The winner of the 2025 “Albert Einstein” World Award of Science is Professor Mercouri G. Kanatzidis, Charles E. and Emma H. Morrison Professor in the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Northwestern University, USA. He is also a Senior Scientist at Argonne National Laboratory.

Professor Kanatzidis is recognized for his groundbreaking contributions as a pioneer in shaping the field solar photovoltaic materials through his seminal work on halide perovskite semiconductors. He has made fundamental contributions for creating materials enabling key and sustainable energy conversion technologies.

The World Cultural Council (WCC) acknowledges the outstanding contributions of Professor Kanatzidis toward launching the so-called “perovskite era” of high-performance, low-cost, and durable photovoltaic semiconductors as a transformative development in solar energy conversion. Following his historic publication in 2012 where he demonstrated an all-solid-state solar cell based on halide perovskite, hundreds of research groups studying these materials have been established worldwide. His follow up landmark publication in 2014 has led to the development of tandem photovoltaic solar cells with significantly higher efficiencies. WCC jury members noted that Professor Kanatzidis is an undisputed global leader in developing key technologies toward the next generation of solar cells and has played a key role in establishing perovskite halides in photovoltaic applications as a new field of science. His work exemplifies the power of scientific innovation and collaboration to address pressing global challenges, such as climate change and energy sustainability.

“This is an incredible honor to receive the 2025 Albert Einstein World Award of Science. I am deeply grateful to the World Cultural Council for this extraordinary recognition.” said Professor Kanatzidis after hearing of this decision.

Mercouri Kanatzidis is a highly cited scientist and innovator, with 1,650 publications, more than 200 000 citations and 60 patents. Born in Greece, Mercouri received his BS degree from Aristotle University and his PhD from the University of Iowa. Since 2006 he has been a Professor of Chemistry at Northwestern University.

WCC Founder and President Emeritus José Estrada states, “Professor Kanatzidis is an extraordinary and visionary scientist whose deep insights have led to transformative innovations in the field of solar energy conversion. His work contributes greatly toward a more sustainable world. Having guided more than 80 undergraduates, 96 doctoral students and 140 post-doctoral fellows, Mercouri Kanatzidis has distinguished himself as a respected mentor of a new generation of academic leaders.”

The late Sir Fraser Stoddart, former President of the World Cultural Council affirmed, “Kanatzidis’s groundbreaking contributions to energy science and his tireless dedication to mentorship make him one of the most gifted and influential scientists of our time.”

The 2025 Award Ceremony

The 40th Award Ceremony of the World Cultural Council will be celebrated in the Auditorium of the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo MARCO, in Monterrey, Mexico, on October 22, 2025.

The World Cultural Council Awards

The WCC awards were established to acknowledge individuals or institutions that have made outstanding achievements in science, education and the arts:

The “Albert Einstein” World Award of Science is a recognition, as well as an incentive to scientific and technological research and development that takes into special consideration those researchers which have brought true benefit and well-being to mankind. Its recipient is elected by an Interdisciplinary Committee, constituted by world renowned scientists.

The “José Vasconcelos” World Award of Education was established as an acknowledgement to those who have the all-important task of teaching as a foundational element of our present civilization. It is granted to a renowned educator, an authority in the field, or a legislator of education policies who has had a significant influence on the advancement in the scope of culture for mankind.

The “Leonardo da Vinci” World Award of Arts is an acknowledgement to those who lift our existence to a higher level by the beauty or inspiration of their creative talent. It is conferred on a renowned artist, sculptor, writer, poet, cinematographer, photographer, architect, musician or other performing, creative or visionary artist, whose work constitutes a significant contribution to the artistic legacy of the world.

A Commemorative Medal, a diploma, and an award cheque, as well as international recognition from the scientific, educational and arts communities, are the rewards of the World Awards.

Through its work, the World Cultural Council spotlights research, pioneering work in education and artistic expressions that bring progress to mankind and foster the advancement of culture, while underscoring excellence as a guiding principle in science, innovation and education. It also aspires to build bridges with and between leading institutions around the world. The prizes additionally commend the qualities inspired by the awardees as role models, encouraging future generations to contribute to a better world.
The 2025 World Cultural Council’s award winner is announced

The winner of the 2025 “Albert Einstein” World Award of Science is Professor Mercouri G. Kanatzidis, Charles E. and Emma H. Morrison Professor in the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Northwestern University, USA. He is also a Senior Scientist at Argonne National Laboratory.

