John V Kennedy

John V Kennedy serves as Principal Scientist in the Materials Department at GNS Science and holds an Adjunct Professor position at Victoria University of Wellington. His career spans advanced materials research with emphasis on sustainable energy technologies, leveraging ion beam methodologies pioneered by Lord Rutherford for materials development and characterization.

His educational background includes a PhD, MSc, and BSc in Physics, establishing a strong foundation in nuclear and materials physics. Research expertise centers on Hydrogen Engineering, Energy Storage, Ion Implantation, and Thermoelectric Materials, with significant contributions to low-carbon energy systems. Current leadership roles include Programme Director for the MBIE Advanced Energy Technology Platform "Green Hydrogen Technology Platform" and Energy & Emissions Platform Leader for the New Zealand Product Accelerator.

Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a consistent focus on energy conversion materials and hydrogen production technologies, with increasing emphasis on 2D materials and plasma-mediated processes since 2022. His work bridges fundamental materials science with industrial applications, particularly in waste heat recovery, water splitting, and sustainable battery technologies.

As Principal Investigator for both the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology and the MBIE Endeavour Programme "Wirelessly Powered Transport Infrastructure for a Low-carbon Future", Kennedy directs significant research initiatives advancing New Zealand's clean energy capabilities. His laboratory work centers on the Ion Beam Materials and Analysis Laboratory, where ion implantation techniques are applied to develop functional materials for hydrogen production, energy storage, and catalytic applications.