Edward Eisenstein Named Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Thu, Apr 2, 2026
Dr. Edward Eisenstein
Dr. Edward Eisenstein, IBBR Fellow and Associate Professor in the University of Maryland Department of Bioengineering, has been elected a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), one of the most distinguished honors in the scientific community, recognizing leaders whose work advances science and society.
He is recognized for his application of broad approaches to engineering plants as healthy bioenergy and bioproduct feedstocks, as well as for effectively leading the Center for Advanced Research in Biotechnology from 2000 - 2008 and helping establish the Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research (IBBR) from 2009 - 2010. His achievement will be celebrated at the annual Fellows Forum in Washington, DC, on May 29, 2026.
Dr. Eisenstein is among nearly 500 scientists, engineers, and innovators elected as 2025 Fellows for their scientifically and socially distinguished achievements throughout their careers.
“A scientific career is a marathon, not a sprint” said Jonathan Dinman, Director of the IBBR.“Over the course of his long career, Dr. Eisenstein has made significant impacts in all three academic areas; research, teaching and service. This is an honor well-earned.”
His research focuses on developing bioenergy plants using a multidisciplinary approach, enabling them to withstand various environmental challenges. His team’s current work centers on engineering poplar trees to enhance their use as bioenergy feedstock. In addition to his research accomplishments, he has been recognized for his mentorship of University of Maryland International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) teams. His work continues to advance innovation in bioengineering and sustainability.
In 2025, he was elected president of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB), a prestigious scientific society that fosters a global community of researchers committed to advancing the molecular life sciences. Earlier that year, he was also named an ASBMB Fellow, a distinction recognizing his exceptional accomplishments and commitment to research, education, mentorship, diversity and inclusion, advocacy, and service to the broader scientific community.
“Being named an AAAS Fellow is an incredible honor,” said Dr. Eisenstein. “I’m deeply grateful to the AAAS Council for electing me, and I am privileged to join their ranks to help advance science and its applications both in the field and throughout society. My goal as an AAAS Fellow is to become more involved in advocacy for science, especially among legislators, policymakers, and the public. AAAS is a great community, and I look forward to becoming even more engaged for greater impact.”
A tradition dating back to 1874, election as an AAAS Fellow is a lifetime honor, and all Fellows are expected to maintain the highest standards of professional ethics and scientific integrity. Distinguished past honorees include Ellen Ochoa, Steven Chu, Grace Hopper, Alan Alda, Mae Jemison, and Ayanna Howard. AAAS is one of the world’s largest scientific societies and the publisher of the Science family of journals.
“This year’s AAAS Fellows have demonstrated research excellence, made notable contributions to advance science, and delivered important service to their communities,” said Sudip S. Parikh, Ph.D., AAAS chief executive officer and executive publisher of the Science family of journals. “These Fellows and their accomplishments validate the importance of investing in science and technology for the benefit of all.”
