As esteemed and beloved ECS member Prof. Esther Takeuchi notes, “Scientific discovery is a marathon, not a sprint; you have to be in it for the long-haul.”
To commemorate Prof. Takeuchi’s enduring legacy and critical achievements, The Electrochemical Society (ECS ) is honored to announce the founding of the Esther Sans Takeuchi Innovation Award to recognize individuals who have had substantial and sustained impact on the field of electrochemistry, specifically its application to deployed technologies on energy and the environment.
The Esther Sans Takeuchi Innovation Award
The new award recognizes an individual who has significantly advanced electrochemistry through technologies that address energy and environmental challenges. Reflecting Dr. Takeuchi’s legacy, it celebrates sustained innovation that bridges fundamental science and applied devices to deliver meaningful societal and technological impact. Eligible contributions span a broad range of electrochemical inventions, including energy storage and conversion, sensors, materials, corrosion and coatings, electrochemical and bioelectrochemical components and assemblies, and electronics.
ECS Executive Director Christopher Jannuzzi shares news of the Esther Sans Takeuchi Innovation Award honoring her legacy and contributions to electrochemistry.
Support the Next Generation of Electrochemical Innovation
Prof. Takeuchi’s groundbreaking contributions to electrochemistry demonstrate the lasting impact of scientific innovation. Carry her legacy forward by supporting the Esther Sans Takeuchi Innovation Award. Your assistance will help to recognize individuals whose work has made significant and sustained contributions to electrochemistry and its real-world applications in energy and the environment, inspiring continued innovation that benefits society.
Esther Takeuchi
This award is named for former ECS President (2011–2012) Esther Takeuchi, who has been an ECS member since 1985. Inducted into the U.S. Inventors Hall of Fame, she holds more than 150 patents, making her one of the leading American women patent holders. She received the National Medal of Technology and Innovation in 2008 for her innovative battery research at Greatbatch Inc., where she was a key contributor to the development of the battery system that powers life-saving implantable cardiac defibrillators. Throughout her career in industry and as a distinguished professor at Stony Brook University and a chief scientist at Brookhaven National Laboratory, Prof. Takeuchi espoused ideals of scientific discovery translating to innovative practical inventions that impact society.
Nominations
Nominations for the inaugural Esther Sans Takeuchi Innovation Award open on March 15, 2027. Details on eligibility requirements and the nominating process will be available soon on the ECS website.
Honoring Achievement; Celebrating Service
The ECS Honors & Awards Program honors outstanding technical achievements in electrochemical and solid state science and technology, as well as exceptional service to the Society. Recognition opportunities exist in the following categories: Society awards, division awards, student awards, and section awards. There are no restrictions or reservations regarding age, sex, race, citizenship, or place of origin or residence.
For more information about the ECS Honors & Awards Program, e-mail awards@electrochem.org.