Dr. Dahn is a professor emeritus in the Departments of Physics & Atmospheric Science and Chemistry as well as the principal investigator of the NSERC/Tesla Canada Alliance Grant. He was presented with the Energy Transition Award during the 2025 Eni Award ceremony on Wednesday (Oct. 8) at Rome's Quirinal Palace, the official residence of Italian President Sergio Mattarella.
Dr. Jeff Dahn, second from left, is presented with the Energy Transition Award in Rome, alongside (l-r) Eni Chairman of the Board of Directors Giuseppe Zafarana, Italian President Sergio Mattarella, and Eni CEO Claudio Descalzi. (Submitted photo)
Established in 2008 by Italian energy company Eni, the Eni Award recognizes research with a focus on sustainability and access to energy, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
"The Prize was presented to Prof. Dahn for his research in energy storage, leading to the development of lithium-ion batteries designed to have a lifetime of over 50 years, by using sustainable high-energy-density materials," says a release from Eni.
His work contributes to reducing premature recycling, promoting reuse and accelerating the electrification of global transport.
Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are an essential part of modern life, used in cell phones, laptops, cordless appliances, and electric vehicles. Over the years, Dr. Dahn and his research group have sought to advance the development of next-generation battery technology.
"Thanks to innovative accelerated testing methods and the design of cells suitable for countries with hot climates, his work contributes to reducing premature recycling, promoting reuse and accelerating the electrification of global transport," it continued.
A lifetime of achievements
The Eni Award is just the latest bit of recognition for Dr. Dahn in a career spanning over 40 years in industry and academia.
In 2017, he was awarded Canada's top science prize, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council's Herzberg Canada Gold Medal and in 2022 was one of two Dalhousie winners (along with Dr. Françoise Baylis) of the Killam Prize.
He has also received the Olin Palladium Award, a top international science prize from the Electrochemical Society whose past winners include Nobel Prize nominees and winners.
A Dal alum (BSc'78), Dr. Dahn received an Aurum Award in 2024, the university's highest alumni honour, in recognition of not only his lasting impact as a researcher, but his legacy as a teacher and mentor, with many of his former students having established companies in the clean-energy industry.
