The Otto Schott Research Award 2026 honours two U.S. glass scientists, Professor Steve Martin and Professor Kathleen Richardson, for their fundamental contributions to materials research. Their work on the structure of glass, as well as optical and infrared materials, forms the basis for applications in fields such as healthcare, energy, electronics and security and defence. The award highlights scientific breakthroughs that pave the way for new materials and next-generation technologies.
How atomic structure defines glass properties
Steve Martin, professor of materials science and engineering at Iowa State University, is recognised for his fundamental research on the structure of silicate and non-oxide glasses. His work demonstrates how atomic structure determines key properties of glass, such as resistance to high temperatures, chemical exposure, and long-term stress.
This understanding is essential for developing speciality glass tailored to demanding applications, including pharmaceutical packaging and energy-intensive industrial processes. His research also opens new possibilities in energy technologies, particularly solid-state batteries.
Controlling light with optical glass
Kathleen Richardson, professor of optics and materials science and engineering at the University of Central Florida’s CREOL, is honoured for her contributions to the development of optical glasses and infrared materials.
Her research focuses on how precisely engineered compositions can control and transmit light. This is particularly important for high-performance applications in infrared optics and sensing systems.
The work of both awardees demonstrates the close link between fundamental research and industrial application. It helps push the performance limits of existing materials and unlock entirely new material classes – such as glasses with lower melting temperatures or extended optical properties in the infrared range.
The award, endowed with EUR 25,000, was presented on April 13, 2026, during the annual meeting of the International Commission on Glass in Lyon, France. The presentation of the award by the Ernst Abbe Fund underscores the importance of linking scientific excellence with industrial implementation. The goal is to translate research insights into scalable technologies and enable practical applications with societal impact. The Otto Schott Research Award is presented every two years and is among the most prestigious honours in glass and materials science.