Third Humboldt Science Scout at the University of Bayreuth

"I am honored to accept the appointment as Science Scout under the prestigious Henriette Herz Programme. This role presents an exceptional opportunity to foster international collaboration at the University of Bayreuth. The program perfectly aligns with my vision of expanding our university's global research network while enhancing the international reach and capabilities of my research group," says Professor Francesco Ciucci. Since April 2023, he has been a professor at the Bavarian Centre for Battery Technology (BayBatt) at the University of Bayreuth, where he holds the Chair of Electrode Design for Electrochemical Energy Storage.

As Science Scout, Prof. Ciucci will identify and nominate three promising early-career researchers for prestigious Humboldt Foundation fellowships at the University of Bayreuth over the next three years. These talented scientists will advance cutting-edge research in solid-state technology and energy storage while leveraging BayBatt's world-class expertise and facilities. "In this role, I aim to empower exceptional early-career researchers and drive innovation in solid-state technology for energy storage and conversion," says Prof. Ciucci. "Our focus will be on pioneering simulations in energy storage, particularly in the critical areas of solid-state batteries, protonic ceramic cells, and hydrogen electrocatalysts. I look forward to exploring new scientific frontiers alongside future Humboldt Research Fellows."

Prof. Ciucci's recruitment strategy will focus on engaging talented researchers from East Asia, the United States, and Australia. "These regions are at the forefront of energy technology research and innovation," says Prof. Ciucci. "Germany's reputation for scientific excellence provides an ideal platform to forge new strategic partnerships and strengthen international collaboration, ultimately expanding our research capabilities and impact."

The appointment marks another milestone for the University of Bayreuth, as Prof. Dr. Francesco Ciucci becomes the institution's third Humboldt Science Scout, following Prof. Dr.-Ing. Stefan Schafföner, Chair of Ceramic Materials, and Prof. Dr. Seema Agarwal, Chair of Macromolecular Chemistry II.

About Prof. Dr Francesco Ciucci 

Prof. Ciucci received his Aerospace Engineering laurea degree from Politecnico di Milano, Italy, and obtained a diplôme d'ingénieur from École Centrale Paris, France. After completing his Ph.D. from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), USA, he worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Heidelberg, Germany in Applied Mathematics. For more than a decade, he served as a faculty member at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), Hong Kong SAR, China. In April 2023, he joined the University of Bayreuth as Professor of Electrode Design for Electrochemical Energy Storage.