Dr. Jennifer Rupp, Assistant Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at MIT, has won the BASF and Volkswagen Science Award Electrochemistry 2017 for her outstanding research results in the area of next-generation energy storage systems.

Dr. Rupp’s research focuses on material and electrode designs for solid-state batteries. She explored a novel glassy-type lithium-ion conductor that may lead to new design principles. She is also active in research on materials for solid oxide fuel cells, electrochemical sensors and information storage devices. The prize comes with a grant of €40,000.

The Science Award Electrochemistry, which supports the development of high-efficiency energy storage devices, has been presented every year since 2012.

At the award ceremony at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, invited experts discussed fast charging, as well as the safety and sustainability of materials and batteries. “We all know that batteries are at the core of electromobility, and there is great potential for specific technological progress in this area,” said BASF CTO Dr. Martin Brudermüller. “Yet, there are scientific hurdles we must first overcome. Electrochemistry is a key technology for sustainable future mobility. That is why we need first-class research around the globe, conducted by excellent scientists who inspire each other to continuously develop new and better solutions.”

“Within the Volkswagen Group, we expect to achieve about a quarter of our global sales volume with battery-electric vehicles in the year 2025,” said Dr. Ulrich Eichhorn, Head of Group Research and Development for Volkswagen. “However, a major prerequisite for success in the volume market is more powerful battery concepts. In Volkswagen Group Research and Development we are focusing on close cooperation, not only with industrial partners but also with the smart minds of the scientific community. The winners of our Science Award are an excellent example of innovative and creative ideas in this field.”

Source: BASF