King Charles Presents 2022 and 2023 Queen Elizabeth Prizes for Engineering

Professor Martin Green, Professor Andrew Blakers, Dr. Aihua Wang, and Dr. Jianhua Zhao, are honoured with the 2023 award for their work on Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell (PERC) solar photovoltaic technology, which substantially reduced the cost of solar panels, boosting its role as an economical electricity source.

Meanwhile, Dr. Masato Sagawa, receives the 2022 award for his contributions to the discovery, development, and global commercialization of the world's most powerful permanent magnet (NdFeB). A key component for smartphones, cars, and robots, it has facilitated the growth of energy-saving technologies such as wind turbines and electric vehicles.

Dame Lynn Gladden, Chair of the QEPrize Judging Panel, reflected on the QEPrize's decade of recognising outstanding engineering achievements and their transformative impact on the world, noting the significant global impact of the 2022 and 2023 laureates' innovations.

Established in 2011 and first awarded in 2013 by the late Queen Elizabeth II, the QEPrize celebrates engineers responsible for pioneering innovations with global significance.

Professor Green, one of the 2023 laureates, expressed his pride in receiving this prestigious award stating: “To receive this prestigious award from His Majesty King Charles is a proud moment for me, but I hope also for my UNSW colleagues and students.

“The QEPrize is famously committed to recognising engineering that delivers transformational change in society and I believe a transformational shift towards solar, and wind generated power is inevitable. It is a critical trajectory that we’re on and it is special to be recognised for our part in that, today.”