Scientists at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource will study plastics and biologically-motivated processes that break them down in hopes of finding more efficient ways to “upcycle” them.

The early-career award honors a promising leader in X-ray free-electron laser research.

Cryan is an investigator with the Stanford PULSE Institute at SLAC, while Marsden is an associate professor of pediatrics and of bioengineering at Stanford.

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers recognizes his contributions to developing electron beams that power unique ‘electron cameras’ and could advance X-ray lasers.