Dr. Michael Karmis, mining and minerals engineering Stonie Barker Professor and director of the Virginia Center for Coal and Energy Research, has been named the 2019 recipient of the Ludwig Wilke Award from the Society of Mining Professors.

Karmis was presented with the prestigious award during the Society’s annual meeting and conference held in Bochum, Germany. The Society of Mining Professors’ Ludwig Wilke Award recognizes an active member whose research, publications and innovative educational initiatives have made significant contributions to the Society and to the body of knowledge in mining engineering. The award is named after Professor F. Ludwig Wilke, one of the Society’s founders and a distinguished engineer, researcher and academic.

This year’s award recognized Karmis for his distinguished contributions to the body of knowledge in mining engineering, his innovative research, and his significant service and commitment to the Society.

The Society of Mining Professors/Societät der Bergbaukunde represents the global academic community and is committed to making significant contributions to the future of the minerals disciplines. Its main goal is to guarantee the scientific, technical, academic and professional knowledge required to ensure a sustainable supply of minerals for mankind. The Society facilitates information exchange, research and teaching partnerships, and other collaborative activities among its members.

Karmis is the Stonie Barker Professor of the Department of Mining and Minerals Engineering and the Director of the Virginia Center for Coal and Energy Research (VCCER) at Virginia Tech.  His expertise is in the areas of geomechanics and mine systems, health and safety, carbon management and energy planning, and the sustainable development of energy and mineral resources.  He has authored/co-authored over 200 scientific papers and directed/co-directed 65 major research projects valued at +$60million.  His research has been funded by federal and state agencies, foundations and the private sector. 

Among his extensive service to the profession and numerous honors, he served as the 2002 President of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME) and as the 2008 President of the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical and Petroleum Engineers (AIME). Karmis is an Honorary Member of AIME, a Distinguished Member of SME, a Fellow of the Institute of Quarrying, and a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining.  He has received numerous awards and recognitions by major scientific, educational, professional and industrial organizations.