A legacy of innovation and dedication in electrochemistry
Since joining The Electrochemical Society (ECS) as a member in 1984, Dr. Robert G. Kelly has exemplified what it means to be a pioneer in the field of electrochemistry. As Editor-in-Chief of ECS’s membership magazine, The Electrochemical Society Interface, since 2018, Dr. Kelly has been instrumental in shaping our community’s conversation and direction. His lifelong commitment to advancing scientific research, dynamic leadership at ECS, and extraordinary contributions to both academia and industry, truly deserve celebrating.
Prof. Kelly holds the prestigious titles of Associate Chair for Operations, AT&T Professor of Engineering, and Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Virginia (UVA) which he joined in 1990. As Co-Director of the Center for Electrochemical Science and Engineering, he leads innovative research projects that advance the fundamental understanding of electrochemical processes and translate into practical applications such as the development of embeddable corrosion micro-instruments and the use of microfabrication methods to study localized corrosion. His research has contributed to significant advances in corrosion science and been pivotal in addressing real-world challenges such as corrosion in aging aircraft and infrastructure.
A distinguished background
Dr. Kelly’s journey began with a robust academic foundation. He earned his BS, MS, and PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from Johns Hopkins University by 1989. Postdoctoral research at the University of Manchester further cemented his expertise in corrosion science, a field he has pursued passionately ever since. Over the past 30 years, his groundbreaking research on metal corrosion has continued to push the boundaries of our understanding. His work spans studies of marine corrosion, non-aqueous solvents, and stress-corrosion cracking, providing valuable insights into the mechanisms of localized corrosion in various alloy systems.
Accolades
With over one hundred co-authored papers and countless invited talks, Dr. Kelly’s scholarly contributions resonate throughout the global scientific community, earning him prestigious awards including the 1997 NACE A. B. Campbell Award and 1999 ECS Corrosion Division H. H. Uhlig Award. These honors recognize both his scientific rigor and role as mentor to the next generation of corrosion engineers. Moreover, his teaching excellence, recognized by awards such as UVA’s 2004 All University Teaching Award, underscores his dedication to inspiring and training future scientists and engineers.
Community commitment
Beyond research and teaching, Dr. Kelly’s service to ECS, its publications, and its meetings, reflect his commitment to the community. As Editor-in-Chief of The Electrochemical Society Interface, he plays a crucial role in disseminating cutting-edge research and fostering an environment where scientific dialogue and innovation thrive. His leadership has enhanced the magazine’s reputation and strengthened ECS’s mission of advancing electrochemical science around the world.
Today, we celebrate Dr. Robert G. Kelly for his visionary contributions, steadfast service to ECS, and enduring impact on scientific advancement. His career is a shining example of how dedication, passion, and leadership propel individual growth and the progress of an entire scientific community. We look forward to many more years of his inspiring work and continued service in the field of electrochemistry.
