Sir Stanley Whittingham
Binghampton University, SUNY
2019 Chemistry Nobel Laureate
2026 CME Honoree for Fundamental Research
2026 CME STEM Leadership Award Honoree for Fundamental Research
December 11, 2026
Known as the “Founding Father of Lithium-ion Batteries,” Sir M. Stanley Whittingham stands at the forefront of scientific innovation, uniting chemistry with energy and global sustainability. Born in Nottingham, England, the first in his family to attend college, he pioneered intercalation chemistry, developing the first rechargeable lithium battery and transforming energy storage into portable, high-density, and rechargeable power that underpins today’s wireless, fossil-fuel-free society.
A committed researcher and mentor advancing fundamental knowledge for societal benefit, Whittingham earned his B.A. (1964), M.A. (1967), and D.Phil. (1968) in Chemistry from the University of Oxford, with postdoctoral work at Stanford University. He serves as SUNY Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Materials Science and Engineering at Binghamton University, and NorthEast Center for Chemical Energy Storage (NECCES) Director, among other positions. Previously he was Division Manager at Exxon.
His work has enabled portable electronics, electric vehicles, and grid-scale storage, advancing a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. As noted by peers and award committees, his stewardship of intercalation chemistry drives discovery and cross-disciplinary impact for humanity. Whittingham received the 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry (shared with John Goodenough and Akira Yoshino), election to the U.S. National Academy of Engineering, and Fellowship in the Royal Society.
