Asst. Professor Gabriel Sanoja receives Adhesion Society’s Early Career Award

Assistant Professor Gabriel Sanoja is the 2026 recipient of the Adhesion Society Early Career Award. The Early Career Award honor recognizes a young scientist or engineer for conducting outstanding and fundamental research in adhesion science. Sanoja’s exceptional interdisciplinary contributions bridge polymer chemistry, polymer physics, and fracture mechanics.

“His pioneering work has already reshaped how our field understands deformation and damage in soft materials. His creativity, rigor, and leadership have established him as one of the most promising voices in adhesion science, and the Society is proud to celebrate his achievements and the impact he is poised to make in the years ahead,” noted the Adhesion Society.

The Sanoja Research Group focuses on engineering the mechanical properties of soft polymeric materials which are irreplaceable in applications requiring large reversible deformations, such as elastomers in rubber tires, dampers and seals; hydrogels in contact lenses and superabsorbent diapers; and pressure-sensitive-adhesives in band-aids, double-sided tapes, and wearable electronics. His lab’s work is advancing our understanding of advanced materials leading to a more energy efficient, healthy and sustainable society.

ABOUT THE ADHESION SOCIETY

The Adhesion Society was organized in 1978 out of the recognized need for a multidisciplinary forum to discuss adhesion issues. The Adhesion Society mission is to promote the advancement of the science and technology of adhesion and the dissemination of this knowledge, promote education and training in the science and technology of adhesion, and provide recognition of accomplishments in the international adhesion science and technology community.