HMC Fellow among “outstanding researchers” awarded Philip Leverhulme Prize

Harris Manchester College Supernumerary Fellow Professor Martínez-Pañeda is one of four Oxford University researchers to be selected from more than 350 nominations to receive a 2025 Philip Leverhulme Prize.

Emilio Martínez-Pañeda, who is an Associate Professor in Engineering Science at the University of Oxford, was awarded the prize for his work on material mechanics. His research centres on developing mechanistic models to describe how materials deform and fracture, with a particular focus on facilitating the transition to a net-zero carbon society.

He intends to use the Leverhulme Prize, which is worth £100,000, to predict material degradation in solid-state batteries, particularly at interfaces, where electrochemical, mechanical, and chemical processes interact – an area where a lack of knowledge is considered a key obstacle to deploying next-generation batteries more widely.

Professor Emilio Martínez-Pañeda

The Philip Leverhulme Prizes recognise and celebrate the achievements of outstanding researchers whose work has already attracted international recognition and whose future careers are viewed as exceptionally promising. It follows another prestigious award which Professor Martínez-Pañeda secured a year ago – the John Argyris Award for Young Scientists.

Professor Martínez-Pañeda commented: “I am delighted to be awarded the Philip Leverhulme Prize and very much appreciate the generosity and flexible support of the Leverhulme Trust. I am very grateful to the jury for recognising the key role that mechanics can play in unravelling fundamental scientific challenges that are holding back the energy transition.”