In tragic news, renowned scientist John B. Goodenough, the pioneering mind behind the development of the lithium-ion battery, passed away on Sunday at the remarkable age of 100
John B. Goodenough received the Nobel Prize for Chemistry when he was 96
Goodenough held the prestigious Virginia H. Cockrell Centennial Chair of Engineering and was a faculty member of the Cockrell School of Engineering for 37 of his illustrious years at The University of Texas in Austin. He had a strong commitment to investigating novel approaches to energy storage as well as addressing difficult problems in solid-state science and engineering. His relentless commitment resulted in the development of innovative rechargeable batteries that offer great energy density for mobile phones, laptops, tablets, and electric cars.
Goodenough’s impact extended beyond his groundbreaking research. He was a beloved teacher and mentor, guiding numerous graduate students and faculty members with his wisdom and encouragement. His generosity and passion for education were evident through his donations to the University and the establishment of scholarships and research funds.
Born in Germany in 1922, Goodenough obtained his degrees in mathematics and physics from prestigious institutions like Yale University and the University of Chicago. Throughout his career, he held positions at renowned institutions such as MIT‘s Lincoln Laboratory and the University of Oxford. Goodenough continued working well into his 90s, emphasizing the importance of not retiring too early. His impact on the scientific and engineering communities will endure, inspiring future innovators and researchers.
John Goodenough was a brilliant scientist and engineer who dedicated his life to developing new energy storage solutions. He held the Virginia H. Cockrell Centennial Chair of Engineering at UT Austin for 37 years, and his work led to the creation of cutting-edge rechargeable batteries used in mobile phones, laptops, tablets, and electric vehicles. He was also a beloved teacher and mentor, and his generosity and passion for education will be remembered for generations to come
