Fabio Rocca

Currently Professor Emeritus of Telecommunications.

Alessandro Ferretti

He has a doctorate in electrical engineering from the Polytechnic of Milan.

New Frontiers for Hydrocarbons Prize

Rocca and Ferretti have created an innovative method for measuring millimeter movements of the soil using satellite radar (Permanent Scatterers Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar). This technique was successfully used to quantify the minimum vertical displacements of soil in order to monitor the movement of internal reservoir fluids during the extraction of oil or water injection. Currently, PSInSAR applications are limited to terrestrial and off-shore phenomena, with the monitoring of the movement of oil platforms. However, the use of synthetic aperture sonar currently being developed at the Polytechnic of Milan will extend applications to underwater environments.

He the author of fundamental work on the formation of the single bond between two atoms of carbon (CC), with particular reference to the molecules in which this bond is absent, such as carbon monoxide, methanol and methyl ether. This innovative approach helps address the challenge of synthesizing hydrocarbons, oxygenates and fuels using traditional resources such as natural gas, coal and biomass. In addition his research into acid catalysis has resolved persisting disputes and led to catalytic architectures that can replace toxic and corrosive liquids, frequently used as acid catalysts.

Harry A. Atwater

Holds the Chair of Applied Physics and Materials Science at the California Institute of Technology.

Albert Polman

Research group leader and director of the FOM Institute AMOLF in Amsterdam.

Renewables and non-convetional Energy Prize

They are the authors of a study that has provided a new class of ultra-thin photovoltaic solar cells. This result was achieved with a new approach called “plasmonic photovoltaics” where the design and construction of the cells is integrated with nanostructures. This result makes it possible to significantly reduce the cost of the materials used and offers renewed prospects for the development of technologies to capture solar energy. They have made ultra-thin solar cells in silicon on glass, GaAs thin film solar cells, among the most efficient in the world, and highly innovative models based micro-cables and silicon nanoparticles.

She renewed the use of a technique of isotopic analysis (CSIA Compound Specific Isotope Analysis) in the identification of pollutants of groundwater by hydrocarbons, solvents and fuel additives present in urban and rural sites. It makes it possible to highlight whether the reduction of the contaminant is due to other processes, such as dilution or dispersion, providing a clear evidence that the biodegradation underway is objectively destroying the contaminant. She has developed the scientific principles developed and pioneered innovative techniques for the application of stable isotope geochemistry for the research and protection of groundwater resources and the environment.

She has worked on one of the most promising new technologies for the remediation of aquifers, namely the use of nano-sized iron particles. These particles are capable of degrading the pollutant with which they come into contact in substances compatible with the environment, at a vastly superior rate compared with traditional technologies, reducing the time necessary for remediation from decades to a few months. Moreover, always thanks to their size, the nano and micro-particles of iron can be introduced to aquifers by injection using smaller probes, which permit treatment without interrupting the use of buildings and infrastructure overlying the contaminated area.

He has developed a methodology for the preparation of electrolytic membranes for lithium batteries, capable of supplying electrical power in an efficient manner without contaminating the environment. He is involved in several projects mainly focused on the synthesis and characterisation of polymer electrolyte membranes for energy storage and production devices. He is also considering the potential use of polymeric materials for a wide range of energy efficient systems, such as solar cells with synthetic pigments (DSSC), flexible capacitors, actuators, and even possible applications in the field of superconductivity.

Fabio Rocca

Currently Professor Emeritus of Telecommunications.

Alessandro Ferretti

He has a doctorate in electrical engineering from the Polytechnic of Milan.

New Frontiers for Hydrocarbons Prize

Rocca and Ferretti have created an innovative method for measuring millimeter movements of the soil using satellite radar (Permanent Scatterers Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar). This technique was successfully used to quantify the minimum vertical displacements of soil in order to monitor the movement of internal reservoir fluids during the extraction of oil or water injection. Currently, PSInSAR applications are limited to terrestrial and off-shore phenomena, with the monitoring of the movement of oil platforms. However, the use of synthetic aperture sonar currently being developed at the Polytechnic of Milan will extend applications to underwater environments.

