EVANSTON, IL -- Five colleagues from UL Research Institutes received 2026 AI NEXTGEN America Futurist Awards, recognizing their accomplishments, leadership, and impact in shaping the future of work, innovation, and emerging technologies.

Becki Rowan White, from our @Institute for Research Experiences & Education, received an Educator of the Future Award in recognition of her leadership in research education and workforce development.

The recipients were honored at the Futurist Awards Ceremony on Oct. 10, 2026, during the AI NEXTGEN America Conference at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, Maryland.

The honorees span four of the organization's institutes and four award categories, displaying the breadth of UL Research Institutes' safety science mission — from battery and energy systems to chemical exposure and healthcare technology to research education.

"These five colleagues reflect the best of UL Research Institutes — curious, rigorous, and committed to work that helps make people safer," said Chris Cramer, Ph.D., executive vice president and chief research officer at UL Research Institutes. "Across materials discovery, electrochemical safety, chemical insights, and research education, these individuals demonstrate how emerging technologies can create meaningful impact when applied responsibly."’

Migo Szeman Ng, Ph.D., from our @Electrochemical Safety Research Institute, received an Energy Pioneer Award for advancing knowledge in electrochemical and energy storage safety.

The AI NEXTGEN America Conference & Futurist Awards are presented by Career Communications Group, Inc., and powered by STEM City USA. The program recognizes leaders, innovators, educators, and organizations translating technological advancement into meaningful outcomes for people, industries, and the workforce.

The five UL Research Institutes award recipients are:

Justin Finesilver, Institute for Research Experiences & Education: Technology Rising Star Award

Asra Hassan, Ph.D., Materials Discovery Research Institute: Technology Rising Star Award

Becki Rowan-White, Institute for Research Experiences & Education: Educator of the Future Award

Migo Szeman Ng, Ph.D., Electrochemical Safety Research Institute: Energy Pioneer Award

Qian Zhang, Ph.D., Chemical Insights Research Institute: Healthcare Technology Leader Award