Nordic Life Science 1
The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2019 recognized the
creation of a rechargeable world that paved the way for the modern pacemaker, one of the medtech industry’s greatest innovations. The pacemaker has saved millions of lives and its history is a fascinating one. Nobel Chemistry Laureate John Goodenough sparked the wireless revolution and, at the age of 97, he wants to change the world once more. He advises researchers, “Don’t retire too early,” something he indeed is a living example of. In June 2019, Akira Yoshino was one of the recipients of the European Inventor Award, and few months later, he was announced as one of the three Nobel Laureates in Chemistry, for the same pioneering work in rechargeable batteries. Distinguished professor Stanley Whittingham has dedicated his whole career to the development of the lithium-ion battery, but his favorite part of the job is working with students, because he says, “They are excited about science just like I was.” NORDICLIFESCIENCE.ORG 79 © NOBEL MEDIA AB ILLUSTRATION NIKLAS ELMEHED