Dr Masato Sagawa wins 2022 Queen Elizabeth Prize in Engineering with magnet innovation

A prominent Japanese scientist and entrepreneur responsible for the discovery, development and global commercialisation of the world’s most powerful permanent magnet, has scooped the 2022 Queen Elizabeth Prize in Engineering (QEPrize).

Dr Masato Sagawa’s sintered neodymium-iron-boron (Nd-Fe-B) combines both high-efficiency and high-torque density, a measure used in machine design, meaning that it has several potential applications both in commercial and domestic settings.

For the former it could be used in the production of motors and generators for electric vehicles and wind power generation, while more general applications for the latter would be any area where small powerful magnets are required, including in domestic appliances.

The Nd-Fe-B market is predicted to be worth over $19.3 billion by 2026, and permanent magnets of this type are also essential to the value chain of 8.5 million electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles across the globe.

On his win Dr. Sagawa, said: “Receiving the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering is a special moment for me, as this prestigious prize encapsulates what engineering is all about. The purpose of engineering is to benefit humankind, and this award inspires engineers to keep working towards their goals.

“Engineering is essential to solving today’s most pressing issues, and this includes tackling climate change. While neodymium magnets have a wide range of applications, one of the most important is its use for climate economy products, such as electric vehicles and wind turbines.

“I am therefore honoured to be part of the engineering profession’s contribution towards the fight against climate change, and equally as honoured to receive this unique prize.”

Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering Foundation chairman Lord Browne of Madingley, added: “This innovation is inside almost every electric vehicle, and its application ranges from the smartphone in your pocket to offshore wind turbines providing clean energy – a material that is supporting our way of life today and our way of life in the future.

“That's the essence of engineering; producing and delivering for humanity again and again. Dr Masato Sagawa's permanent magnet is the embodiment of that very essence”.

Dr Sagawa will be formally honoured at the QEPrize presentation ceremony later this year. He will receive £500,000 and a unique trophy (pictured above), designed by the 2022 Create the Trophy winner, 17-year-old Anshika Agarwal from India.