He the author of fundamental work on the formation of the single bond between two atoms of carbon (CC), with particular reference to the molecules in which this bond is absent, such as carbon monoxide, methanol and methyl ether. This innovative approach helps address the challenge of synthesizing hydrocarbons, oxygenates and fuels using traditional resources such as natural gas, coal and biomass. In addition his research into acid catalysis has resolved persisting disputes and led to catalytic architectures that can replace toxic and corrosive liquids, frequently used as acid catalysts.

Harry A. Atwater

Holds the Chair of Applied Physics and Materials Science at the California Institute of Technology.

Albert Polman

Research group leader and director of the FOM Institute AMOLF in Amsterdam.

Renewables and non-convetional Energy Prize

They are the authors of a study that has provided a new class of ultra-thin photovoltaic solar cells. This result was achieved with a new approach called “plasmonic photovoltaics” where the design and construction of the cells is integrated with nanostructures. This result makes it possible to significantly reduce the cost of the materials used and offers renewed prospects for the development of technologies to capture solar energy. They have made ultra-thin solar cells in silicon on glass, GaAs thin film solar cells, among the most efficient in the world, and highly innovative models based micro-cables and silicon nanoparticles.

She renewed the use of a technique of isotopic analysis (CSIA Compound Specific Isotope Analysis) in the identification of pollutants of groundwater by hydrocarbons, solvents and fuel additives present in urban and rural sites. It makes it possible to highlight whether the reduction of the contaminant is due to other processes, such as dilution or dispersion, providing a clear evidence that the biodegradation underway is objectively destroying the contaminant. She has developed the scientific principles developed and pioneered innovative techniques for the application of stable isotope geochemistry for the research and protection of groundwater resources and the environment.

She has worked on one of the most promising new technologies for the remediation of aquifers, namely the use of nano-sized iron particles. These particles are capable of degrading the pollutant with which they come into contact in substances compatible with the environment, at a vastly superior rate compared with traditional technologies, reducing the time necessary for remediation from decades to a few months. Moreover, always thanks to their size, the nano and micro-particles of iron can be introduced to aquifers by injection using smaller probes, which permit treatment without interrupting the use of buildings and infrastructure overlying the contaminated area.

He has developed a methodology for the preparation of electrolytic membranes for lithium batteries, capable of supplying electrical power in an efficient manner without contaminating the environment. He is involved in several projects mainly focused on the synthesis and characterisation of polymer electrolyte membranes for energy storage and production devices. He is also considering the potential use of polymeric materials for a wide range of energy efficient systems, such as solar cells with synthetic pigments (DSSC), flexible capacitors, actuators, and even possible applications in the field of superconductivity.

With his PhD thesis Frontalini studied a species of marine protozoa (benthic foraminifera), extremely demanding from the environmental point of view: they choose their habitat, change their shell to adapt to changing conditions and die when these strategies are insufficient for survival. Pollutants such as industrial waste, cause abnormalities in the shells of these organisms, which can then be used as rapid and inexpensive bio-indicators of the health of marine environments.

The research undertaken by Professor Somorjai has focused on the exploration and understanding of the catalytic selectivity of metal surfaces of transition at the molecular level. The novelty of his approach is to use model systems, currently nanoparticles mono-dispersed on a 1-10 nm scale, to explore hydrocarbon conversion reactions. An important discovery, achieved as a result of these investigations, revealed that the size and shape of the metal nanoparticles control both the rate of reactivity and selectivity. Somorjai has developed tools for analysing surfaces that have made possible the study, at the molecular level, of the catalysts during reaction conditions at high pressure.

He was honoured for his pioneering work designed to change the gene structure of particular bacteria to make them more efficient in the transformation of renewable raw materials (such as waste from our tables) in hydrocarbons. This is an area of research of great interest in order to arrive at an acceptable cost level for the production of biofuels, which have performance levels comparable to those of conventional fuel, without destroying goods (such as maize), aimed for the food industry and enhancing waste which is recycled, limiting costs and disposal issues.

