John Goodenough Awarded 2011 National Medal of Science

Professor John Goodenough is one of 12 eminent researchers to receive the highest honor bestowed by the United States government upon scientists, engineers and inventors.

Photo courtesy of Ryan K Morris/National Science & Technology Medals Foundation

President Barack Obama presented the 2011 National Medals of Science to recipients in a White House ceremony on Feb. 1, 2013. The video of the ceremony is available on YouTube. Watch Goodenough receive his medal from President Obama at 15:18.

Goodenough is a professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. He is known for identifying and developing critical materials now used worldwide in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.

The University of Texas at Austin chemistry professor Allen Bard also received the National Medal of Science, making UT Austin the only institution with more than one medal recipient this year.

John Goodenough in the news:

Marketplace story that discusses Goodenough’s contribution to battery history: The battery in your cell phone packs a lot of history (Jan. 31)

Associated Press story in which Goodenough is hailed as the best hope for a battery breakthrough: What Holds Energy Tech Back? The Infernal Battery (Jan. 22)

Related content:

Video of Goodenough reflecting on his work and contributions to science and engineering:

One Day at a Time – Reflections by John Goodenough

Cockrell School news release: Professor John Goodenough Named National Medal of Science Recipient