Professor Dilmurat Azimov Recognized as AIAA Associate Fellow

Professor Dilmurat Azimov of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa has been named an Associate Fellow by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) for the Class of 2026. This prestigious recognition highlights his significant contributions to the field of aerospace engineering, particularly in the areas of trajectory optimization and control systems for aerospace vehicles.

The AIAA Associate Fellow designation is awarded to individuals who have made notable contributions to engineering or scientific work, conducted original research of exceptional merit, or advanced the fields of aeronautics and astronautics. Each year, only one out of every 150 AIAA members is selected for this honor, underscoring the exclusivity of the accolade.

Azimov, who currently serves as a professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, has an extensive background in academia and research. His work focuses on optimizing trajectories, developing guidance and control systems for flight vehicles, and applying analytical methods to solve optimal control problems. These efforts are essential to the evolution of next-generation aerospace systems and autonomous vehicles.

Recognition and Career Impact

In a statement reflecting on his achievement, Azimov expressed his gratitude, saying, “Being named an Associate Fellow of AIAA is a tremendous honor and a significant milestone in my career. I’m proud to represent Hawaiʻi, the Aloha State, in the global aerospace community and to contribute to advancing aerospace engineering research and education from our islands.”

Azimov’s academic journey includes a PhD in mechanics from the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (1992) and a DSc in dynamics, ballistics, and flight vehicle control from the Moscow Aviation Institute (2008). His extensive educational background has equipped him with the tools to contribute meaningfully to the aerospace sector.

The formal induction ceremony for the Class of 2026 Associate Fellows will take place on January 14, 2026, during the AIAA SciTech Forum in Orlando, Florida. This event will gather aerospace professionals from around the world, emphasizing the AIAA’s role as the largest aerospace technical society, boasting nearly 30,000 members from 91 countries.

Through this recognition, Azimov not only solidifies his status as a leader in aerospace engineering but also highlights the innovative research taking place at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. His work continues to inspire future generations in the field of aerospace.