Chelikowsky, who is a professor of physics, chemical engineering and part of the Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, has been awarded the 2025 Hill Prize in Physical Sciences for his innovative approach to designing and discovering permanent magnets.
The development of energy materials for green technologies, such as electric vehicles and renewable energy systems, heavily depends on rare earth elements (REEs) for permanent magnets. However, the inclusion of REEs often faces secure supply chain issues. Additionally, the scarcity of REEs, such as neodymium (Nd) and dysprosium (Dy), poses a significant challenge for scaling up technologies like wind turbines. To address this, Chelikowsky and his team at The University of Texas at Austin will collaborate with researchers at The University of Texas at Arlington. They will leverage artificial intelligence, quantum simulations and experimental techniques to design and discover non-rare-earth (REE) abundant permanent magnets. The team will use the prize to explore promising alternatives that exhibit comparable magnetic properties to traditional REE-based magnets. Their approach could significantly impact energy security and accelerate the transition to sustainable energy solutions.
"It is with great pride that I congratulate this year’s Hill Prizes recipients. Their innovation is remarkable, as is their unwavering dedication to creating game-changing discoveries that address such crucial issues in our society,” said Lyda Hill, Founder of Lyda Hill Philanthropies. “Their contributions are a testament to their talent and perseverance, and I look forward to seeing how these prizes will support their efforts to shape a better and brighter tomorrow for us all."
TAMEST was founded in 2004. It comprises Texas-based members of the three National Academies (National Academy of Medicine, National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Sciences) and other honorific organizations. TAMEST brings together the state’s brightest minds in medicine, engineering, science and technology to foster collaboration, and to advance research, innovation and business in Texas.
Leaders of the winning groups will be recognized Feb. 4, at the opening reception of the TAMEST 2025 Annual Conference in Irving. Each recipient will submit an annual impact report to TAMEST and Lyda Hill Philanthropies to showcase their progress and highlight how the prize has accelerated their research.
Reposted from Cockrell School Of Engineering: Texas Engineers Take Home Hill Prizes
