Special Award for Prof. Dr Martin Winter
In recognition of his exceptional achievements in the continued development of innovative energy storage technologies, Prof. Dr Martin Winter was honored with the “Shep Wolsky Battery Innovator Award”. The committee of the International Battery Seminar presented him with the prize during the 43rd conference in Orlando on March 24, 2026. Named after the founder of the event, the award honors an individual each year who has shaped the field of energy storage and technology worldwide. In addition, the recipients are committed to expanding and fostering a global battery community. Winter was the first European scientist to receive the award.
Recognition for Outstanding Research in Electrochemistry
His work in the community speaks for itself. He is one of the most respected global leaders in battery research, said the jury in praise of Winter's achievements. The chemist has been conducting research in the field of electrochemical energy storage and conversion for more than 35 years. He is the founder and scientific director of MEET Battery Research Center at the University of Münster. Since 2015, he is also founding director and scientific director of the neighboring Helmholtz Institute Münster of Forschungszentrum Jülich.
“The award is a very special recognition for me and my work, which I would like to pass on not only to my teams at MEET Battery Research Center and Helmholtz Institute Münster, but to the entire battery community. Together, we have already achieved substantial milestones in numerous collaborations and built a strong global battery ecosystem. I look forward to many more future-oriented projects,” Winter expressed his gratitude. With this award, the battery researcher joins the ranks of renowned prize winners, including Nobel Prize winner Prof. Dr Stanley Whittingham and Kurt Kelty from General Motors. A comprehensive overview can be found here.
About the International Battery Seminar
Founded in 1983 by Shep Wolsky, the International Battery Seminar presents the latest developments in global energy storage technology for various markets, such as consumer, automotive, military, and grid applications. It is one of the longest-running annual events in the battery industry worldwide. In 1991, for example, Sony chose the event as a platform to first announce its lithium ion technology.