Strengthening Global Research: SZE Expands Collaboration with NTU’s Professor Madhavi

Professor Srinivasan Madhavi from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore recently received the Arraboniensis Distinguished Professor title, awarded for the first time by Széchenyi István University. She was recognised for her exemplary international scientific community-building efforts and research and development activities. A renowned researcher focusing on new energy storage solutions and the recycling of e-waste and lithium-ion batteries, she further strengthened her collaboration with the University during her visit, including engagements at the Zalaegerszeg and Győr Innovation Parks.

Széchenyi István University recently held a prestigious ceremony to commemorate the Hungarian Revolution and War of Independence of 1848–49, during which the Arraboniensis Distinguished Professor title was awarded for the first time. This honour is granted to researchers whose work is highly esteemed in the international scientific community and who have made a lasting impact on the development of their field. The recipient was Professor Srinivasan Madhavi from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore.

NTU is one of the world’s top universities, ranking 15th globally according to the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) international higher education rankings. In the field of materials science, it holds 2nd place on both the QS subject ranking and the US News global ranking. In addition to being a professor at the School of Materials Science and Engineering at NTU, Srinivasan Madhavi serves as Executive Director of the Energy Research Institute (ERI@N) and the Office of Sustainability and is Co-Director of the Singapore-CEA Alliance for research in Circular Economy (SCARCE) Centre at NTU. She first became acquainted with Széchenyi István University through the HUN-REN Hungarian Research Network and visited the institution for the first time last year.

“I was impressed by the infrastructure, the diversity of educational and research activities, and the university’s openness to collaboration within the international research network,” she stated. She added that the research mindset and focus on the practical application of scientific results, which she observed during her lab visits, further reinforced her commitment to cooperation.

Srinivasan Madhavi receiving the first-ever Arraboniensis Distinguished Professor title from Széchenyi István University’s senior management (Photo: Máté Dudás)

As an outstanding researcher engaged in exemplary international scientific activities, Professor Madhavi plays a key role in establishing higher education partnerships. Collaboration with her provides an excellent opportunity for Széchenyi István University’s colleagues to integrate into international research networks. Recently, she held discussions at the Zalaegerszeg Innovation Park, where she was introduced to its activities by Dr Zoltán Weltsch, the centre’s director. The topics covered included battery-related research and development opportunities, the University’s sustainability initiatives, and the latest relevant projects of the HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences.

“I find the University’s research ambition on sustainability, e-mobility, and battery technology is commendable and align perfectly with the focus areas of the local industry. I see numerous connection points with my institute and research group, which we aim to leverage in the future,” said Professor Madhavi.

At the Zalaegerszeg Innovation Park, Professor Srinivasan Madhavi (sixth from the left) learned about Széchenyi István University’s research and development activities related to batteries, energy, and sustainability (Photo: András Adorján)

A leading figure in global research networks, Professor Madhavi strengthens Széchenyi István University’s scientific community and international research and development activities. She has authored over 390 publications in prestigious journals and holds 30 patents, making her one of the most distinguished researchers in her field. She delivered a lecture at the Győr Innovation Park to students, researchers, and faculty members on sustainable solutions, e-waste and lithium-ion battery recycling, and new energy storage solutions.

Professor Srinivasan Madhavi from NTU in Singapore delivered a lecture on her research activities at Széchenyi István University’s Győr Innovation Park. (Photo: Máté Dudás)

Professor Madhavi shared: “Together with Széchenyi István University, we plan to establish a laboratory equipped with the most advanced technologies, focusing on battery research and recycling. We aim to involve both the university’s researchers and students, further building the scientific community. Such a laboratory would also strengthen industrial collaborations, as it would conduct cutting-edge research in a field that defines our future, bringing together the knowledge and infrastructure necessary for development in one place.”