Peter Ngene, a Nigerian-born researcher and associate professor at Utrecht University’s Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, has been awarded a €2 million grant by the European Research Council (ERC). Ngene was one of seven researchers from the Dutch university to receive this prestigious grant, designed to support groundbreaking scientific research.
Ngene’s project focuses on “interface-mediated fast ionic conductivity in nanocomposite solid-state electrolytes.” His work aims to uncover why the ionic conductivity of certain solids can increase or decrease by thousands of times at their interface with other materials. This research holds significant potential for advancing sustainable technologies.
“The European Union provides these grants to support excellent scientists and scholars at the career stage where they may still be consolidating their independent research teams to pursue their most promising scientific ideas,” the university stated in its announcement.
Ngene expressed his excitement about the project, emphasizing its potential to contribute to building a more sustainable society.
Other recipients of the ERC grant at Utrecht University include Jesper Nederlof, Saskia Suijkerbuik, Ylona van Dinther, Simon Scheider, Aniek Janssen, and Jarno Drost.
Ngene’s achievement is a proud moment for the Nigerian diaspora, showcasing the global impact of African-born researchers in advancing science and innovation.
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