In September 2019, at the 16th International Symposium on Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC-XVI), Symposium Chair Subhash Singhal presented a plaque from The Electrochemical Society (ECS) to Yukiko Dokiya, the widow of Professor Masayuki Dokiya. Also present were daughter Fumiko Dokiya, her husband Hironobu Dokiya, and their daughter Yoko Dokiya and son Masahiro Dokiya. The plaque thanked the Dokiya family for their generous contribution in Masayuki’s memory. The gift made possible the creation of the Dokiya Fund of The Electrochemical Society in 2004. From 2004 to 2019, the Fund provided financial travel assistance to 128 Dokiya Fund Travel Grant Recipients to attend ECS and other related meetings around the world in their pursuit of electrochemical science and technology to benefit mankind.
A world leader in the field of solid oxide fuel cell research, Dokiya was the founding organizer of the SOFC Society of Japan. A longtime ECS member, he co-chaired SOFC-IV, VI, VII and VIII with Subhash Singhal. According to Singhal, “Professor Dokiya was active in research, education, and in helping organize the SOFC series of symposia, and was very keen to promote research and development of solid oxide fuel cells. He was dedicated to teaching and training young students and other young researchers. The Dokiya Fund provided financial support to young investigators in fields of interest to Professor Dokiya.” Singhal is an ECS Fellow and Battelle Fellow Emeritus at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.
Professor Dokiya received his bachelor, masters, and doctorate degrees from the University of Tokyo. He organized a large research group in the field of solid oxide fuel cells at the National Institute of Materials and Chemical Research in Tsukuba, research he continued as a professor at Yokohama National University. Dokiya received many awards including the Schoenbein Gold Medal of the European Fuel Cell Forum. In 2003, he succumbed to cancer after a long struggle. On his deathbed, Dokiya was awarded the Kyokujitsu Shou-Jushou (The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette) by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi. Professor Dokiya is recognized as a member of the Carl Hering Legacy Circle at ECS, which honors individuals who participate in ECS Planned Giving Programs.
SOFC symposia bring together scientists, engineers, and researchers from academia, industry, and government laboratories to share results and discuss issues related to solid oxide fuel cells and electrolyzers. The meetings provide opportunities to learn and exchange information on the latest scientific and technical developments. ECS has co-sponsored the SOFC meetings since their founding.
