Professor Colm O’Dwyer of University College Cork (UCC) was confirmed as the President of The Electrochemical Society (ECS) at a recent meeting of its Board of Directors in San Francisco.
Speaking on his appointment, Prof. O’Dwyer said: "Energy conversion and storage are the lungs, fuel, and muscles of the sustainable and mobile electric future. Displays, chips, and electronic devices are the heart, brain, and nervous system. In this sense electrochemistry and electronics go hand-in-hand. These technologies are more important now than ever. It is an honour and privilege to be appointed President of this esteemed society, the members of which who will be to the fore of figuring out how we can achieve a more sustainable future.
"As a member for 23 years since attending my first Meeting in 2001, I have seen how important the Society is to many researchers, professionals, policy leaders, and eminent scientists across the world.
"ECS’s leadership in open dissemination of technical content and preeminent biannual international meetings impact the latest thinking on the science and technology underpinning the sustainable, electric future. With a core focus on sustainability in electrochemistry and solid-state sciences, this is all made possible by colleagues and volunteers the world over who contribute their time to make this a reality, for 122 years and counting.
"Here at UCC, research in semiconductor technologies, systems, sensors, batteries, energy science, and sustainability showcases the concentrated critical mass of excellence in these disciplines. Many colleagues in Ireland have presented some of their best work in these advancements at ECS Meetings over the decades,” he said.
The ECS’s global community comprises over 35,000 electrochemists, engineers, and solid-state scientists, with over 8,000 members in more than 85 countries. Thousands of academics, researchers, and government and industry leaders share pioneering scientific developments, exchange ideas, network, and expand research horizons at ECS’s biannual, co-hosted, and sponsored meetings.
The Society counts 16 Nobel laureates as past and present members, and Professor O’Dwyer, who is based at UCC’s School of Chemistry and Environmental Research Institute, will be its 122nd President since its inception in 1902.
ECS disseminates some of the most important peer-reviewed scientific research in the electrochemical and solid-state sciences. Sixteen Nobel laureates span the physical sciences as past and current members, contributing their work to ECS’s long history of publications and Meetings. The ECS Digital Library encompasses 185,000+ journal and magazine articles and meeting abstracts, including the Journal of The Electrochemical Society, the oldest peer-reviewed journal in its field. The Society supports open access through Free the Science, the Society’s initiative to make research freely available to world readers and free for authors to publish.
Chris Jannuzzi, Executive Director, and CEO of ECS, said: "The professional corps of ECS is extremely excited to work with President O’Dwyer. He truly understands the critical role societies like ECS can play in fostering positive change in the world. His passion for advancing the vision and mission of ECS is an inspiration to the entire team. We are very much looking forward to a wonderful year ahead!"
Professor John Cryan, UCC Vice President of Research and Innovation, added: "Many congratulations to Colm on being elected to this key leadership position, which is testimony to his stellar record at the interface of chemistry and environmental research. It is further evidence of UCC’s commitment to excellence in sustainability research that can have impact for society."
Professor Brian Ó Gallachóir, UCC Associate Vice-President of Sustainability, stated: "I am delighted to congratulate Colm on being elected President of this prestigious scientific body. It provides a very fitting acknowledgment of Colm’s expertise and leadership in the area of electrochemistry. It also reflects very positively on UCC’s leadership globally in sustainability research, where we seek not only to achieve scientific excellence but also to deliver significant societal impact, and in Colm’s case he is advancing the role of electrochemistry in enabling the energy transition to a low carbon climate neutral future."
Professor Anita Maguire, Head of the School of Chemistry, said: "It is tremendous to see Colm’s leadership and research excellence in electrochemistry and solid-state science recognised internationally through his election as President of the ECS. The School anticipates exciting outcomes over the coming years under his leadership, especially in relation to the impact of advances in electrochemistry on sustainability and the energy transition."
