Uppsala chemists selected as Research Leaders of the Future
The selected research projects from Uppsala University are about the development of applications in photocatalysis and quantum technology, and anode-free lithium batteries with extremely high energy density and improved safety. Photo: Getty Images
Two chemists at Uppsala University have been named Research Leaders of the Future by the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research (SSF). Victor Gray and Leiting Zhang will each receive SEK 15 million over a five-year period, as well as leadership training.
Victor Gray.
The SSF has selected 16 out of 213 applicants for the Future Research Leaders 9 (FFL-9) programme. The programme is aimed at young Swedish or foreign researchers with the highest scientific and pedagogical competence who also demonstrate leadership potential.
One of the selected researchers is Victor Gray at the Department of Chemistry-Ångström. In the research project ‘Singlet fission – a platform for transformative technologies’, he is exploring a photophysical process called singlet fission and how it can be utilised in technologies such as photocatalysis and quantum technology.
“It is a rather unique process that is initiated when a molecule absorbs light, after which the absorbed light energy is split into two parts, which can be advantageous in photocatalysis and solar cells. But the process also occurs through a quantum state, which has properties that can be utilised in quantum technologies, for example in sensors.”
Practical applications
The SSF grant will primarily be used to recruit doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers to work on the project. According to Victor Gray, the project will lead to a deeper understanding of the molecular structures and practical properties related to singlet fission.
"I look forward to broadening my research towards quantum technologies. My research has previously always been related to solar energy, including photocatalysis, so it will be fun to explore other areas as well. I hope to demonstrate practical applications of singlet fission beyond solar cells.”
Leiting Zhang.
Leiting Zhang is also a researcher at the Department of Chemistry-Ångström, where he is assistant professor as well as active at the Ångström Advanced Battery Centre. The goal of his research project ‘High-energy batteries without anodes’ is to develop anode-free lithium batteries with extremely high energy density and improved safety. A particular focus is on the high demands of next-generation electric aviation.
“My team’s research vision is to bridge fundamental understandings of battery systems with methodological and technological breakthroughs in the design and optimisation of high-energy batteries. Ultimately, we want to position Sweden at the forefront of battery innovation and electromobility leadership on a global level,” says Leiting Zhang.
Innovative battery chemistries
According to him, being selected as a Research Leader of the Future by SSF is not only a personal milestone but also a confirmation of the critical need to rethink the operation of next-generation transport systems using innovative battery chemistries.
"I look forward to attracting highly talented battery researchers to my team to work on this challenging but rewarding project. Understanding the mechanisms and development of internal stresses in anode-free systems can open up new design principles for safer and more efficient batteries, which will ultimately contribute to a more sustainable and electrified society," says Leiting Zhang.
Anneli Björkman
Facts The Future Research Leaders 9 (FFL-9) programme
- For the ninth time, the Foundation for Strategic Research has selected Research Leaders of the Future.
- The researchers will receive a grant of SEK 15 million each over a five-year period and will participate in comprehensive leadership training during the programme.
- The programme is aimed at young Swedish or foreign researchers with the highest scientific and pedagogical competence who also demonstrate leadership potential. The researchers should have the ambition to implement research results in society, also outside of academia, and should be able later in their careers to assume responsibility for a constellation that is significantly larger than their own research group.