The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) has named Professor Dilmurat Azimov of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s College of Engineering to its Class of 2026 Associate Fellows, citing his exceptional contributions to aerospace engineering by “demonstrating the utility and importance of analytical integration methods of mechanics in trajectory optimization, and guidance and control of aerospace vehicles.”
The AIAA Associate Fellow distinction honors individuals who have accomplished or supervised notable engineering or scientific work, carried out original research of outstanding merit, or made significant contributions to the advancement of aeronautics and astronautics. Only one member of AIAA in every 150 is selected annually for this recognition.
Azimov joined UH Mānoa’s faculty after an extensive career in academia and research, and currently serves as a professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. His research focuses on trajectory optimization, guidance and control systems for flight vehicles, and analytical methods for optimal control problems—work that contributes to the development of next-generation aerospace systems and autonomous vehicles.
“Being named an Associate Fellow of AIAA is a tremendous honor and a significant milestone in my career,” Azimov said. “I’m proud to represent Hawaiʻi, the Aloha State, in the global aerospace community and to contribute to advancing aerospace engineering research and education from our islands.”
Azimov earned a PhD in mechanics from the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (1992) and a DSc in dynamics, ballistics, and flight vehicle control from the Moscow Aviation Institute (2008).
The AIAA will formally induct the Class of 2026 Associate Fellows at a ceremony during the AIAA SciTech Forum on January 14, 2026, in Orlando, Florida.
The AIAA is the world’s largest aerospace technical society, with nearly 30,000 members from 91 countries. It serves as a leading forum for the exchange of ideas and advances in aerospace science, engineering and technology.
—By Justin Scott
