The first-ever defense of the Doctor of Science dissertation at Skoltech happened on June 30. Distinguished Professor Artem Abakumov, the Director of the Energy Center, defended the dissertation on the topic “Cathode materials for metal-ion batteries based on transition metal oxides and chalcogenides with a layered structure” for the degree of Doctor of Science in Chemistry in scientific specialty 1.4.15. Solid State Chemistry. The dissertation council consisting of renowned experts in the field from Skoltech and other Russian institutions unanimously awarded the desired academic degree to the Professor. It was noted by all the members of the council that the dissertation uniquely combines solid theoretical results and practical achievements. The dissertation addresses the need to develop high-capacity lithium-ion batteries for the needs of electric propulsion, overcoming technological barriers in specific energy capacity and cyclic resource and safety, as well as reducing the specific cost of stored electricity. Establishing relationships between the electrochemical behavior of intercalation systems and the local structure and microstructure of cathode materials forms the basis for the targeted design of new materials with a crystalline and defective structure optimized for specific electrochemical energy storage systems. The solution to this complex scientific problem is capable of creating significant competitive advantages in the market of lithium-ion batteries with high energy density, long service life, and affordable price. For more information on defenses and an autonomous scientific degree awarding, please refer to the Skoltech website.