Golden lustre on Uppsala’s battery research
Kristina Edström, battery researcher and professor of inorganic chemistry at the Department of Chemistry – Ångström Laboratory at Uppsala University, is one of four 2020 gold medallists honoured by the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA) for outstanding achievements within engineering, economics, business and industry, and society.
In addition to researching about and developing new types of batteries since the 1990s and being a professor of inorganic chemistry at the Department of Chemistry – Ångström Laboratory at Uppsala University, Kristina Edström is also active in several other contexts at Uppsala University. This includes serving as an adviser to the Vice-Chancellor for research infrastructure at Uppsala University, which hosts several nationally and internationally available infrastructure resources.
But above all, she is coordinator for the major European research initiative Battery 2030+, which is led from Uppsala University and is working to position Europe as the global leader in developing and producing batteries of the future.
“This is an important, long-term research initiative within the field of batteries that will strengthen Europe’s research position and help industry manufacture batteries of the future. Batteries need to have larger storage capacity and longer lifespans and be safer and more environmentally friendly than current batteries to enable the transition to a more climate-neutral society,” says Kristina Edström.
Kristina Edström is now being recognised with the Gold Medal from the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences for her efforts.
IVA’s explanation for the award:
“Professor Kristina Edström is awarded the Gold Medal for her outstanding battery research that is allowing the world to come closer to a solution for energy storage, which is of utmost importance for society. Under her leadership, her development of the next generation of battery technology for application within the automobile industry is at the forefront internationally. Her ability to inspire and guide younger researchers has successfully built a strong research team.”
“I’m naturally very happy, and a bit shocked, by these kind words and, of course, proud of being recognised in this context and with being in such impressive company,” says Kristina Edström.
In addition to Kristina Edström, the other recipients of IVA’s 2020 Great Gold Medal are Honorary Doctor Marcus Wallenberg, Civil Engineer Åsa Bergman, and Professor Fredrik Bäckhed.
“This year’s medallists nicely reflect what IVA works toward: sustainable business and industry, farsighted research and climate-smart solutions. We are proud of having this breadth and expertise in our network, and we look forward to continuing to work with our medallists in creating a bright future,” says Tuula Teeri, president of IVA.
The medallists will be presented at IVA’s formal ceremony on 23 October, which will be entirely digital this year because of the pandemic. They will receive their medals in connection with the 2021 ceremony.
Anna Malmberg