Clemens Heske (Chemistry) was part of a research team that received an award through the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) hydrogen and fuel cells program. The award is for contributions to the overall efforts of the program and to recognize achievements in specific areas.

Heske, Todd Deutsch (National Renewable Energy Laboratory), and Tadashi Ogitsu (Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory) were recognized for outstanding dedication and collaboration in photoelectrochemical surface validation. Their groundbreaking work, which integrates state-of-the art tools and methods in materials theory, synthesis, and characterization, has led to the development and validation of novel ab-initio models of photoelectrochemical solar-hydrogen production and corrosion processes.

He also was part of a research group with the University of Hawaii that received funding to develop photoelectrodes for direct solar water splitting. The funding comes from the DOE as part of 10 new research and development projects that will advance hydrogen production and delivery technologies.