PRESSMEDDELANDE 2025-05-30

The 2025 Tiselius Award goes to Sina Wrede, Uppsala University, for her thesis ”Interfaces in Dye-Sensitized Electrodes. From Fundamental Understanding to Devices.”

The Tiselius Award 2025 is presented by the Division of Physical Chemistry of the Swedish Chemical Society (Svenska Kemisamfundet) to the best doctoral thesis in physical chemistry at a Swedish university in 2024. This year marks the first time the award is being presented.

Questions to Sina Wrede:

Can you give a brief summary of what you have researched?
– The overarching theme of my PhD research was surface properties and interfacial processes for dye-sensitized solar cells and solar fuel devices. I investigated intermolecular charge transfer across dye-sensitized surfaces, explored the surface characteristics of nickel oxide (NiO) which is a widely used electrode for photocathodes, and developed the first solid-state p-n tandem dye-sensitized solar cell. That part was particularly enjoyable because I love building things.

Is there anything you are particularly proud of?
– Looking back, I’m particularly proud of my study of NiO. It was the most challenging part of my research, requiring experiments at a synchrotron and a high degree of independence. It pushed me to learn and persevere, and despite the difficulties, I’m glad I stuck with it. I also take pride in my work on solid-state solar cells, and I’m grateful that it worked as hoped.

How did you choose to focus on solar energy?
– My interest in solar energy started in high school when I participated in an initiative at the Fraunhofer Research Institute in Freiburg, Germany. At the time, I was fascinated by solar cells but struggled to grasp all the processes at play. That curiosity stayed with me through my bachelor’s studies, where some of my most rewarding moments came when I finally understood how solar cells and batteries functioned.

– This passion led me to Sweden, where I pursued a master’s in Chemistry for Renewable Energy, focusing my thesis on solar cells. It’s been a path driven by curiosity and a desire to understand the chemistry behind renewable energy technologies.

How does it feel to be done with your PhD?
– Earning my doctorate has been humbling and deeply impactful. I was lucky to have a fantastic supervisor who supported me throughout my journey, along with inspiring professors at Uppsala University and brilliant fellow PhDs and Post-Docs who taught me a great deal—both academically and personally. Research can be frustrating at times, especially when persistence doesn’t immediately pay off, and I am grateful for all the support I had in those moments.

What is the next step for you?
– Since completing my PhD last summer, I’ve started an industrial post-doc at a battery company in the U.S. I’m having a lot of fun driving research initiatives, developing new ideas, and learning more about battery technology. My background has helped me navigate this new field quickly, and I’m excited to see where this experience takes me.

– Eventually, I’d love to return to Sweden and continue working on green energy technologies and building innovative devices. More than anything, I want to contribute to the push for a more sustainable and equitable future. I also find renewable energy technologies fascinating – not just in terms of their science, but in the practical aspects of how they function, how to build them, and the challenges involved in making them better.

Is there any chemist you particularly look up to?
– I don’t particularly look up to any of the well-known chemists, but I deeply respect my high school chemistry teacher, who first inspired me to study chemistry. Many of my colleagues at Uppsala University were incredibly impressive in their areas of expertise and have been invaluable influences on both my professional and personal development.

How does it feel to be the first to be awarded the Tiselius Prize?
– Being the first recipient of the Tiselius Prize is an incredible honor, and I hope that many more researchers will follow in the years to come. Recognitions like this highlight the importance of continuing scientific exploration, and I’m grateful to have played a part in that.

The Tiselius Prize
The award is named after Arne Tiselius, who earned his doctorate in physical chemistry in 1930. His advisor was Theodor Svedberg, and the focus of his dissertation was electrophoresis. Using this technique, Tiselius became the first to successfully separate blood proteins. He later continued to develop electrophoresis, primarily with a focus on biochemistry. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1948.

For questions, contact:
Agnes Rinaldo-Matthis, President of the Swedish Chemical Society (Svenska Kemisamfundet)
agnes.rinaldo.matthis@kemisamfundet.se