Two Birmingham experts win Gold and Silver Medals – reflecting their major contributions to materials science.
University of Birmingham scientists Professor Emma Kendrick and Dr Sophie Pain have been recognised with prestigious awards from the Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining (IOM3).
Professor Kendrick has won the Gold Medal in recognition of her influential contributions to developing better, more sustainable rechargeable batteries. She has helped design new materials, improve manufacturing processes, and increase performance, lifespan, and safety.
Dr Pain receives the Silver Medal for her outstanding contributions to development of sustainable materials for photovoltaic systems – creating innovative ways to improve the performance and efficiency of solar cells using advanced manufacturing techniques.
Professor Kendrick and Dr Pain’s success is a powerful testament to the breadth and depth of materials science at Birmingham, being delivered at the highest level.
Professor Rachel O’Reilly, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) at the University of Birmingham said: “I am delighted to see such significant recognition from the Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining in this year’s awards. Professor Kendrick and Dr Pain’s success is a powerful testament to the breadth and depth of materials science at Birmingham, being delivered at the highest level.”
Chair of Energy Materials in the School of Metallurgy and Materials, Professor Kendrick works across the battery lifecycle, from designing new materials and improving how cells are manufactured, through to recycling and recovering materials at end of life. Her research spans lithium-ion batteries, and emerging sodium-ion batteries, which avoid scarce, critical materials and may offer a lower-cost, green alternatives.
Professor Kendrick said: "I'm honoured to receive the Gold Medal. Batteries are central to the energy transition, but they only deliver if we make them sustainably. This award reflects a big team effort and would not be possible without the fantastic work and support from the Energy Materials Group members and collaborators, present and past.”
Assistant Professor in Sustainable Materials in the Schools of Engineering and Metallurgy & Materials, Dr Pain has developed new methods for studying how nanoscale materials behave at semiconductor surfaces. Supported by a prestigious Royal Academy of Engineering fellowship, she has also established her own research programme focused on recycling solar panels, helping to make renewable energy more environmentally sustainable.
Dr Pain said: “I’m honoured to have received the Silver Medal from IOM3. I’m grateful for the support I’ve received from my colleagues, collaborators, and mentors, in addition to funding from the Royal Academy of Engineering. As solar deployment grows, so too does the need to consider the sustainability of these materials, from fabrication to end-of-life, and I am excited to continue my research in this area.”
The IOM3 Awards & Prizes are among the oldest and most prestigious accolades in the field, with a heritage dating back to 1874. These awards honour exceptional advancements in materials science, minerals, and mining, and recognise individuals and groups who have significantly contributed to the development and dissemination of knowledge in these critical areas.
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Chair of Energy Materials
Staff profile for Professor Emma Kendrick, Professor of Energy Materials at the University of Birmingham.
Assistant Professor in Sustainable Materials
Dr Sophie Pain is an Assistant Professor in Sustainable Materials in the Schools of Engineering, and Metallurgy and Materials. She is both a 125th Anniversary Fellow and a Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellow.
Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research)
Professor Rachel O'Reilly is Chair in Chemistry at the School of Chemistry. She leads the O'Reilly Group whose research targets the design, synthesis and application of uniquely derived polymeric materials.
