Rachel Oliver is a Professor of Materials Science at the University of Cambridge and Director of the Cambridge Centre for Gallium Nitride. Her research focuses on characterisation techniques for gallium nitride materials used in LEDs and laser diodes, with an emphasis on nanostructure engineering and quantum technology. Awarded OBE (2025), Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (FREng) (2021), and Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (FIMMM) (2019) Developed atom-probe tomography and scanning capacitance microscopy to study nitride devices Her work on quantum dots and single-photon emitters has advanced quantum crystallography and optoelectronics. Recent publications highlight trends in nitride semiconductors , solar cell efficiency , and quantum device fabrication . Scientific Awards Royal Society University Research Fellowship (2006-2011) Chair in Emerging Technologies (2023) Grants EPSRC grant for semi-polar nitride structures Oliver's lab at the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy explores nanoscale nitride structures for future devices, while advocating for gender equality in STEM.
Dr. Jialiang Huang is a Senior Lecturer and Senior Research Fellow at the School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering, University of New South Wales. With over 15 years of expertise in thin-film solar cells, his work focuses on defect engineering , nanostructured materials , and advanced characterization techniques . His research spans emerging photovoltaic materials such as polycrystalline silicon, kesterite, chalcogenides, and perovskites. Research Interests include: Defect engineering in high-efficiency solar cells Advanced electron microscopy characterization Development of Cd-free and high-bandgap photovoltaic technologies His articles (e.g., on Cd-free Cu2ZnSnS4 solar cells and multifunctional coatings) highlight innovations in material synthesis and efficiency optimization. His work emphasizes nanoscale characterization and interface engineering , contributing to advancements in solar energy systems. Labs/Teams: Active in the UNSW Electron Microscope Unit and collaborative projects on solar-driven ammonia synthesis and photovoltaic materials.
Guillaume Zoppi is a Professor in the Department of Mathematics, Physics and Electrical Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering & Environment at Northumbria University. His work spans both teaching and research in photovoltaics and renewable energy systems, with particular expertise in thin film solar cell technologies. His educational background includes a PhD in Physics from Durham University (2005), an MSc in Optoelectronics & Communication Systems, and a BSc (Hons) in Applied Physics completed at Northumbria University. He began his academic journey with a DUT "Mesures Physiques" from the Université de Savoie in France (1998). Dr. Zoppi's research focuses on thin film photovoltaics where micron-thick layers absorb sunlight to generate electricity. As an experimentalist, he actively engages in laboratory work fabricating and characterizing new photovoltaic materials and structures. His teaching encompasses fundamental experimental physics skills including laser diffraction, atomic spectroscopy, Hall effect, optical properties of semiconductors, and nuclear energy topics covering fission, fusion, and reactor design. He emphasizes error analysis in scientific measurements and scientific communication skills. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong research focus on CZTS/CZTSSe kesterite materials, Sb2Se3 solar cells, antiperovskite structures, and sustainable manufacturing approaches for photovoltaics. His work spans materials synthesis, device fabrication, characterization techniques, and efficiency optimization, with increasing attention to sustainability aspects of photovoltaic manufacturing processes. His research funding portfolio includes: EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Renewable Energy Northeast Universities Plus (ReNU+) - £5.3M (Co-I) The Wolfson Foundation Materials characterisation suite - £1.0M (PI) EPSRC Advanced thin film sputtering fabrication facility (TF-FAB) - £971k (PI) EPSRC Reimagining Photovoltaics Manufacturing - £986k (Co-I) EPSRC Solution-processed inorganic thin film photovoltaics devices (SolPV) - £607k (Co-I) Dr. Zoppi has supervised numerous PhD students to completion both as principal supervisor and co-supervisor, with research topics spanning kesterite solar cells, SnS thin films, antiperovskite structures, and flexible photovoltaics. He currently supervises PGR students working on self-lubricating thin coatings for cutting tools and solar-to-liquid fuel conversion technologies. He is an active member of Northumbria's photovoltaic research group, which focuses on developing next-generation thin film solar cell technologies with emphasis on sustainable manufacturing approaches and novel materials systems for renewable energy applications.
