ANN ARBOR, Mich. (Aug. 2, 2023) – Dr. John Muldoon, senior principal scientist at the Toyota Research Institute of North America (TRINA), has been recognized by The Electrochemical Society (ECS) as a Fellow in its Class of 2023. He has also received the prestigious Battery Division Technology Award for 2023, making him the first representative of an automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to receive this award in its 30-year history.

Dr. Muldoon’s groundbreaking research has greatly contributed to Toyota’s ‘beyond lithium-ion’ battery research programs. His work has influenced global research trends in multivalent ion, lithium sulfur, and solid-state lithium metal batteries. Dr. Muldoon will be officially recognized for these achievements in October at the 244th ECS Meeting in Gothenburg, Sweden.

“I am deeply honored to receive the Battery Technology Award and to be named a Fellow of the ECS, Class of 2023. I am deeply appreciative of all the strong support of my colleagues,” said Dr. Muldoon. “I am confident that Toyota will continue to push the boundaries of beyond lithium-ion and lithium-ion technologies to pave the way for the next generation of batteries.”

The ECS Fellow designation, established in 1989, is reserved for individuals who have made significant technological contributions in the field of electrochemical and solid-state science and technology and have provided service to the Society. The Battery Division Technology Award, created in 1993, recognizes notable achievements in battery and fuel cell technology development.

“These recognitions are among the highest levels of recognition from the world’s scientific community, and Toyota joins a small handful of organizations with significant contributions to the battery field,” said Kristen Tabar, group vice president of Advanced Mobility Research and Development at Toyota Motor North America. “It is a testament to our commitment to innovation with superior research expertise that Toyota has in-house.”

Dr. Muldoon is an elected member of the ECS Battery Division committee and has played a crucial role in the establishment of ECS symposiums on ‘beyond Li-ion’ battery technologies. He also advocates for bridging fundamental research to application and supports younger scientists. His efforts in fostering a relationship between ECS and Toyota led to the establishment of the ECS Toyota Young Investigator Fellowship in 2016. This award supports young professors and scholars pursuing innovative electrochemical research in green energy technology.

In addition to his technical contributions and involvement in ECS activities, Dr. Muldoon is a Fellow of The Royal Society of Chemistry and an active member of the American Chemical Society and Material Research Society.