Ilja Popovs, an associate professor and the Pietro F. Pasqua Faculty Fellow in the Department of Nuclear Engineering, has been elected a foreign member of the Latvian Academy of Sciences.
Popovs was one of three foreign members elected to the 23-member class for 2025. The voting was revealed on November 20 at the general assembly of the Latvian Academy of Sciences.
“I am deeply honored to be elected a foreign member of the Latvian Academy of Sciences and to have our work in nuclear science and engineering recognized in this way,” Popovs said. “I am excited to continue building our research program, advancing cutting-edge nuclear technologies, and supporting the success of our students as we contribute to the continued growth and impact of the Department of Nuclear Engineering and the University of Tennessee.”
Popovs’ research integrates fundamental coordination chemistry, advanced spectroscopy, and ligand discovery to develop innovative chelators for radiotheranostic applications and separation and purification technologies for f-elements and radionuclides.
He has authored more than 70 peer-reviewed publications and holds several patents. His work has been recognized with multiple R&D 100 Awards and UT-Battelle research honors.
Popovs received his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Latvia and his PhD in organic chemistry from the University of Houston. He joined the University of Tennessee faculty in August after wrapping up his research in the Nanomaterials Chemistry Group at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
The Latvian Academy of Sciences is the official science academy of Latvia and an associate of the country’s foremost scientist. The organization is dedicated to the promotion of science and high-quality research, the study and development of the history, culture and language of Latvian people and the state, Latvia’s national resources and environment, and to advise the government and public about socially relevant scientific issues.
Contact
Rhiannon Potkey (rpotkey@utk.edu)