Rabin Basnet is a Research Fellow in the College of Engineering & Computer Science at The Australian National University (ANU). He holds a PhD from ANU (2020), a Master of Science in Renewable Energy Management from the University of Freiburg, and a Bachelor of Engineering from the Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk Campus, Nepal. His research focuses on silicon solar cell fabrication, defect characterization, and renewable energy policies. He has worked on developing low-cost silicon wafers with passivating-contact technology and mitigation strategies for bulk defects in Cz-Si wafers. Dr. Basnet’s research interests span advanced solar cell technologies, including photovoltaic materials characterization and energy storage solutions. His work combines experimental methods like time-resolved photoluminescence with materials science to enhance solar cell efficiency and stability. He has collaborated internationally, including a research stint at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE in Germany (2013–2016). His publications highlight innovations in polysilicon passivation, hydrogen activation, and defect mitigation in silicon wafers, with contributions to tandem solar cell designs and machine learning applications in materials research. While no specific awards are listed, his work has been published in high-impact journals and presented at international conferences. He is affiliated with ANU’s Energy cluster and actively contributes to interdisciplinary research in sustainable energy systems.
Dr Daniel Walter is a Senior Research Fellow in the School of Engineering at the Australian National University (ANU). His research focuses on photovoltaic physics and perovskite-based photovoltaic technologies, with a particular emphasis on enhancing the efficiency and stability of solar cells through advanced materials engineering and device design. He leads and collaborates on projects exploring perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells, interfacial passivation strategies, and ion migration effects in perovskite materials. Walter’s work integrates theoretical modeling with experimental validation, including Bayesian optimization for material parameter extraction and photoluminescence imaging for spatial performance analysis. His contributions span over 58 peer-reviewed publications, with notable advancements in centimetre-scale perovskite solar cells achieving record fill factors and fluorinated polymer additives for stability improvements. He has secured funding through collaborative projects such as the Advanced Device Characterisation Cluster and the Perovskite Solar Cells initiative, emphasizing interdisciplinary research. Key Research Areas: Perovskite Solar Cells, Silicon Photovoltaics, Tandem Solar Cell Architectures Notable Achievements: Over 2600 citations, H-index of 26 Collaborations: ANU-led teams and international partners in material science and device engineering Walter’s research addresses critical challenges in renewable energy, aiming to bridge the gap between fundamental material science and scalable photovoltaic technologies. His studies on defect passivation, ion migration control, and large-area fabrication have positioned him as a leading voice in next-generation solar cell development.
Dr. Katie Moore is a Senior Lecturer in Materials Characterisation at the University of Manchester's Department of Materials and the Undergraduate Programme Director for Materials Science and Engineering. She specializes in NanoSIMS (Nanoscale Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry) analysis, focusing on hydrogen detection in metals and trace element uptake in crops. Her work bridges materials science and environmental biology, addressing challenges in corrosion-resistant alloys and crop nutrition. Education: MEng in Materials Science, University of Oxford (2007) D.Phil in Materials Science, University of Oxford (2011) Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2019) Research Interests: Katie’s research explores: Hydrogen embrittlement mechanisms in steel, nickel, and zirconium alloys Zirconium oxidation and hydrogen pickup using isotopic tracers Trace element dynamics in crops (e.g., arsenic in rice, iron in wheat) Her techniques include NanoSIMS, atom probe tomography, and correlative microscopy. Scientific Awards: 3rd place, IOM3 Young Person’s World Lecture Competition (2010) IOM3 Young Person’s Lecture Competition UK Winner (2010) Rank Prize Funds Nutrition Committee Prize for Best Contributed Paper (2016) Grants & Projects: CROPNUT : Enhancing iron and zinc in cereals (2017–2020) Hydrogen and Oxygen diffusion in nuclear zirconium alloys (2015–2019) High-resolution techniques for hydrogen uptake in corrosion-resistant alloys (2014–2021) Labs & Teams: Katie leads the NanoSIMS Group and collaborates with the Photon Science Institute. She also chairs committees for the UK Surface Analysis Forum.
