Philip Demokritou Named University of Surrey Institute of Advanced Studies Fellow for 2026–2027

Philip Demokritou, PhD, Henry Rutgers Chair and professor of nanoscience and environmental bioengineering at the Rutgers School of Public Health, has been named a 2026–2027 Fellow of the Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS) at the University of Surrey. Demokritou is also the founding director of the Rutgers Nanoscience and Advanced Materials Center, which was established at Harvard University in 2011 and relocated to Rutgers with Demokritou in 2022.

The University of Surrey's Institute of Advanced Studies brings together leading scholars, artists, public servants, and entrepreneurs from around the world to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and advance research on complex global challenges. Through the fellowship, Demokritou will collaborate with international colleagues, contributing his expertise in nanoscience, environmental health, and public health innovation.

“The public health challenges we face today do not stop at borders or disciplines," said Perry N. Halkitis, dean of the Rutgers School of Public Health. "Dr. Demokritou's selection as an IAS Fellow reflects both the global importance of his scholarship and his commitment to developing scientific solutions that place people at the center. His work reminds us that innovation has its greatest impact when it advances healthier lives, protects communities, and ultimately humanizes public health."

An internationally recognized leader in environmental health, nanoscience, and particle health effects, Demokritou's research focuses on understanding how advanced/engineered materials and environmental particles interact with biological and environmental systems and impact human health. In addition to his nanotoxicology expertise, he is currently investigating the impact of emerging environmental nanoparticles, including those emitted by traffic and wildfires, as well as micronanoplastics. His translational work spans nanotechnology, exposure science, environmental bioengineering, and the development of safer and sustainable materials for agrichemical delivery, climate engineering and biomedical applications.

“Dr. Demokritou's IAS Fellowship supports the innovative, global research ongoing in our department," said Wendy Purcell, incoming chair of the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Justice, which recently launched an MS in Sustainability and Health. "This international collaboration extends our work to protect human and planetary health through sustainable solutions."

Demokritou joins an international cohort of fellows selected from institutions around the world. During his fellowship, he will engage with individuals across disciplines to explore new collaborations and advance innovative approaches to addressing pressing scientific and societal challenges.

“Beyond the personal honor, I believe this fellowship presents an excellent opportunity for Rutgers School of Public Health to strengthen its international engagement in emerging environmental challenges,” said Demokritou. “The University of Surrey has internationally recognized strengths in sustainability, environmental health, air pollution engineering, AI, and public health, and this is a wonderful opportunity to build a collaborative partnership.”