Outstanding research into sustainable battery materials
Science Prize for Professor Birgit Esser
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She is one of the most influential scientists in her subject and is working on solutions to a key question for the future: Professor Birgit Esser, a chemist, conducts research into sustainable battery materials and is the Ulm spokesperson for the POLiS cluster of excellence. The city of Ulm has recognised her scientific excellence with the 2026 Science Prize, which was formally presented by Lord Mayor Martin Ansbacher on Schwörmontag.
Electrochemical energy storage is a key technology for a successful energy transition and is therefore of great relevance to society. Professor Birgit Esser, a battery researcher at Ulm University, is working on how such storage systems can become more efficient, more resource-efficient and less dependent on scarce raw materials. The chemist has now received the City of Ulm’s Science Prize, worth 7,500 euros, for her outstanding research into sustainable battery materials and her work in science communication. The prize was presented by Lord Mayor Martin Ansbacher on Monday, 20 July, at the Schwörfeier ceremony.
Birgit Esser is a Professor of Organic Chemistry and uniquely combines expertise in synthetic chemistry with know-how in the field of organic battery electrode materials. With her holistic approach, Esser aims to bridge the gap between basic research into the latter and their practical application. “Professor Esser is one of the leading female scientists in her subject,” said Lord Mayor Martin Ansbacher, quoting from the text of the certificate at the Weinhof. “Her research combines scientific originality with high societal relevance.”
The chemist is also the Ulm spokesperson for the POLiS (Post Lithium Storage) Battery Cluster of Excellence, whose successful continuation bears her hallmark to a considerable extent and raises the profile of Ulm as a centre for battery research in Germany and beyond. “Our shared goal is to find sustainable solutions that make sense both economically and ecologically,” said Esser. “What fascinates me about organic electrode materials is the entire process: it begins with targeted molecular design, which allows us to control how a material absorbs or releases electrons and how it behaves electrochemically,” the scientist explains of her research: “Building on this, we want to understand exactly how these materials work – for example, how ions, i.e. electrically charged particles, migrate through the material. We are currently investigating this very intensively. Ultimately, the aim is practical application: the use of these materials in battery cells.”
As the founding director of the CELEST Green Energy Lab – which aims to establish a reference laboratory for electrochemical energy storage systems beyond lithium – Esser’s work extends far beyond her own subject, bringing together scientific research, the promotion of young researchers and institutional development. The text of the certificate goes on to state that she embodies international visibility, scientific excellence and strategic development work, and that her efforts reinforce Ulm as a centre of science in a special way.
The University’s President, Professor Michael Weber, praised the award winner: “We are proud that one of the most prestigious female scientists in this challenging field is conducting research at Ulm University. Birgit Esser has played a major role in ensuring that Ulm, as a centre of German battery research, is constantly breaking new ground and remains a leading international hub. We are delighted that she is being honoured with the 2026 Science Prize.”
The Science Prize for the Ulm University of Applied Sciences, also worth 7,500 euros, is awarded to Professor Peter Renze, who has played a decisive role in shaping energy research at the University of Applied Sciences for many years. His scientific work focuses on the development of sustainable energy systems. A particular focus is on how hydrogen storage technologies can be better integrated into existing energy systems to make them more efficient and ensure their economic viability. In doing so, he is making an important contribution to tackling the major challenges of the energy and climate transition. A visible result of the work carried out by the Head of the Institute of Power Engineering and Energy Economics is the THU’s Energy Park on the Eselsberg campus.
Further information on Prof. Dr Birgit Esser
Birgit Esser, a chemist, was appointed to Ulm by the University of Freiburg in 2022 as Professor of Organic Chemistry. She is the spokesperson for the Ulm site of POLiS, Germany’s only battery cluster of excellence, which entered its second funding period in 2025. She has headed the Institute of Organic Chemistry II and Advanced Materials since 2024; in 2023, Esser secured a Consolidator Grant from the European Research Council (ERC) worth two million euros. In addition, Esser is a member of the CELEST research platform and an associate group leader at the Helmholtz Institute Ulm. Esser studied and completed her PhD in Heidelberg and conducted research at Ulm University and at MIT in the USA.
About the City of Ulm Science Prize
Every other year, the City of Ulm awards the Science Prize, worth a total of 15,000 euros, for outstanding scientific achievements by individuals, research groups or working groups. Traditionally, the prize is split between researchers from Ulm University and Ulm University of Applied Sciences. The City Council of Ulm awards the Science Prize following a preliminary decision by a selection panel comprising representatives from the Ulm University, the Ulm University of Applied Sciences and members of the City Council.
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Topic World Battery Technology
The topic world Battery Technology combines relevant knowledge in a unique way. Here you will find everything about suppliers and their products, webinars, white papers, catalogs and brochures.