Professor Kanatzidis is recognized for his groundbreaking contributions as a pioneer in shaping the field solar photovoltaic materials through his seminal work on halide perovskite semiconductors. He has made fundamental contributions for creating materials enabling key and sustainable energy conversion technologies.

The World Cultural Council (WCC) acknowledges the outstanding contributions of Professor Kanatzidis toward launching the so-called “perovskite era” of high-performance, low-cost, and durable photovoltaic semiconductors as a transformative development in solar energy conversion. Following his historic publication in 2012 where he demonstrated an all-solid-state solar cell based on halide perovskite, hundreds of research groups studying these materials have been established worldwide. His follow up landmark publication in 2014 has led to the development of tandem photovoltaic solar cells with significantly higher efficiencies. WCC jury members noted that Professor Kanatzidis is an undisputed global leader in developing key technologies toward the next generation of solar cells and has played a key role in establishing perovskite halides in photovoltaic applications as a new field of science. His work exemplifies the power of scientific innovation and collaboration to address pressing global challenges, such as climate change and energy sustainability.

“This is an incredible honor to receive the 2025 Albert Einstein World Award of Science. I am deeply grateful to the World Cultural Council for this extraordinary recognition.” said Professor Kanatzidis after hearing of this decision.

Mercouri Kanatzidis is a highly cited scientist and innovator, with 1,650 publications, more than 200 000 citations and 60 patents. Born in Greece, Mercouri received his BS degree from Aristotle University and his PhD from the University of Iowa. Since 2006 he has been a Professor of Chemistry at Northwestern University.

WCC Founder and President Emeritus José Estrada states, “Professor Kanatzidis is an extraordinary and visionary scientist whose deep insights have led to transformative innovations in the field of solar energy conversion. His work contributes greatly toward a more sustainable world. Having guided more than 80 undergraduates, 96 doctoral students and 140 post-doctoral fellows, Mercouri Kanatzidis has distinguished himself as a respected mentor of a new generation of academic leaders.”

The late Sir Fraser Stoddart, former President of the World Cultural Council affirmed, “Kanatzidis’s groundbreaking contributions to energy science and his tireless dedication to mentorship make him one of the most gifted and influential scientists of our time.”

The 2025 Award Ceremony

The 40th Award Ceremony of the World Cultural Council will be celebrated in the Auditorium of the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo MARCO, in Monterrey, Mexico, on October 22, 2025.

The World Cultural Council Awards

The WCC awards were established to acknowledge individuals or institutions that have made outstanding achievements in science, education and the arts:

The “Albert Einstein” World Award of Science is a recognition, as well as an incentive to scientific and technological research and development that takes into special consideration those researchers which have brought true benefit and well-being to mankind. Its recipient is elected by an Interdisciplinary Committee, constituted by world renowned scientists.

The “José Vasconcelos” World Award of Education was established as an acknowledgement to those who have the all-important task of teaching as a foundational element of our present civilization. It is granted to a renowned educator, an authority in the field, or a legislator of education policies who has had a significant influence on the advancement in the scope of culture for mankind.

The “Leonardo da Vinci” World Award of Arts is an acknowledgement to those who lift our existence to a higher level by the beauty or inspiration of their creative talent. It is conferred on a renowned artist, sculptor, writer, poet, cinematographer, photographer, architect, musician or other performing, creative or visionary artist, whose work constitutes a significant contribution to the artistic legacy of the world.

A Commemorative Medal, a diploma, and an award cheque, as well as international recognition from the scientific, educational and arts communities, are the rewards of the World Awards.

Through its work, the World Cultural Council spotlights research, pioneering work in education and artistic expressions that bring progress to mankind and foster the advancement of culture, while underscoring excellence as a guiding principle in science, innovation and education. It also aspires to build bridges with and between leading institutions around the world. The prizes additionally commend the qualities inspired by the awardees as role models, encouraging future generations to contribute to a better world.