Tarascon is the world leader in the field of lithium-ion battery power. His studies of highly advanced batteries make possible the production of safer, lower-cost, low environmental impact, high performance batteries, characteristics that are decisive for a significant expansion of electric vehicles in out transport system, with obvious environmental benefits. The professor, who remains director of the LRCS, continues his research on Li-ion batteries, developing new negative and positive electrodes, more sustainable electrodes for organic lithium ion batteries and eco-efficient synthesis processes for cathode materials.

He has done important research on the development and applications of 4D seismic modelling (time lapse seismic). This technology is based on the interpretation of changes in pressure and fluid distribution during oil extraction, and has proved highly effective in identifying optimal sites for drilling and the characterisation of the changes that oil and gas reservoirs undergo over time. The application of the technology developed by Professor Landro can significantly increase oil recovery, as can be seen from the decisive contribution to the development of several projects in production areas of the North Sea.

Simone Gamba, of the "Giulio Natta" Department of Chemistry at the Molan Polytechnic, developed during his doctoral research an interesting interpretation and modelling of the process of hydrocracking of hydrocarbons obtained by the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, a way of producing fuels and lubricants of high quality from synthesis gas. For this reason, the Scientific Committee awarded Simone Gamba "Debut in Research" prize. He currently works on the Acid Gas Programme: thermodynamic methods of purification and characterisation.

Professor Belcher's research is focused on understanding and controlling the process by which nature shapes material, in order to design innovative hybrid materials, of an organic-inorganic, electronic and magnetic nature. Her research is interdisciplinary and brings together the fields of inorganic chemistry, materials chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology and electrical engineering. She has done original research that is fundamental for an understanding of the principles that have developed natural systems able to convert and use energy.

His current research concerns the field of structured nano-materials and molecular filtres used as catalysts, as well as problems concerning the synthesis, characterization and reactivity in acid-based catalysis and redox reactions. He has made important discoveries in the synthesis of new catalysts to improve the processes of refining heavier oil fractions. The application of new processes will increase the yield and quality of fuel, particularly diesel, maintaining high levels of conversion charges

His research interests include the theoretical and laboratory investigation of the chemistry of coordination compounds, surface chemistry and the photochemistry of trace elements in natural waters, as well as the chemical interactions between microorganisms in water systems. He discovered a new class of enzymes that play a fundamental role in transport and CO2 fixation. The result is particularly relevant for understanding the biochemical mechanisms that govern the absorption of CO2 in the oceans, a key process for global carbon recycling.

His main research interests concern the generation of high-altitude wind energy through controlled airfoils, theoretical problems of nonlinear robust control with constraints, the use of Set Membership approaches for control and the study of control systems in automotive field. His theory is a major and unique contribution that includes theoretical analysis, systems design, simulation and economic analysis.

He directed "Digital Materials", one of the first studies to have explored the three-dimensional study of materials found in nature through a dual approach: sophisticated structural measurements that exploit current tomographic and microscopic techniques, combined with advanced image analysis and numerical modelling tools. This created the conditions for pioneering research by Knackstedt in the location and characteristics of oil fields based on high-resolution and three-dimensional imaging of rock structures. By combining new technology with modelling studies it is possible to predict the properties of hydrocarbon deposits and increase the chances of new discoveries.

He has conducted research on energy efficient devices with special application possibilities in low energy dispersion light emitting systems based on original electroluminescent components. In the past, he presented a thesis on the synthesis, photo-physical and theoretical characterisation of new metal complexes based on rhenium and iridium, and their application in light emitting devices. And even earlier, a thesis on the synthesis of catalysts based on palladium hydrides for hydrogenation reactions.

The research involved the development of advanced analytical systems for the determination of the detailed components of complex chemical blends (such as oil, but also blood), to identify up to more than 50,000 components. This was possible by the use of high-resolution mass spectroscopy (FT-ICR), developed by Marshall. The author of 469 publications of great scientific value, Alan Marshall also holds several patents based on his research and has received many awards from universities and major institutions such as the American Institute of Chemists and the American Chemical Society.

