The Faraday Institution, the UK’s flagship institute for electrochemical energy storage research, announces Professor Martin Freer as its next Chief Executive Officer.
As an accomplished leader of large-scale collaborative research programmes operating at the intersection of science and policy, Professor Freer will head the organisation as it continues to drive forward battery research towards application-inspired goals for the benefit of the UK.
Professor Freer will assume the role effective 2 September 2024.
Helping the UK reach net zero
Professor Sir Steven Cowley, Chair Elect of the Faraday Institution, commented: “The Faraday Institution’s programme is improving energy storage technology for multiple sectors, speeding its adoption, and opening economic opportunities for the UK.
“In Martin Freer, the organisation has found a proven leader and scientist who knows first-hand what it takes to work with industry and policymakers to translate research into future energy technologies on the ground. Martin is a terrific fit for the Faraday Institution and will help to accelerate its mission as it further establishes itself in the UK’s research ecosystem.”
Accepting the position, Professor Martin Freer commented: “Delivering technologies to help us collectively reach net zero are some of the most fundamental and urgent science and innovation questions of our time.
“Energy storage will play a huge role in the future technology mix that will enable everything from low-carbon transport to high penetration of renewable generation on the grid.
“I’m excited at the prospect of leading the Faraday Institution team, building on the existing strong foundations to further develop its research programme, and delivering impact to industry and society as the organisation moves to its next phase.”
About Professor Martin Freer
Professor Freer is a nuclear physicist. Since 2015, he has served as the Director of the Birmingham Energy Institute (BEI) at the University of Birmingham, a pan-discipline research centre with research activities from hydrogen, energy storage and battery technologies through to nuclear energy, which is focused on creating technology and guiding policy that will shape future energy solutions.
He has also served as Director of the Energy Research Accelerator (which comprises eight internationally renowned Midlands universities that are part of the Midlands Innovation partnership, together with the British Geological Survey), delivering a £200m programme to accelerate university research into regional, national and international impact linked to 1,400 researchers.
Previously, Martin was Director of the Birmingham Centre for Nuclear Education and Research, which he established in 2010. He oversaw the development of the BEI and helped establish Energy Capital (a regional energy partnership for the West Midlands that brings the public and private sectors together to deliver place-based energy solutions). He also co-led the establishment of the joint University of Birmingham–Fraunhofer Germany research platform, the development of the Birmingham Energy Innovation Hub, and the co-development of Tyseley Energy Park in Birmingham.
Professor Freer joins a strong, capable and committed executive team and staff, a vibrant research community, and a Board of Trustees with deep expertise in research and development, energy storage, the energy sector and the auto industry. Collectively they will continue to drive the organisation’s mission of delivering scientific breakthroughs in energy storage to industry-defined goals.
