World-renowned expert in telecommunications named Fellow of Royal Academy of Engineering

Professor Tafazolli from the University of Surrey joins a prestigious and select group of around 1,600 engineers and receives the honour for his extraordinary contribution to the field of mobile telecommunications.

Regius Professor Tafazolli is distinguished for his outstanding contribution to strategic research and development in mobile and wireless communications, including areas such as ad hoc networking, novel mobile architectures, massive MIMO (multiple-input multiple-output), green communications and the Internet of Things (IoT).

With over 30 years’ experience in digital communications research, Professor Tafazolli is founding Director of the largest 5G research centre in Europe – the 5G Innovation Centre at the University of Surrey. He has authored or co-authored more than 1000 research publications and regularly advises governments on vital telecommunication matters.  

The Academy’s Fellowship is a prestigious recognition awarded to inspiring engineering leaders from the UK and around the world who have distinguished themselves in their respective field. Each year about 50 Fellows are elected by their peers.

Professor Max Lu, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Surrey, said: “Rahim is a leader at the very forefront of telecommunications research. It is no exaggeration to say that he has contributed to reshaping the global telecommunications landscape. His leadership and vision have not only resulted in the great success of our 5G Innovation Centre but have also created real impact on industry and in terms of the endless possibilities for this technology to improve people’s lives in the near future. 

“On behalf of the University of Surrey, I would like to congratulate Regius Professor Rahim Tafazolli on his much-deserved honour.”

Regius Professor Rahim Tafazolli said: “To be named Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering is a great honour and one that would not have been possible without the encouragement and support of the wider University of Surrey community.”