Wadsworth is one of 17 NAE members currently or formerly associated with Oak Ridge. He is the third ORNL director named to the academy, joining Alvin Weinberg, who was elected in 1975, and Alvin Trivelpiece, elected in 1993.
"Oak Ridge National Laboratory has a history of membership and involvement in the National Academy of Engineering," Wadsworth said. "Being chosen to continue that tradition is a tremendous personal and professional honor for me."
Wadsworth was named to the NAE for his research on high-temperature materials, superplasticity and ancient steels and for leadership in national defense and science programs.
"The Academy honors Jeff Wadsworth's distinguished career as a researcher and also recognizes Oak Ridge National Laboratory's contributions under his leadership to addressing some of the world's grand challenges in science and engineering," said NAE President William A. Wulf, who also is vice chair of the National Research Council.
Wadsworth's induction comes as ORNL is winning major new research programs and nearing completion of a $300 million modernization of the lab's facilities.
Recent ORNL projects include the $1.4 billion Spallation Neutron Source, the world's largest civilian science project; the Department of Energy's first nanoscience center; and the world's largest non-classified computer.
"The National Academy of Engineering is an organization of international distinction, and our affiliation with it is appropriate with ORNL's growing reputation as a world leader in science and engineering," Wadsworth said.
Wadsworth, an internationally recognized metallurgist, became ORNL director in August 2003. He was previously a senior executive at Battelle Memorial Institute in Columbus, Ohio and in 2003 was elected Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science
Before joining Battelle in August 2002, he served as deputy director for science and technology at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. From 1980 to 1992, he worked for Lockheed Missiles and Space Company at the Palo Alto Research Laboratory. He holds B.S., Ph.D., D.Met., and D. Eng. (Honorary) degrees in metallurgy from Sheffield University in England.
Sunday's induction ceremony was part of the academy's annual meeting, recognizing 74 new members elected in February as being among the nation's top engineers. The association's total U.S. membership is 2,195 with 178 foreign associates.
NAE membership honors those who have made important contributions to engineering theory and practice, including engineering pioneers and those who have helped bring about major advancements or innovations in engineering and engineering education.