NEWS Professor Kevin K. Lehmann from the University of Virginia, USA, has been appointed honorary doctor at the Faculty of Science and Technology at Umeå University for 2025. He is recognised for his strong commitment to research at the Department of Physics and for his important contributions to spectroscopy.
Kevin K. Lehmann, University of Virginia.
“I was very surprised and grateful for the honor. I associate honorary doctorates with individuals of outstanding accomplishments which, to be honest, isn’t how I usually think about myself. It’s moving to know that my contributions to the field of spectroscopy are so highly valued,” says Kevin K. Lehmann.
Kevin K. Lehmann is an internationally recognised expert in molecular spectroscopy – a technique that uses laser light to study how molecules behave and interact. His research has influenced both fundamental science and real-world applications, such as measuring greenhouse gases, analysing human breath for medical purposes, and monitoring industrial chemical processes.
His connection to Umeå University began in 2017 when he met Professor Aleksandra Foltynowicz at a conference in Europe. Their shared scientific interests quickly led to a collaboration that continues to this day. He first visited Umeå in 2019 and has since returned several times, most recently for a six-month sabbatical which ended in March 2025.
His influence and close collaboration have led to a new research orientation at the department, which has gained significant international recognition and resulted in the awarding of several major research grants as well as multiple high-impact publications.
“Professor Lehmann has played a key role in the development of a new line of research in our group,” says Aleksandra Foltynowicz. “His ideas helped us use our frequency comb method to tackle some unresolved problems in molecular spectroscopy, and his generous and collaborative spirit has been a real source of inspiration – not least for our doctoral students and postdocs.”
During his time in Umeå, Professor Lehmann has not only worked closely with the lab team, but also given lectures for students and shared his expertise.
“I’ve always followed my own curiosity and worked on questions that seemed important to me – sometimes in unconventional ways,” he says. “Collaborating with researchers at other universities has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. That’s why this recognition from Umeå University feels especially meaningful.”
The installation of the faculty's new honorary doctorate will take place at Umeå University's Annual Celebration in October.