January 5, 2026 – Congratulations to Vlastimil Kunc, IACMI’s Technical Area Director for Materials and Processes, for being one of three researchers at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory to be named ORNL Corporate Fellows. This recognition is for significant career accomplishments and continued leadership in their scientific fields.
Corporate Fellow is the highest recognition for members of the ORNL research staff. Michael McGuire, Forrest Hoffman and Vlastimil Kunc have been recognized by the laboratory for their standing in the international scientific community as exceptional and influential researchers and as role models and mentors among peers and early career researchers.
“Corporate Fellows epitomize ORNL’s commitment to scientific excellence and leadership,” said ORNL Director Stephen Streiffer. “Their outstanding research accomplishments, influential contributions to the broader scientific community, and dedication to mentoring the next generation of researchers are vital to the laboratory’s continued success. Congratulations to Forrest, Vlastimil, and Michael on this well-deserved recognition.”
Vlastimil Kunc leads the Composite Science and Technology Section in Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Manufacturing Science Division, where he has redefined the boundaries of composite materials and large-scale additive manufacturing. An internationally recognized expert, Kunc has helped position ORNL as a global leader in advanced manufacturing innovation, driving breakthroughs in additive and hybrid systems, fiber-reinforced polymers, and composite applications that strengthen U.S. industrial competitiveness.
At ORNL, Kunc has grown the section he founded from three researchers to nearly 60, building one of the world’s foremost programs in composite science and technology. His research has enabled new industrial capabilities across the automotive, aerospace and defense sectors, including the first 3D-printed thermal protection system tested on the International Space Station.
Kunc has authored more than 180 peer-reviewed publications, holds 19 patents, and has earned six R&D 100 Awards, eight CAMX Awards for Composites Excellence, two Federal Laboratory Consortium Awards, the 2023 Battelle Distinguished Inventor honor, and the 2025 ORNL Inventor of the Year award. He also holds a Guinness World Record for producing the world’s largest solid 3D printed item.
Beyond his research, Kunc mentors students and early career scientists and contributes to national initiatives such as IACMI, the Composites Institute and the Department of Energy’s advanced manufacturing roadmaps. Through his vision and leadership, he continues to elevate ORNL’s global reputation, advancing U.S. innovation, strengthening domestic supply chains and expanding the nation’s industrial and scientific impact.