Yara’s Birkeland Prize 2024 goes to Dr. Song Lu

Established in 2009 to celebrate Kristian Birkeland’s pioneering spirit, the Yara Birkeland Prize in Physics and Chemistry is awarded annually to a Ph.D. candidate from a Norwegian university. The winner is awarded 100.000 NOK.

"I am honored to receive this award, and it is truly inspiring to see CO2 conversion research being recognized at this level. This work is crucial for the future of our planet, and I am optimistic that it will lead to significant advancements in driving a more sustainable industry," said Dr. Song Lu.

A legacy of innovation

"Presenting the Birkeland Prize to Dr. Song Lu highlights our commitment to pioneering research that drives the green transition. Dr. Lu’s work enhances our understanding of how to mitigate and convert CO2 emissions, turning them into valuable resources. By supporting such innovation, we honor Kristian Birkeland’s legacy and advance our path to a low-carbon future," said Per Knudsen, VP Technology, Yara Technology & Projects.

In 1905, Kristian Birkeland's groundbreaking research laid the foundation for Norsk Hydro and later Yara International, the world’s first company to manufacture fertilizer on an industrial scale. Birkeland was a visionary scientist with the ability and commitment to carry out large-scale projects in the laboratory and the field. His work bridged the gap between scientific discovery and real-world application- an approach that remains essential for addressing today’s global challenges. 

Today, Yara continues to honor Birkeland’s legacy through its commitment to innovation and technological advancement in its mission to feed the world and protect the planet. 

In 2009, Yara established the Birkeland Prize in Physics and Chemistry to celebrate its cofounder’s spirit of ingenuity. This prestigious award is given annually to a Ph.D. candidate from a Norwegian university whose research embodies Birkeland’s inventive approach, focusing on environmental and technological progress. 

Alternating annually between physics and chemistry, the prize is presented at the Birkeland Lecture, an event first launched in 1987 through a collaboration between Yara International, the University of Oslo, The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters, and the Norwegian Space Centre.

2024 Yara Birkeland Prize Winner: Dr. Song Lu

The 2024 Yara Birkeland Prize in Chemistry is awarded to Dr. Song Lu for his advancements in CO2 conversion technology, a field with promising implications for industry. 

Dr. Lu completed his Ph.D. at the University of Stavanger. His research centers on the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) to useful fuels and chemicals- a key area of research in the effort to combat climate change, aimed at converting CO2 emissions into valuable products. This process, known as CO2 conversion and utilization (CCU), holds vast potential for industrial applications. 

Through his research, Dr. Lu developed innovative nanocomposite, single-atom, and dual-atom catalysts to enhance the efficiency and selectivity of CO2 reduction.  

His interdisciplinary approach, spanning chemistry, materials science, engineering, and environmental studies, has significantly deepened our understanding of CO2 reduction mechanisms. This research holds significant potential for enhancing industrial processes and advancing the commercial application of CO2 conversion technologies. 

Read more about Dr. Lu’s thesis here: UiS Brage: Transition-metal-mediated electrocatalytic CO2 reduction: from nanoparticles to single-atom catalysts (unit.no)

Looking forward 

The Yara Birkeland Prize not only celebrates exceptional research but also champions the pursuit of future innovation. As Yara continues to build on Kristian Birkeland’s groundbreaking work, the accomplishments recognized by this prize will help drive technological advancements and inspire solutions across diverse industries.