Electrochemist Héctor Abruña’s research team is developing new materials for batteries and hydrogen fuel cells that will be critical to storing renewable energy and enabling more efficient vehicles. He cites recent advances in lithium sulfur batteries and fuel cells that don’t require expensive precious metals. “I feel very positive this will be something that will be viable in the very near future,” he said. Abruña says his proudest achievement is having mentored dozens of doctoral and post-doctoral students now working around the world to advance climate solutions. Significant federal and private investments in hydrogen herald further progress. But Abruña said addressing complex climate challenges will require both new technology and political will, engaging large, multidisciplinary teams that span science and public policy. “Cornell was meant for this kind of challenge,” Abruña said. “It’s almost in our DNA that we’re very collaborative.”