The Carlsberg Foundation Research Prize 2015 has been awarded to Professor Jens Kehlet Nørskov, who headed DTU’s catalyst research until he took up his current post at Stanford University.
On Wednesday, 2 September, a visionary scientist received the Carlsberg Foundation Research Prize 2015. During his time at DTU, Jens Kehlet Nørskov set new standards for collaboration between researchers as he placed theoreticians working within catalysis closely together with the experimental researchers—a method of cooperation that has since been copied worldwide. Jens Kehlet Nørskov even adopted this model when, in 2009, he spearheaded the establishment at DTU ofCASE (Catalysis for Sustainable Energy)—an interdisciplinary research initiative whose aim was to accelerate the development of the technology which converts and stores energy while increasing yield from renewable energy.
Collaboration with DTU
DTU President Anders Overgaard Bjarklev is delighted that Jens Kehlet Nørskov has been awarded the Carlsberg Foundation Research Prize 2015:
"Jens Kehlet Nørskov continues to be a huge authority, and the University is incredibly happy to be working with him."
Anders O. Bjarklev, President of DTU
“Professor Jens Kehlet Nørskov has played a prominent role at DTU, and his research tied in with key DTU focus areas, i.e. the development of new technologies which, in the long term, can replace fossil fuels with renewable energy. Jens Kehlet Nørskov continues to be a huge authority, and the University is incredibly happy to be working with him. His appointment at Stanford University means, among other things, that we have a very good exchange of PhD students between DTU Physics and Stanford University.”
Since 2010, Professor Jens Kehlet Nørskov has been employed at Stanford University’s Department of Chemical Engineering and Photon Science, where he has headed the establishment of the research centre SUNCAT (Center for Interface Science and Catalysis) at Stanford University and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, USA. Like CASE at DTU, SUNCAT focuses on the design of new energy storage catalysts, and on the more effective utilization of renewable energy sources.
Internationally recognized research
In the course of his research career, Jens Kehlet Nørskov has published more than 450 scientific articles and received numerous Danish and international awards for his scientific work.
Through his research, Jens Kehlet Nørskov has had a big impact—in Denmark as well as internationally. In the international scientific community, Jens Kehlet Nørskov is recognized for his significant contributions to theoretical descriptions of surface science, catalysts, materials, nanostructures and biomolecules. Among other things, his research covers the development of theories which can improve our understanding of chemical processes taking place on the surface of materials. He is particularly committed to understanding catalytic processes which play a key role in sustainable energy and environmental protection.
The Carlsberg Foundation Research Prize totals DKK 1 million, comprising DKK 250,000 as a personal prize and DKK 750,000 of funding for a research project.
• The Carlsberg Foundation Research Prize was established in 2011 to mark the bicentenary of the birth of J. C. Jacobsen, who founded the Carlsberg Foundation.
• The prize is awarded to two researchers on the recommendation of the Royal Danish Academy of Sciences and Letters.
• Each prize totals DKK 1 million, of which 250,000 is given as a personal prize and DKK 750,000 of funding for a research project.
• The objective of the Carlsberg Foundation Research Prize is to support two active researchers in Denmark or abroad who have made significant contributions to basic research, and who enjoy widespread scientific recognition.
• The prizes must encourage further research, and can be used as required for studies abroad, fieldwork, the procurement of equipment or remuneration for academic assistance.