Paul Braun named next materials department head

Professor and Grainger Distinguished Chair in Engineering Paul Braun will be the next head of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, effective Aug. 16, 2026, The Grainger College of Engineering has announced. 

Braun has been an integral part of the Illinois materials department for decades, having joined  in 1999 and later on becoming director of the Materials Research Laboratory at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. His strong record of contributions to research and service to the department led to this appointment.

"Throughout the search process, Prof. Braun articulated a compelling vision grounded in data‑driven leadership, consistently emphasizing the importance of people, culture, shared governance and a collective drive toward excellence, all of which are essential elements for the department’s future vitality," said Illinois Grainger Engineering Dean Rashid Bashir in an announcement email. "These principles are equally critical to the long‑term success of both MatSE and the college. Please join me in congratulating Prof. Braun on his appointment and in thanking him for stepping into this important role."

Bashir thanked Department Head and Swanlund Endowed Chair Nancy Sottos for her leadership and hard work in her time leading materials science and engineering, which began approximately 6.5 years ago. 

"Under her leadership, the department has thrived, maintained its top rankings in graduate and undergraduate programs, gone through an external review, and grown its impact both in research and service," Bashir said. "The department is in a strong financial and reputational position as she leaves the head position. We look forward to her continued success and further advancement of her excellence in scholarship and leadership."

Due to Braun's appointment, there will be transition in leadership of the Materials Research Laboratory. Further information should be expected in the future regarding this change. 

Illinois Grainger Engineering Affiliations 

Rashid Bashir is an Illinois Grainger Engineering professor of bioengineering in the Department of Bioengineering. He serves as dean of The Grainger College of Engineering and holds the Grainger Distinguished Chair in Engineering appointment.

Paul Braun is an Illinois Grainger Engineering professor of Materials Science and Engineering and is affiliated with the Department of Chemistry, the Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology. He is director of the Materials Research Laboratory and holds the Grainger Distinguished Chair in Engineering appointment.

Nancy Sottos is an Illinois Grainger Engineering professor of materials science and engineering and serves as department head of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. She also serves as a Center for Advanced Study professor and holds a Swanlund Endowed Chair appointment.