Dr. Jeffrey Dahn is a world-renowned materials scientist and pioneering researcher in lithium-ion battery technology whose innovations have fundamentally shaped the modern energy storage landscape. He currently serves as Professor Emeritus and Principal Investigator of the NSERC/Dalhousie/Tesla Canada Alliance Grant at Dalhousie University, where he leads one of the most influential battery research groups globally. After earning his B.Sc. in Physics from Dalhousie University in 1978 and his Ph.D. from the University of British Columbia in 1982, Dr. Dahn established his early career at the National Research Council of Canada and Moli Energy Limited before joining Simon Fraser University as a faculty member. His return to Dalhousie University in 1996 marked the beginning of a transformative period in battery research, where he established himself as a leading authority through his NSERC/3M Canada Industrial Research Chair position that spanned two decades.
Dr. Dahn's groundbreaking research has revolutionized the development and commercialization of lithium-ion batteries, with his work directly enabling the advancement of electric vehicles and portable electronics that power the modern world. As a prolific innovator, he has authored over 820 refereed journal papers and co-invented 78 patents that have significantly improved battery energy density, extended lifespan, and reduced manufacturing costs. His scientific partnership with Tesla, beginning in 2016 and extended through 2026, has been instrumental in developing next-generation battery technologies that have enhanced the performance and affordability of electric vehicles. Dr. Dahn's pioneering work in combinatorial and high-throughput methods for battery materials discovery has established new industry standards, while his research on electrolyte formulations and cathode materials has solved critical challenges in battery safety and longevity.
Beyond his research achievements, Dr. Dahn has profoundly influenced the global battery research community through his mentorship of over 65 PhD students and 30 postdoctoral fellows, many of whom now lead academic departments or serve as CEOs of battery technology companies. His role as Chief Scientific Advisor to NOVONIX, a company spun out of his research group in 2013, and his recent appointment to the Scientific Advisory Board for Meta Materials Inc. demonstrate his continued leadership in translating academic research into commercial applications. Dr. Dahn's distinguished career has been recognized with Canada's highest scientific honors including the Governor General's Innovation Award, the Gerhard Herzberg Gold Medal, and the Killam Prize, alongside his appointment as an Officer of the Order of Canada. Currently directing research under the NSERC/Dalhousie/Tesla Alliance Grant until at least 2026, Dr. Dahn remains at the forefront of battery innovation, focusing on developing sustainable, high-performance energy storage solutions that will accelerate the global transition to renewable energy systems.
