The application phase for the fifth Volkswagen and BASF ‘Science Award Electrochemistry’, now in its fifth year, has begun.   

Scientists of excellence from all over the world may apply online at www.science-award.com. The website also explains the participation conditions, procedure and selection process. The deadline for applications is August 12, 2016. Contributions submitted will be assessed by a jury comprising experts from BASF, Volkswagen and representatives from the scientific community. The award ceremony takes place in Berlin on November 21, 2016.

The international ‘Science Award Electrochemistry’ supports excellent scientific and engineering achievements and intends to provide fresh impetus to the development of high-efficiency energy storage devices. The science award has been held every year since 2012 and is intended for scientists working in academic research all over the world. The prize money totals 100,000 euros (Rs 76 lakh) and first place receives 50,000 euros.

In 2016, on the occasion of the fifth year of the science award, a special prize worth 15,000 euros (Rs 11.46 lakh) will be awarded to recognise applied research. Different application conditions apply to the special award and they are listed at www.science-award.com.

Knowledge of electrochemical processes and their application in the field of materials, battery cells or storage systems is an important base in order to develop future energy storage devices. Without these technologies, it is not possible to provide climate and resource-saving power supplies using regenerative energy or achieve future drive concepts such as electric mobility. Current energy storage devices have so far been unable to attain the performance which power supply and mobility customers are accustomed to. For this reason, Volkswagen and BASF are looking to motivate researchers of excellence working in science and corporate research to place even more commitment to the field of electrochemistry and its applications.