PhD Student Sam Goodwin Wins First Prize at Faraday Institution Conference for Visionary Battery Essay
Sam Goodwin, a PhD student in the Rosseinsky Group, has been awarded first prize in an essay competition held during the Faraday Institution Conference 2024 in Newcastle. The competition, organised by Intercalation and the Faraday Institution, challenged participants to envision the future of the battery industry in 2040.
In his winning essay, Sam explored the topic through a personal lens, reflecting on his journey as a researcher and the implications of battery technology on society. “It’s rare in a PhD to have the opportunity to step back and consider the broader context of our work,” Sam stated. “I wanted to take the reader on a personal journey, challenging ideas through the perspective of a train ride from London to Liverpool. Rather than focus solely on technical aspects, I aimed to reconnect with the community and reflect on how my research could benefit society.”
Sam's research focuses on discovering new materials for next-generation batteries, specifically by replacing the liquid electrolyte in lithium-ion batteries with a solid conducting material. This innovation addresses safety concerns associated with traditional batteries and aims to improve energy and power densities. His work seeks to mitigate the risks of battery fires and enhance the overall performance of battery technology, particularly as the industry reaches the limits of current lithium-ion technology.
The essay competition judged entries based on originality, clarity, depth of analysis, and relevance to the prompt. Sam’s thoughtful exploration of battery policy and legislation not only secured him the top prize but also opened new avenues for his future career. “I found the research process both interesting and thought-provoking,” he remarked. “It has made me consider legislative aspects of science as a potential career path after my PhD.”
At the end of the conference, Sam's essay was announced as the overall winner, and it has since been published in the Intercalation newsletter. You can read his award-winning essay here.
The School celebrates this significant achievement and commends Sam for his exceptional work and innovative thinking. His dedication not only reflects the quality of research being conducted at the University of Liverpool but also showcases the vital role of students in shaping the future of battery technology.