Roger Innes, a professor of biology in the College of Arts and Sciences' Department of Biology, has been appointed as distinguished professor, IU's highest academic title for its most outstanding and renowned scholars and researchers.
Innes's lab work primarily focuses on understanding the genetic and biochemical basis of disease resistance in plants. He's investigating how plants are able to recognize pathogens and actively respond. The research is funded by grants from the National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, and the NovoNordisk Foundation and has recently been featured in The Scientist Magazine. Innes is also a Class of 1954 Professor of Biology.
Indiana University trustees approved the appointment of 15 faculty members as distinguished professors this year.
"Faculty honored with the title of distinguished professor—a title reserved for only the most highly acclaimed and accomplished IU faculty—truly are among the finest scholars and researchers in the world," IU President Michael A. McRobbie said. "This prestigious appointment celebrates those who have earned national and international recognition and who have strengthened and transformed their fields of study through their research, scholarship, innovation and creative contributions to the world. They were chosen from the largest and best pool of candidates in IU's history.
"Our students and our campuses benefit enormously from the superb academic achievements, engagement and academic integrity of the faculty who have earned appointment as IU distinguished professor and who have been central to the reputation for excellence that IU enjoys as it begins its third century."
Distinguished Professor Symposia in Bloomington and Indianapolis to honor the 15 new distinguished professors will be announced in the coming weeks.
The College of Arts