Gintaras Reklaitis, the Burton and Kathryn Gedge Distinguished Professor of Chemical Engineering, will be honored with the Founders Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Field of Chemical Engineering by the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE). This recognition, AIChE’s highest honor, celebrates Professor Reklaitis' exceptional service, research, and teaching within the chemical engineering profession.

Professor Reklaitis’ expertise in process systems engineering and the innovative application of digital technologies to process and product design and process operations has significantly advanced the fields of pharmaceutical product design, development, manufacturing, and delivery, improving efficiency and effectiveness across the industry. Over the course of his career, he has authored or co-authored more than 350 papers and chapters, along with editing or authoring ten influential books.

Professor Reklaitis' research interests involve the application of computing, information, and systems technology to support the complex decisions inherent in the design and operation of processing systems. Recent areas of emphasis include investigating approaches to support batch and semi-continuous operations, as well as developing methodologies for plant- and enterprise-wide planning and optimization, with applications in the pharmaceutical industry and integrated energy systems.

At Purdue University, Professor Reklaitis has held several key leadership positions, including Head of the School of Chemical Engineering and Assistant Dean of Engineering. He also served as the Deputy Director of the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Engineering Research Center on Structured Organic Particulate Systems, demonstrating his commitment to advancing the field through both research and education.

A proud alumnus of the Illinois Institute of Technology (B.S.) and Stanford University (M.S. and Ph.D.), Professor Reklaitis has made significant contributions to the academic community. He is a member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering and a Fellow of both AIChE and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Furthermore, he has served as the Editor-in-Chief of Computers & Chemical Engineering, further shaping the landscape of chemical engineering research and education.

The Founders Award will be presented to Professor Reklaitis during the upcoming AIChE Annual Meeting, where he will be recognized for his outstanding contributions to the chemical engineering field and the impact he has made on countless students, researchers, and industry professionals.

“I am honored to receive this recognition from the Institute and humbled to join the ranks of the previous award winners who have contributed enormously to build and grow our profession. The ChE discipline, AICHE and Purdue University have served to define the context and provide the valued home for my professional career. Purdue University has provided a supportive environment in which to practice the discipline, allowing the flexibility to shift research and teaching topics as the opportunities and needs arose. Both the Institute and the University have offered many opportunities for leadership for which I am grateful as these opportunities have not only allow me to grow professionally but also to work with many outstanding students and professionals. It is these people relationships that have been the most valuable aspects of my life as an academic chemical engineer.” 

Learn more information about Gintaras Reklaitis

About AIChE
The American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) is a professional organization dedicated to advancing the discipline of chemical engineering. Through education, research, and service, AIChE promotes the application of chemical engineering principles to improve the quality of life and the environment.