Monday 17th June 2024
Knighthood for Old Stamfordian
We are delighted to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Old Stamfordian Sir M Stanley Whittingham (OS 60), who has been honoured with a knighthood in the King's Birthday Honours 2024 List. This recognition comes after he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2019, highlighting his remarkable contributions to science and technology.
The official notes on the Government website laud Professor Whittingham for his "outstanding and sustained contribution to chemistry. His invention of the lithium-ion battery, recognised with a Nobel Prize in 2019, stands out as one of only a few technological advances in recent decades that has changed the lives of almost everyone on the planet. Without it, we would not have the mobile telephones, or tablets, of today, technological breakthroughs that have brought communications to large parts of the developed and, crucially, the developing world."
In an article for Binghamton University in New York, where he is Distinguished Professor, Whittingham said “I am absolutely delighted that the government has given me this great honour. I may be wearing a lab coat instead of armour, but I’ll continue to fight the good fight for energy storage, knowing the King is behind me!”
Sir M Stanley Whittingham's achievements are a source of immense pride for the School. His work exemplifies the spirit of innovation and dedication that we encourage for all of our students. We celebrate his knighthood and look forward to his continued influence and inspiration in the scientific community and beyond.