research) at Queen’s, was described by the Royal Society as one of the most distinguished civil engineers of his generation. For 30 years he has made contributions to the investigation of landfill development, soft-ground tunnelling and the reinforcement of embankments. In an era where public infrastructure design is increasingly subjected to economic, social, health and environmental considerations, Dr. Rowe has provided scientifically justified, environmentally responsible and economically sound solutions.

During his time as vice-principal, Dr. Rowe was integral in leading the promotion and development of research and training programs at Queen’s. These programs have and will continue to facilitate collaboration between academics, governments and industry on research issues and projects that are advancing the scientific development of this country.

Dr. Rowe has been recognized with many of Canada’s and the world’s highest honours for his work, including: the Killam Prize in Engineering (2004), a Killam Fellowship (2012), a Steacie Fellowship (1989), and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment`s Award of Excellence for Research and Development (1999). He is a Fellow of both the Royal Society of Canada, the Canadian Academy of Engineering and the Royal Academy of Engineering.

“It is a great honour to receive a fellowship in Britain’s Royal Society and I offer Dr. Rowe my profound congratulations,” says Queen’s Principal Daniel Woolf. “He is joining the ranks of some of the most respected and accomplished scientists in the world.”

Founded in 1660, the Royal Society is made up of the most eminent scientists in the world and has included the likes of Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin and Stephen Hawking amongst its Fellows. Fellows are elected in recognition of their exceptional contributions in the fields of science, engineering and medicine. Its mission is to recognize, promote, and support excellence in science and to encourage the development and use of science for the benefit of humanity.

Dr. Rowe will be formally inducted into the Royal Society in London on July 12.