Nicola Spaldin awarded Swiss Science Prize Marcel Benoist
The Swiss Science Prize Marcel Benoist with prize money of CHF 250,000 has been awarded to ETH Professor Nicola Spaldin. She received the Marcel Benoist prize for developing a new class of materials that could revolutionise data storage. Congratulations!
Multiferroics are a new class of materials that respond to both magnetic and electric fields, a combination that does not generally occur simultaneously. This makes multiferroics promising materials that could, for example, replace silicon in future computer chips.
As a young scientist, Spaldin revitalised the field of multiferroics by using theoretical analysis and computer simulations to understand why multiferroics are so rare and to design new multiferroic materials. Her pioneering work has paved the way for the development of electronic devices with entirely new architectures and greater energy efficiency. Potential applications include ultra-fast computers, tiny data storage units and precision medical measuring instruments.
For her outstanding contribution in the field of multiferroics, Spaldin has now been awarded the Swiss Science Prize Marcel Benoist. Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin personally informed Professor Spaldin about the award, and will present her with the prize of 250,000 Swiss francs in Bern on 7 November.
Please read detailed information on the ETH News Website, on the external pageWebsite of the Marcel Benoist Foundation and on external pageSRF News.