Professor Sam Stranks has been recognised for his work on next-generation solar technologies and emerging semiconductors with the awarding of the 2025 Institute of Physics Nevill Mott Medal and Prize.
Sam is Professor of Energy Materials and Optoelectronics in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology (CEB).
The prize, one of the Institute’s most prestigious, is awarded biennially for distinguished contributions to condensed matter or materials physics. Only a single recipient is chosen in each round, highlighting the distinction of the award.
Stranks’ research is advancing understanding of halide perovskites – materials that could make solar cells and LEDs significantly more efficient. Since establishing his Optoelectronics Materials and Device Spectroscopy Group (StranksLab) in 2017, he has built one of Cambridge’s largest research teams in this field, securing more than £23 million in funding and leading projects that combine fundamental science with applications in low-cost energy technologies.
"I’m deeply honoured to receive the Nevill Mott Medal. It reflects the efforts of my team and collaborators, who share my drive to use fundamental science breakthroughs to realise low-cost, scalable solutions to the climate challenge.”Professor Sam Stranks, Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology
He is a TED Fellow, co-founder of Swift Solar, which develops high-performance perovskite photovoltaic panels, Clarity Sensors, which develops next generation detectors for medical imaging, and Sustain/Ed, a not-for-profit supporting climate change education for school-age children. He also contributes to the scientific community as Associate Editor of Science Advances and on the editorial boards of ACS Energy Letters, Advanced Energy Materials, PRX Energy and Energy and Environmental Science.
Read the original Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology article.