Thinkery’s Hometown Hero series shines a spotlight on inspiring people who have made their mark in science, technology, engineering, art, and math! Our July hero is Dr. John Goodenough – a scientist, inventor, educator, and Nobel Prize winner whose innovations in battery technology transformed the way people around the world live, learn, and connect.
Although he wasn’t born in Austin, Dr. Goodenough made the city his home when he joined The University of Texas at Austin in 1986. As a professor in the Cockrell School of Engineering, he led research that attracted students and scientists from around the world, helping establish Austin as a global hub for battery innovation and energy research.
Powering a New Era of Technology
Long before smartphones and electric cars became part of everyday life, Dr. Goodenough was searching for better ways to store energy. While working at the University of Oxford in the late 1970s, he discovered that lithium cobalt oxide could be used to create a more powerful rechargeable battery. His breakthrough became the foundation of the modern lithium-ion battery, a technology that powers everything from cell phones and laptops to electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems.
When Dr. Goodenough came to Austin, he didn’t stop innovating. He continued researching new battery technologies for nearly four decades, working well into his 90s and even after turning 100 years old. His lifelong curiosity showed that learning doesn’t have an age limit and that great discoveries can happen at any stage of life.
In 2019, Dr. Goodenough received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his contributions to the development of lithium-ion batteries. At 97 years old, he became the oldest person ever to receive a Nobel Prize. While his discoveries earned worldwide recognition, those who worked alongside him often remembered him most for his generosity and love of teaching.
Throughout his career, Dr. Goodenough believed that science should improve people’s lives. He mentored countless students and young researchers and supported future generations through scholarships and research funding at UT Austin.
A Lasting Legacy
Dr. John Goodenough showed that curiosity, perseverance, and a lifelong love of learning can lead to discoveries that change the world. His research transformed everyday technology, while his mentorship helped inspire the next generation of innovators. His story reminds us that asking questions, thinking creatively, and never giving up can spark ideas that make a lasting difference for our communities and the world.