Badwal is a world-leader in solid state ionics. In the 1980s, his experimental ingenuity enabled a range of electrochemical experiments to be undertaken with unprecedented speed. This ability led to new insights into ionic conductive processes; which combined with new ceramic toughening discoveries made earlier by colleagues, led to new, improved oxygen sensors (which were quickly commercialised) and ultimately to the establishment of the start-up company Ceramic Fuel Cells Ltd in 1992which is now pre-eminent in its field. Badwal has demonstrated a rare ability to develop and commercialise excellent technology through teamwork, from scientific discovery and achievement.