​KAUST Distinguished Professor Mohamed-Slim Alouini was recently elected as a 2021 Fellow of the Optical Society (OSA). The prestigious recognition highlights members who have served with distinction in the advancement of optics and photonics. This year's cohort comprises 118 newly elected members from 24 countries. The new Fellows will be honored at OSA conferences and meetings throughout 2021.

Alouini, a professor of electrical and computer engineering, and the associate dean of the KAUST Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Science and Engineering Division (CEMSE), is recognized by the Optical Society's Board of Directors for his outstanding contributions to optical wireless communications.

"Congratulations to the 2021 Fellows," said 2020 OSA President Stephen Fantone. "Your election, by your peers, is affirmation of your impressive accomplishments within our field. Thank you for your dedication to OSA and for advancing the science of light."

As no more than 10 percent of the OSA membership may be elevated to the rank of Fellow, the selection is highly competitive and rewards distinguished contributions to education, research, engineering, business and society.

This achievement coincides with Alouini's appointment by KAUST as Distinguished Professor, effective November 1, 2020. His international thought-leadership and seminal contributions to the area of wireless communications have helped elevate the university's global stature and reputation.

"The title of Distinguished Professor is one reserved for those few faculty members who have been able to help change the direction of their field and establish a mark of distinction for the university. Professor Alouini has clearly done that," said Dr. Tony F. Chan, KAUST president.

Professor Alouini's work on rate-aware networks has influenced 5G standards, and the emerging 6G formulation has made significant strides in advancing the field. A prolific author, he has published approximately 700 journal articles and more than 900 conference proceeding manuscripts—garnering more than 50,000 citations.

Alouini is also a Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and has received various awards from IEEE societies, including Distinguished Lecturer by the IEEE Vehicular Technology Society and the IEEE Communications Society, and a prestigious Technical Achievement Award by the IEEE Communications Society.