Game Changer Scholars initiative attracts global leader in battery innovation
Game Changer Scholars initiative attracts global leader in battery innovation
https://news.osu.edu/game-changer-scholars-initiative-attracts-global-leader-in-battery-innovation/
Publish Date: 2026-05-20 12:00:00
Source Domain: news.osu.edu
Kang Xu, a world-renowned scientist and expert in battery technology, has been named an Ohio Eminent Scholar and Howard D. Winbigler Chair in Engineering at The Ohio State University, effective August 15, 2026.
His appointment in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering represents another milestone of Ohio State’s Game Changer Scholars initiative, which aims to recruit transformative research leaders and elevate the university’s global impact.
Xu is widely regarded as one of the world’s foremost experts in electrolyte materials and interface science, with more than 30 years of experience and a publication record that includes some of the most cited works in the field. His research has shaped modern understanding of advanced electrolytes, interphases and next‑generation battery chemistries.
“I’m thrilled that Kang Xu is joining our community of world-class scholars at Ohio State,” said university President Ravi V. Bellamkonda. “Our bold vision for excellence starts with our people – talented students, faculty and staff who create transformative impact across Ohio and beyond. With our Game Changer Scholars initiative, we will attract and retain even more top talent to Ohio State, and Dr. Xu’s appointment is an exciting step toward our goal of having leading academic programs in a top-ranked College of Engineering. With Dr. Xu on board, I know we will continue to be a leader and innovator in the evolving field of battery technology.”
He currently serves and will continue to serve as chief technology officer at SES AI Corporation, a lithium metal battery developer and manufacturer headquartered in Boston with operations in Singapore, Shanghai and Seoul. He has led the development of “Molecular Universe,” a platform that integrates AI and machine learning tools with massive databases and fully autonomous labs to accelerate advanced battery materials research.
Before joining SES AI, Xu served at the U.S. Army…
