Elad Ballas was born in 1990 and grew up in Beit Shemesh, Israel. After completing high school, he studied at the Shavei Hevron Yeshiva and later served in the IDF’s Golani Brigade. He earned his B.Sc. in Chemistry from Bar-Ilan University, graduating magna cum laude, followed by an M.Sc. in Electrochemistry and Energy Storage under the supervision of Prof. Doron Aurbach, graduating with high honors. Elad then advanced to the combined Ph.D. program, where he is co-supervised by Prof. Doron Aurbach and Prof. Malachi Noked.

Elad’s doctoral research focuses on the development of energy storage systems using earth-abundant materials, such as zinc and bromine, in aqueous, safe media – offering solutions to carbon emissions and climate challenges. His research aims to unravel the charge-discharge mechanisms of this unique battery system, as well as the mechanism underlying its self-discharge behavior. He conducted a pioneering, systematic investigation into the issue of self-discharge in static (non-flow) zinc-bromine batteries and proposed a simple and effective solution that has been patented.

Elad lives in Givat Shmuel with his wife, Shira, and their four children. He volunteers with Paamonim, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting financial literacy and stability among families in Israel.