AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands - Two Swedish scientists have won the 2013 AkzoNobel Science Award in recognition of their research in the fields of materials and surface engineering.

Lars Hultman, of Linköping University, and Per Claesson, from the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), received their awards at a special event in Stockholm. Both received a certificate of recognition and an equal share of the SEK 500,000 prize.

Professor Hultman – Head of Thin Film Physics at Linköping University – was honored for his work in materials science and nanotechnology, and in particular his contribution to the physics of thin films and ion-surface interactions.

As Head of the Division of Surface and Corrosion Science at the Royal Institute of Technology, Professor Claesson was recognized for his contribution to the understanding of interfacial forces, adsorption and the self-assembly of molecular species.

Established to recognize outstanding scientific contributions in the fields of chemistry and materials science, the AkzoNobel Science Award is bestowed in several countries. The winners are chosen by an independent panel of judges convened by partners in those countries.