Awards and Accolades

New Frontiers of Sound Science and Technology Center named 'Innovator of the Year'

The University of Arizona New Frontiers of Sound Science and Technology Center research team won the "Innovator of the Year – Academia" award from the Arizona Technology Council and the Arizona Commerce Authority. The honor was announced at the Governor's Celebration of Innovation on Nov. 12 in Phoenix. 

The center focuses on applying topological acoustics – an emerging field allowing researchers to observe the properties of sound in new ways – to a wide variety of research areas. It is led by Pierre Deymier, professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. 

The National Science Foundation granted the University of Arizona $30 million to establish the center in 2023.

The Arizona Technology Council is a trade association for science and technology companies with more than 750 members. The Arizona Commerce Authority is an economic development organization that works to strengthen Arizona's economy be recruiting out-of-state companies, helping in-state companies grow and supporting entrepreneurs in creating new businesses and jobs.

The annual Governor's Celebration of Innovation honors excellence among the state's technology companies, leaders, educators and students.

University projects win statewide architecture awards

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Multiple University of Arizona projects won awards at the AIA Arizona Awards Gala on Nov. 15 in Phoenix. AIA Arizona is the statewide chapter of the American Institute of Architects. The awards honor projects throughout Arizona for excellence in architecture, interior and component design.

University of Arizona projects received the following awards:

Distinguished Architecture Category:

• Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine: Merit Award
• Applied Research Building: SRP Sustainable Award
• Grand Challenges Research Building: Citation

Unbuilt Design Category:

• Applied Research Building: Merit Award

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Teresa Rosano, associate professor of practice in the School of Architecture, won the Arizona Architects Medal, honoring AIA Arizona members who have "advanced the profession of architecture with outstanding professional achievements and evidence of social responsibility within the greater community."

Read more about the award-winning projects in the Lo Que Pasa and University of Arizona News stories below.

• Behind the design: Andrew Weil Center recognized for outstanding architecture
• Newly opened Applied Research Building marks a 'substantial leap forward' in scientific research
• Research reimagined: U of A celebrates new Grand Challenges Research Building 

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Joaquin Ruiz honored by French government

Joaquin Ruiz, Thomas R. Brown Chair and director of Biosphere 2 and executive director of the France-Arizona Institute for Global Grand Challenges, has been named a knight of the National Order of Merit by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

In addition to his work with the France-Arizona Institute for Global Grand Challenges, which connects the university with the French academic community on international research, the French government cited Ruiz's leadership with the iGLOBES International Research Laboratory, where university researchers collaborate with the French scientific community to address global environmental challenges.

The appointment in the National Order of Merit is a French equivalent of a British knighthood and is reserved for non-citizens who have made considerable contributions. Read more about the honor in a story on the Office of Research and Partnerships website.

Tech Parks Arizona honored with 2025 Golden Prospector Economic Development Award of Merit

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Tech Parks Arizona has been awarded the Golden Prospector Economic Development Award of Merit from the Arizona Association for Economic Development in the Special Event category for its 30th anniversary dedication ceremony.

The Golden Prospector Awards honor organizations and initiatives dedicated to excellence, innovation and impact in advancing economic development throughout the state. Tech Parks Arizona is the university's tech incubator and includes the UA Tech Park at Rita Road, UA Tech Park at The Bridges and the University of Arizona Center for Innovation. The organization is a catalyst for economic growth by supporting startups, attracting global industry leaders and connecting companies with University of Arizona research and talent.

The Arizona Association for Economic Development is a nonprofit membership organization that advocates for responsible economic development through professional education, public policy and collaboration. The awards were presented in October at the organization's Fall Forum in Prescott.

Read more about the honor in a story on the Tech Parks Arizona website.

Three U of A faculty honored by the American College of Medical Informatics

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Two University of Arizona faculty members were recently elected fellows of the American College of Medical Informatics as part of the 2025 ACMI class, while a third was named a distinguished fellow.

Dr. Jose Fernando Florez-Arango, associate professor of practice in the School of Health Professions at the Zuckerman College of Public Health, leads curriculum development, accreditation efforts and interdisciplinary initiatives in population health informatics. Vignesh Subbian, associate professor of biomedical engineering in the College of Engineering, focuses his work on systems engineering, human factors and computational methods for sociotechnical issues and biomedicine and learning health systems.

Elected fellows of the American College of Medical Informatics are chosen for their significant contributions to the field of biomedical informatics.

Additionally, Dr. Justin Starren, director of the Center for Biomedical Informatics and Biostatistics, was recognized as a distinguished fellow in honor of his decades-long contributions to his field.

Read more on the Office of Research and Partnerships website.

UCATT, Arizona Public Media each win Emmys

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The University Center for Assessment, Teaching and Technology earned its first Emmy Award for the instructor introduction video "Latino Health Disparities" in the Diversity/Equity/Inclusion Content category at the 2025 Rocky Mountain Southwest Emmy gala Nov. 8 in Phoenix. The awards honor excellence in television production across the chapter's region, which includes Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Southeastern California.

The piece highlights the intersection of culture, environment and public health in Tucson's Latino communities through the research of Ada Wilkinson-Lee, associate professor in the Department of Mexican American Studies.

Arizona Public Media also won seven Emmy Awards in the following categories:

Public Affairs Program – Single Program
Housing Crisis – The Amphi Panteras

Arts/Entertainment – Short Form Content
Bass Whisperer

Historical/Cultural – Long Form Content
Louis Carlos Bernal
Stories That Soar!

Health/Medical Content
On the Origin of COVID

Human Interest – Short Form Content
Special Eats

Solo Storyteller
The Golden Goose