Graetzel, professor and director of the at the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, is recognized for merging nanoscience with photoconversion by developing a dye-sensitized solar cell known as the . These cells convert sunlight into electricity using earth-abundant materials at efficiencies exceeding thin-film silicon-based cells but with dramatically lower production costs. Mass production of the cells began in 2009.
Graetzel holds more than 50 patents and has written two books and more than 1,200 publications. His work makes him one of the most highly cited chemists worldwide, and his concepts have spawned hundreds of research groups and multiple conferences.
In spring 2014, Graetzel will visit Louisville to give a public talk about his winning work and participate in other events. He will receive the Conn Prize medal and the award, which recognizes outstanding renewable energy ideas and achievements with proven global impact.
鈥淒r. Graetzel is the international leader in making solar energy more efficient, practical and affordable. The University of Louisville values his research, and we are proud that he is the first winner of the Leigh Ann Conn Prize,鈥 said UofL President James Ramsey, who will confer the award.
The prize, managed by UofL鈥檚 Conn Center for Renewable Energy Research, is named for the late daughter of Hank and Rebecca Conn, who are center supporters and the prize benefactors.
鈥淩ecognizing renewable energy innovations of such high caliber is a wonderful way to memorialize Leigh Ann,鈥 said Hank Conn, a UofL engineering and business alumnus. 鈥淲e are excited because the science is proven and it鈥檚 being translated into the world. The choice of Michael Graetzel mirrors the work conducted at the Conn Center and reinforces everything we鈥檝e strived for these past five years. She would be proud.鈥
Nominations for the 2014 competition will be accepted Jan. 1-June 1, 2014; criteria and directions are at .
