The distinguished academic and researcher from the Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María (USM), Dr. Samir Kouro, has been elevated to the grade of IEEE Fellow, the highest recognition granted by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). This prestigious award, reserved for less than 0.1% of IEEE voting members annually, highlighted his remarkable contributions to the development of topologies and control of power converters for the energy transition.
The IEEE, with more than 400,000 members worldwide, is one of the leading organizations in electrical and electronic engineering. The Fellow grade is its highest level of membership, awarded exclusively to professionals who have made significant contributions to knowledge and technology. Only 48 researchers from Latin America have received it throughout history, the vast majority from Brazil. In Chile, only five academics have received this honor, including Dr. José Rodríguez, former rector of USM and current researcher at the Advanced Center for Electrical and Electronic Engineering (AC3E).
Dr. Samir Kouro, academic at the Department of Electronics of USM and researcher at the Advanced Center for Electrical and Electronic Engineering, AC3E, was recognized for his advances in the research and creation of technology for partial power converters, whose influence extends to industrial applications in photovoltaic energy. “It has been possible to trace the influence of our research to companies and commercial products that are currently used in the photovoltaic industry, a concrete impact of the research carried out at AC3E,” the researcher highlighted.
His achievements include various patents, such as a technology transferred to the company Dhemax, used in fast charging stations for electric vehicles, and advances in multilevel power converters for renewable energies. His work in these areas has been widely cited in specialized journals and industrial patents, setting a precedent in the sector.
International Recognition and New Opportunities
For Dr. Kouro, this recognition “is an achievement that I share with colleagues, students and collaborators. It is the reflection of an ecosystem of excellence where USM, the Department of Electronics and AC3E have been key.”
He also pointed out the impact that this title has for his career and for the university, opening opportunities to strengthen global collaboration networks, attract international graduate students and develop research and development projects with industry. “Being an IEEE Fellow positions you worldwide as a benchmark in your area of knowledge. This not only benefits my career, but also generates projection for Chile and its capacity to contribute internationally,” said the academic.
The AC3E researcher, one of the youngest to obtain this degree in the country, highlights the pride of receiving this recognition from Chile. “I set out to develop my academic career to contribute from Chile, for Chile and the world. This achievement is a sign that, from our regions, we can achieve a significant impact globally,” he added.
This recognition consolidates Dr. Samir Kouro as a benchmark in the energy transition and a pillar in sustainable technological and industrial development, demonstrating that research from Chile can have a transformative reach internationally.