Dr. Stuart Boden is an Associate Professor at the School of Electronics and Computer Science (ECS) at the University of Southampton. He holds a first-class honours degree in Materials Science from the University of Oxford (2004) and a PhD in Electronics and Electrical Engineering from ECS (2009), focusing on nanostructured antireflective surfaces for photovoltaics. His career includes a Carl Zeiss-funded postdoctoral fellowship (2009–2014) and roles as ECS Lecturer (2014–2020) and current Associate Professor. He leads a research team developing high-efficiency interdigitated back contact silicon solar cells with nanoscale texturing. His research emphasizes photovoltaic materials, solar energy systems, and nanotechnology applications. Key projects include EPSRC-funded initiatives such as the Supersolar Solar Energy Hub, Black Silicon Photovoltaics, and the Supergen Solar Network+. He co-investigated grants totaling over £2.8M and sits on the management board of the Supergen Solar Network+. Stuart is a member of the IET, IEEE, UK Solar Energy Society, and EPSRC Peer Review College. He also contributes to academic organizations like the PVSAT conference and the Leverhulme Trust-funded PicoFIB network.
Dr. Kean Fong is a Senior Research Fellow at the Australian National University (ANU), affiliated with the Centre for Sustainable Energy Systems within the ANU College of Systems & Society . His research focuses on advancing silicon solar cell technology, including characterisation, simulation, and fabrication of interdigitated back contact (IBC) cells, perovskite-silicon tandem configurations, and optimizing surface passivation and loss analysis. Dr. Fong holds a BEng (First Class Honours) in Electronics Engineering from Multimedia University, Malaysia (2005) and a PhD in Engineering (Photovoltaics) from ANU (2012). Prior to his academic career, he worked as a Test Engineer at Intel Corporation (2005–2008), developing test libraries for multi-core processors and chipsets. His research interests emphasize silicon solar cell efficiency , advanced passivation techniques , laser-based fabrication , and material characterization . Notable areas include IBC cell design, perovskite-silicon tandem integration, and optimizing surface passivation layers like ONO stacks. His publications highlight contributions to microwave annealing for passivating contacts , perovskite stability enhancements , and high-reproducibility texturing methods . While specific award details are linked externally, his work aligns with ANU’s focus on sustainable energy systems. Dr. Fong collaborates extensively on projects such as the Next-Generation Si and Tandem Hetero-Contact Laboratory and Advanced Device Characterisation Cluster , driving innovations in solar cell technology and manufacturing processes.
Dr. Kean Chern Fong is a Senior Research Fellow in the School of Engineering at The Australian National University (ANU), specializing in high-efficiency silicon and tandem solar cell research within the Centre for Sustainable Energy Systems. He holds a PhD in Photovoltaics from ANU (2012) and a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering from Multimedia University, Malaysia (2005). Previously, he worked as a Test Engineer at Intel Corporation (2005–2008). Education: Bachelor of Engineering (Electronics), Multimedia University, Malaysia (2005) PhD in Engineering (Photovoltaics), ANU (2012) Research Focus: Characterisation of silicon solar cells, including IV curve analysis and optical simulations Modelling of passivated contacts and 3D/2D device simulations Development of interdigitated back contact (IBC) solar cells and perovskite-silicon tandem systems targeting 28%+ efficiency Surface passivation techniques using ONO dielectrics and novel materials Recent Research Trends: His publications emphasize improving silicon solar cell efficiency through advanced passivation (e.g., MoOx contacts), perovskite-silicon tandem integration, and defect mitigation via annealing processes. Recent work includes microwave annealing for hydrogen activation and metal-free texturing solutions. Awards: No specific scientific awards mentioned in the text. Advising & Grants: Actively supervising PhD candidates and leading projects like the 'Advanced Device Characterisation Cluster' and 'Heterocontact-Polysilicon Hybrid IBC Solar Cells'. Collaborates with institutions globally on tandem solar cell technologies. Labs & Teams: Works within ANU’s Centre for Sustainable Energy Systems, focusing on translating lab-scale innovations into scalable solar cell technologies.
