Global recognition for Monash chemists driving innovations in clean energy storage

A formal studio portrait shows four people standing side by side against a neutral, softly textured grey backdrop. In the center, one individual wearing academic regalia, including a black gown, a mortarboard cap, and a light-colored head covering, is holding a framed certificate with both hands. The certificate features printed text and a red circular seal near the bottom. The two people to the left are dressed in casual clothing: one wears a patterned dress with short sleeves, and the other wears a short-sleeve top with a colorful geometric pattern. Both are standing close together with hands relaxed or clasped in front. On the right, another individual is wearing formal academic dress, including a black gown with blue trim, a matching hat, and glasses. The group is arranged closely, facing forward. The lighting is even and studio-controlled, with no strong shadows. No visible text aside from the certificate content, which is too small to read clearly.

L-R: Dr Karolina Matuszek, Professor Jenny Pringle, Dr Saliha Saher and Emeritus Professor Douglas MacFarlane.

Congratulations to the Thermal Energy Storage Group from the Monash University School of Chemistry on being awarded a 2026 Royal Society of Chemistry Horizon Prize.

The prize recognises their pioneering discovery of thermal energy storage materials that integrate phase‑change, thermochemical and sensible heat storage modes.

This work represents a major advance in the science underpinning renewable‑energy systems, offering a pathway to dramatically more efficient, scalable and commercially viable storage technologies.

The Horizon Prize is one of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s most significant honours, celebrating teams whose discoveries are reshaping the future of environment, sustainability and energy.

The group’s members include Dr Karolina Matuszek, Emeritus Professor Douglas MacFarlane, Dr Saliha Saher and Professor Jenny Pringle from Deakin University.

The team’s research, led by Dr Matuszek, has rapidly positioned the group as amongst Australia’s most influential emerging scientists in clean‑energy chemistry.

Her team’s discovery of a novel trimodal thermal energy storage material, capable of combining multiple storage mechanisms to achieve exceptionally high energy capacity, has attracted strong investor interest and is now progressing toward commercialisation.

This innovation is expected to play a critical role in enabling the next generation of renewable‑powered industrial processes and grid‑scale storage solutions.

Dr Matuszek and Professor MacFarlane recently launched start-up company ThermaLeap Pty Ltd, which will scale up this technology for applications in the food, beverage and dairy industries.

Investors in the company include Monash Innovation Holdings, Uniseed and Breakthrough Victoria.

Dr Matuszek said the Royal Society of Chemistry Horizon Prize was wonderful recognition of the team’s efforts over almost a decade.

“The prize will bring global attention to our new spin-out company and the importance of thermal energy in the energy transition,” said Professor MacFarlane.

The Faculty of Science proudly acknowledges Dr Matuszek’s achievements, and the team recognised by the Royal Society of Chemistry for their contribution to advancing sustainable energy solutions.

Further information
Silvia Dropulich
Marketing, Media & Communications Manager, Monash Science
T: +61 3 9902 4513 M: +61 435 138 743
Email: silvia.dropulich@monash.edu