Concentrated on chemical and turbulence interactions, his research makes a significant contribution to the characterisation of the formation of nitrogen oxides and the design of clean and efficient combustion devices. His doctoral thesis focused, in particular, on the effects of these aspects in the phenomenon of fires. His work in the field of combustion - with particular emphasis on emissions - is of crucial interest, especially considering the current urgent need for a drastic reduction in pollutants.

The research awarded concerns the development of new materials (wide-pore crystalline solids) for the selective absorption of organic molecules that are components of complex blends (gas, liquids, biologically active molecules). Through cutting-edge research he has developed structures able to absorb and store at room temperature gases such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, methane, hydrogen sulphide, oxides of nitrogen and sulphur with extraordinary results: one of the materials developed is able to absorb up to 400 volumes of CO2 per volume of solid. His work has identified a realistic and efficient way to capture pollutants and toxic gases and to store energy sources and vectors.

Her research aims to identify a new class of catalysts for hydrogen production from various sources: methane, methanol, ethanol. The work is complemented by a study of the catalytic hydrogenation of CO2. With a view to sustainable energy development, hydrogen could become very important, as it is considered one of the key vectors in terms of energy content, such as fuel cells for transport and as an intermediate in the conversion of renewable resources.

Focused on identifying factors that conceptually limit the efficiency of solar cells, he can now boast a record efficiency of silicon cells of 25%. His innovative work on the third generation cells aims to increase solar cell performance while reducing manufacturing costs and deal with the challenges posed by the growing demand for clean energy through the large scale use of solar energy.

He has almost forty years of experience in collaboration with private entities operating in the oil extraction industry, both as a consultant, and through research and consulting companies he has founded over the years. On the research side, he started a pioneering project focusing on the use of modelling in hydraulic fracturing of reservoirs. He concentrated his efforts on a project investigating the complex processes responsible for the in situ thermal recovery in oil sands. His current research deals mainly with geo-mechanical aspects and oilfield fracture and production based on integrated simulations.

He developed basic research to improve the use of solar energy in photovoltaic processes taking advantage of the peculiar property of nanostructures with quantum dots to control the relaxation of photo-generated carriers. This approach is based on boosting the photocurrents through the multiplication of electron-cavity pairs. The results obtained after an extensive and detailed analysis of the dynamics of the relaxation of photoelectrons and the cavities, and the interfacial transfer processes, opened the door for the potential exploitation of the processes of generation of multiple stimulations to achieve a significant enhancement of solar cell efficiency.

He led research in the development of new methods and techniques to change one bacterial species into another by transplanting the entire genome. This highly innovative research is a crucial advance in the new field of synthetic genomics and a prelude to the emergence of organisms redesigned with new cellular functions. It includes the mechanism that provides the key to activating a synthetic chromosome in a cell. The results obtained have unlimited applications and may lead to new processes able to capture carbon dioxide and regenerate polluted environments The research also opens the way for the design of new metabolic pathways capable of producing innovative biofuels from natural organic matter.

He is currently conducting research on photo-catalysis by focusing on the perovskite catalysts of pollutants in the combustion of exhaust fumes and the development of new laboratory catalysts and photo-reactors for the production of H2, from both the photo-catalytic splitting of water and the photo-reforming process of alcohols. His research is concentrated on the photo-catalytic reduction of both organic and inorganic air and water pollutants and on the description of In Situ catalysis using synchrotron light radiation.

In December 2007 she successfully presented her PhD thesis in Materials Science. By applying an original methodology she examined the details and prospects for control of the complex chemistry involved in the deposition of amorphous and nano crystalline silica material. She managed to highlight some of the atomic-scale mechanisms that play a primary role in the growth of the film. The results are expected to be useful in the design of multi-scale solar cells.

His work has made a significant contribution to the development of advanced photovoltaic structures, through the application of new concepts. In fact, a material based on high-quality silicon has been obtained by controlling the electrical characteristics to reduce the recombination of charge carriers and to increase, through an improvement in optical quality, the capture of high wavelength photons. A metallization technology was also designed and applied to be compatible with the preparation of thin film and fragile wafers.