Professor Samuel Stranks from the University of Cambridge, a specialist in optoelectronics, has been awarded the Stanisław Lem European Science Prize. The Lem Prize is awarded to young scientists (under 40 years of age) studying or conducting research in the European Union and associated countries.

An international jury evaluates their recent discovery or significant achievement in the wide-ranging disciplines of science and engineering, with strong elements of technology, interdisciplinarity, creativity and vision. This year, 26 competition applications were received from 14 countries, including three from Poland.

According to the jury, Prof Samuel Stranks’ scientific profile is characterised by outstanding scientific competence, innovation, interdisciplinarity, as well as significant contributions to solving society’s most pressing challenges. The laureate also combines a wealth of experience in international cooperation with active support of early career researchers.

The Laureate is working on the optical and electronic properties of novel semiconductors, including halide perovskites, carbon allotropes and organic semiconductors being developed for cost-effective applications in electronics.

Halide perovskites have created new opportunities in the field of easily customisable and high-performance semiconductors, promising for the production of low-cost, energy-efficient solar cells and lighting devices.

The Stanisław Lem European Science Prize (Lem Prize) was established to commemorate the 100th birthday of the outstanding Polish science fiction novelist, who received an honorary doctorate from the Wrocław University of Technology in 1981.

Each year, the laureate is chosen by a jury composed of eminent academics from abroad and the Wrocław University of Science and Technology, as well as Tomasz Lem, the writer’s son.

Arkadiusz Słomczyński