The University of Louisville, based in Louisville, Ky., recently awarded University of California-Santa Barbara materials professor Shuji Nakamura with its 2019 Leigh Ann Conn Prize for Renewable Energy, which recognizes outstanding renewable energy ideas and achievements with proven global impact. Administered by the college’s Conn Center for Renewable Energy Research at the J.B. Speed School of Engineering, the prize is named after the late daughter of Hank and Rebecca Conn, who are center supporters and the prize benefactors.

According to the announcement from the University, Nakamura is being recognized for “scientific innovations and commercialization of efficient solid-state lighting-emitting diodes (LEDs), which have helped revolutionize electronics and lighting at more than 10 times the efficiency of incandescent lighting, twice the efficiency of fluorescents, and a durability of 30 to 40 years. His innovations have enabled efficient use of energy, reduced environmental strain, and helped created sustainable lighting worldwide.”

In March, Nakamura will give a free public speech in Louisville about his work, achievements, and more. At the formal ceremony, he will be presented with the Conn Prize medal and a $50,000 award.

"Dr. Nakamura is a world-class scientist dedicated to the viability of LED technologies,” said University of Louisville President Neeli Bendapudi, who will confer the award. “His work and perseverance are inspiration to us all. The University of Louisville celebrates his research and its positive influence. In a world where energy use must be environmentally responsible, he is an outstanding winner of the Leigh Ann Conn Prize."

Nominations for the 2021 Leigh Ann Conn Prize competition run from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2020. Criteria and directions can be found on the competition’s site.