Harper Lecture·May 28, 2026

Charging the Future: The High-Stakes Race for Energy Security

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On May 28, the University of Chicago hosted a Harper Lecture on the global push to transform energy storage. This discussion explores why advances in battery technology have become central to energy security and what it will take to scale them in time to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.
May 28 2026
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Around the world, a quiet race is underway to build a better battery. The outcome will shape not only how we power our devices but also how nations secure their energy, stabilize their grids, and transition away from fossil fuels.

On May 28, the University of Chicago hosted a Harper Lecture on the global push to transform energy storage with Energy Technologies Initiative (ETI) Founding Faculty Director Shirley Meng, ETI scholar Chibueze Amanchukwu, and Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth Managing Director of Policy and Strategic Engagement Kristina Costa.

The discussion explored why advances in battery technology have become central to energy security and what it will take to scale them in time to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.

Scholar

Chibueze Amanchukwu

Neubauer Family Assistant Professor of Molecular Engineering in the UChicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering
Scholar

Y. Shirley Meng

Director, Energy Transition Network; Liew Family Professor in Molecular Engineering, UChicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering