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Palladium Global Science Award: Honoring Technological Innovations in Hong Kong

On November 22, 2025, Hong Kong witnessed the first-ever Palladium Global Science Award ceremony, dedicated to recognizing the most cutting-edge innovations in industrial applications of palladium. Established in 2025, this international scientific competition aims to stimulate and promote groundbreaking research in new palladium-based technologies. During the event, five exceptional scientists from Canada, Japan, India, the United States, and Saudi Arabia were honored, sharing a total prize pool of $350,000.

Celebration of Innovation

The award ceremony was attended by leading researchers, industry representatives, government officials, and international partners, all witnessing the announcement of the winners and celebrating the high level of innovation that is set to shape the future of palladium applications. The event underscored the global reach of the competition and its pivotal role in promoting top-tier palladium technologies.

In its inaugural year, the competition attracted nearly 100 submissions from over 30 countries, spanning fields such as traditional and alternative energy, metallurgy, chemistry, nanotechnology, medicine, electronics, and environmental technologies. An international expert panel evaluated each submission based on criteria such as scientific novelty, technological feasibility, and industrial applicability.

Categories and Winners

The award categories included:
1. Best Scientific Development in New Palladium Applications
2. Best Scientific Article on New Palladium Applications
3. Best Applied Concept in New Palladium Applications

Professor Chao-Jun Li from McGill University in Canada secured first place in the category for Best Scientific Development with a palladium catalyst that converts methane and carbon dioxide into methanol, a crucial chemical feedstock. This technology significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, enhances resource utilization, and minimizes production waste, leading to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly process. The second place was awarded to Distinguished Professor Makoto Fujita of the University of Tokyo and the Institute for Molecular Sciences in Japan for his innovative method of producing palladium nanostructures. His work opens avenues for materials with unique properties suitable for electronics, medicine, and advanced industrial technologies.

In the Best Scientific Article category, Senior Professor Natesan Thirupathi from the University of Delhi, India, won first place for his research on organopalladium chemistry, which accelerates drug development and enhances the environmental sustainability of pharmaceuticals. Professor Michael Joseph Krische from the University of Texas at Austin, USA, received second place for his method utilizing palladium for both hydrogenation and coupling reactions, thereby speeding up the synthesis of vital medicinal compounds.

The award for Best Applied Concept went to Associate Professor Safa Faris Kayed from Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia, for PalladClear, a palladium-based wastewater treatment system. This device efficiently cleans water, recovers metals for reuse, and reduces environmental impact—critical for creating cleaner and safer cities.

The Future of Palladium Innovation

"We evaluated not only innovative ideas but also their practical impacts, where deep scientific insights merge with practical implementation. The first submissions showcased that palladium is extending beyond its traditional uses. We encountered innovations transforming it from a raw material into a strategic, functional resource—leading to new classes of antimicrobial molecules and precision tools for medicine and clean energy. These developments not only improve existing processes but also create new markets that once seemed impossible. By recognizing work that combines scientific depth with scalable application, we are setting a standard that can guide global R&D priorities and inform how palladium can address future challenges," stated Francis Verpoort, Chairman of the international expert panel for the Palladium Global Science Award.

The competition will proceed with support from its main partner, the China Precious Metals Industry Committee (CPMIC), along with Shanghai Metals Market, North-West University in South Africa, and the MDX Research Center for Element Strategy in Japan. The next round of the Palladium Global Science Award is scheduled to launch in spring 2026, inviting scientists and engineers worldwide to submit new projects aimed at transforming existing technologies, improving ecological sustainability, and enhancing the role of palladium in future industry applications.