Tatsuo Itoh awarded Honorary Doctorate by UAB

Tatsuo Itoh, one of the most influential researchers in the field of radio frequency and microwave engineering, has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the UAB. The patron for the ceremony was Ferran Martín, and this is the first Honorary Doctorate ever to be proposed by the School of Engineering.

14/10/2015

"A source of inspiration and a valued collaborator with the UAB", in the words of the Deputy Secretary General Dolors Pey in her introduction, Tatsuo Itoh, a Professor at the University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA), has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the UAB. This is the first Honorary Doctorate ever to be proposed by the School of Engineering. The patron for the ceremony was Ferran Martín, a professor in the Department of Electronic Engineering.

Ferran Martín introduced Professor Itoh as "probably the most influential researchers in the current field of radio frequency and microwave engineering. A key international figure for any engineer, scientist, postgraduate student or academic in this field or in that of communications in general". Prof Martín remarked that "Prof. Itoh has shown his support for the UAB by taking in post docs, and participating in research projects and joint publications" and by awarding Prof Martín himself the rank of Fellow of the IEEE.

In his acceptance speech Tatsuo Itoh declared himself to be "impressed and grateful" for the ceremony, and went on to describe the principal characteristics of metamaterials, their recent history and their applications. These "artificially synthesised structures that show unique properties not found in nature" have many applications, among which Prof Itoh highlighted the "multi band communications required by mobile telephones", "radar technology" and "security devices". This researcher, of Japanese origin, presented an example of collaborative research between UCLA and the UAB group led by Prof. Ferran Martín: the development of a quad-band element from the work of both research groups

The Rector of the UAB, Ferran Sancho, highlighted the "important milestone" represented by this honorary doctorate proposed by the School of Engineering: "an example of the maturity and the commitment of the School", and he recalled the research excellence of the new member of the Senate, both in terms of his "academic track record", based on seeking out opportunities to innovate and an exceptional talent, and his "generosity" when passing on his knowledge and setting up collaborations.