It is a tremendous honor to serve as President of the IEEE Microwave Theory and Technology Society (MTT-S). I would like to begin by expressing my sincere gratitude to Dr. Goutam Chattopadhyay for his leadership and outstanding contributions during his presidency in 2025. I am also deeply thankful to the many volunteers, leaders, and colleagues who have built this Society into a vibrant and truly global community it is today.
MTT-S is not only strong and active; it stands at the intersection of some of the most transformative technologies shaping our world. Across the globe, our members are advancing the frontiers of microwave science and technology, enabling innovations in wireless connectivity, space exploration, healthcare, sensing, and sustainability. Through these efforts, the work of our community continues to have a profound impact on society.
As I begin my presidency, I am guided by a simple belief: micro-waves can create macro-impact. This impact is reflected not only in technical breakthroughs or publications, but also in people: how we connect with one another, how we reach across borders, and how we inspire the next generation of engineers and researchers.
First and foremost, MTT-S is a Society about people. Our strength lies in our volunteers, chapters, students, industry partners, and long-standing members who have built this community over decades. In an increasingly global and diverse Society, it is more important than ever that every member feels a sense of belonging, not merely as a conference participant or journal reader, but as a valued part of a worldwide professional home.
At the same time, we must continue to extend our global reach. MTT-S is truly international, and our members work in very different environments and contexts. By listening carefully and engaging more deeply with our regional chapters and local members, we can ensure that opportunities for learning, collaboration, and professional growth are accessible to all, regardless of geography.
Looking to the future, our responsibility to students and early-career professionals is especially important. The next generation will define not only the technologies of tomorrow, but also the culture and values of our field. We must inspire them by showing that microwave engineering is not only intellectually rewarding, but also deeply relevant to the world’s most pressing challenges. By making the invisible visible, we can help young engineers see how their skills can truly make a difference.
Meanwhile, we must tell our story more boldly. Microwave engineering quietly underpins much of modern society, yet its impact is often overlooked outside our community. By better communicating what we do and why it matters, we can raise public awareness, attract new talent, and ensure that our field receives the recognition it deserves.
The future of MTT-S is shaped not by any one individual, but by the collective energy, generosity, and commitment of its members. As we begin this new year together, I warmly encourage each of our members to stay connected with the Society in whatever way feels right, whether by mentoring a student, sharing your expertise, volunteering your time, or simply bringing your passion for our field to the community.
The waves we study may be micro, but the difference we can make together is truly macro. I look forward to working with you in the year ahead to build an even stronger, more connected, and more impactful MTT-S.
Anding Zhu
2026 IEEE MTT-S President