MinerAlert
MinerAlert
Lawrence E. Murr, Ph.D., professor emeritus in the Department of Metallurgical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering at the Miguel A. Loya College of Engineering, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Journal of Materials Research and Technology (JMRT) Senior Career Award, one of the field's highest honors recognizing scholars whose careers have made lasting contributions to materials science.
Established in 2022, the annual award recognizes researchers of global impact whose work has transformed the materials field. Murr joins an internationally distinguished group of previous recipients from Germany, the United Kingdom, China and the United States.
Over a career spanning more than six decades, Murr has pioneered advances in transmission electron microscopy, explosive processing, friction-stir welding, additive manufacturing and nanotechnology. At ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ, he launched research programs in friction-stir welding, additive manufacturing and nanotechnology, becoming one of the first researchers to identify potential health hazards associated with nanoparticles. His work also advanced the understanding of dynamic recrystallization in friction-stir welding and helped establish porous biomedical implants produced through electron beam melting.
Murr's impact extends far beyond the laboratory. He has authored nearly 1,000 scientific publications with an H-index exceeding 100, served in academic leadership roles including department head at ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ and New Mexico Tech and mentored generations of engineers and scientists. His research has influenced industries around the world while his textbooks and reference works continue to serve as foundational resources for students and researchers.
The award article also highlights Murr's curiosity and creativity beyond traditional research. His study of the metallurgy and acoustics of Caribbean steel drums led to improvements in their construction and inspired the creation of a steel drum ensemble at ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ that continues to perform today.
Presented by the Journal of Materials Research and Technology, the JMRT Senior Career Award recognizes not only a lifetime of scientific achievement but also a lasting legacy of innovation, leadership and mentorship that continues to inspire future generations of materials researchers.