Jan Christoph Goldschmidt

Prof. Dr. Jan Christoph Goldschmidt is a W3 Professor of Experimental Physics specializing in Physics of Solar Energy Conversion at Philipps University of Marburg, where he leads the Solar Energy Conversion Group. He has held this position since November 2021, following leadership roles at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE in Freiburg, Germany from 2010-2021. His research group focuses on fundamental physical processes involved in converting solar energy into electrical energy using solar cells, with particular emphasis on developing new solar cell structures and improving existing designs.

Dr. Goldschmidt earned his PhD (Dr. rer. nat.) in Physics with Summa cum laude distinction from the University of Konstanz and Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (2005-2009), and completed his Dipl.-Phys. at Albert-Ludwigs Universität Freiburg and University of New South Wales (1999-2005). His educational background spans both German and Australian institutions, providing him with an international perspective on renewable energy research.

His research primarily focuses on perovskite-based photovoltaics, with three main pillars: (i) highly efficient perovskite-based tandem solar cells that promise low costs and resource consumption; (ii) graphite-based perovskite solar cells that demonstrate exceptional stability with operating times of 9,000-10,000 hours; and (iii) comprehensive analyses of potentials, cost structures, and sustainability aspects of photovoltaics. His work integrates techno-economic-social aspects including ecological life cycle analyses, resource availability studies, and energy policy considerations, ensuring sustainability is incorporated from the design phase of new solar cell technologies.

Among his notable scientific recognitions are the Dahrendorf-Fellowship for research at the Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change, a PostDoc research grant from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), and multiple prestigious PhD scholarships. His research has attracted significant funding including BMWi collaborative projects, Fraunhofer Leitprojekte, and DFG Priority Programs with total project volumes exceeding millions of euros.

Professor Goldschmidt has supervised 12 PhD students since 2010 and 25 Master's and Bachelor's students since 2005, with current doctoral candidates including Lea Obermüller (working on planet-centric design principles for terawatt-scale perovskite solar cells) and Christopher Janas (focusing on stability of perovskite tandem solar cells). His research group operates advanced facilities including the recently commissioned PeroLab and vacuum deposition equipment for sputtering interlayers in tandem solar cells.

The Solar Energy Conversion Group maintains strong industry connections and collaborates on projects addressing real-world challenges in photovoltaics deployment, including integration of fluctuating generators into power grids and developing strategies for cost-effective climate protection through solar energy expansion. The group actively engages in sustainability considerations throughout the solar cell development process, recognizing that photovoltaics represents the most important energy conversion technology for climate protection while requiring careful attention to ecological and social impacts.