Professor Bram Hoex is a leading academic at the School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering (SPREE) at the University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) . With a PhD in Applied Physics from Eindhoven University of Technology, he is renowned for his pioneering work on aluminium oxide passivation and atomic layer deposition in solar cell manufacturing. His research group focuses on nanoscale thin films for renewable energy devices, solar cell reliability , and gigascale solar farm modeling . MSc and PhD in Applied Physics, Eindhoven University of Technology SolarWorld 'Junior Einstein' and Leverhulme 'Technology Transfer' awardee Deputy Head of School (Research) and Director, International Strategy at SPREE His research spans high-efficiency silicon solar cells , next-generation tandem technologies , and advanced metrology for material growth and device performance. The group also investigates low-cost catalysts for hydrogen fuel cells and solar farm yield modeling . Recent publications focus on TOPCon solar cell degradation , UV stability , machine learning applications in materials science, and solder flux-induced corrosion mechanisms. His team has secured over A$80 million in competitive funding , including multiple ARENA and ARC grants. 2016 IEEE PVSC Young Professional Award 2018 Solar 40 under 40 (Renewable Energy World) Australian Institute of Company Directors graduate (2020) UNSW Scientia Fellowship recipient Award and grant details demonstrate sustained research excellence in industrial photovoltaics and renewable energy innovation . The group maintains both state-of-the-art research labs and industry-linked facilities at UNSW's Solar Industrial Research Facility (SIRF).
Jan Seidel is a Professor in the School of Materials Science and Engineering at UNSW Sydney. He holds a doctorate from TU Dresden (2005) and has held positions at UC Berkeley, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and as a Visiting Fellow at the University of Oxford. His research focuses on advanced scanning probe microscopy for studying functional materials, including domain walls, topological structures, and energy-related applications like photovoltaics and quantum materials. He has authored over 200 peer-reviewed papers with 16,000+ citations and an h-index of 50. Education: Doctorate in Materials Science, TU Dresden, Germany (2005). Key Positions: Research Scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (2008–2011), Research Associate at UC Berkeley (2006–2007), and Research Associate at TU Dresden (2001–2006). Research Interests: Ferroelectrics, multiferroics, 2D materials, nanotechnology, and energy materials. His group develops novel microscopy techniques and explores optoelectronic and data storage applications, including nonvolatile memories and nanoelectronics. Awards: UNSW Outstanding Research Supervisor Award (2019), ARC Postgraduate Council Supervisor Awards (2017–2018), and a Future Fellowship from the Australian Research Council (2011). Teaching: MATS6008 Advanced Functional Materials, NANO3001 Advanced Nanomaterials. He leads the Seidel Research Group, affiliated with ARC’s Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies (FLEET). Advising: Openings for PhD students; contact via jan.seidel@unsw.edu.au. Grants and collaborations span synchrotron techniques, neutron scattering, and international partnerships.
Professor Kamal K Kar is a full Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) . He earned his PhD from IIT Kharagpur in 1999 and has since built an internationally recognised research profile in advanced materials, energy storage and biomedical applications. Education: PhD, IIT Kharagpur, 1999 – Thesis on hysteresis loss behaviour of filled rubber vulcanizates Research Focus: Professor Kar’s work integrates fundamental materials science with applied engineering. His group synthesises and characterises nanostructured carbon allotropes (carbon nanotubes, graphene, porous carbon) and polymer-matrix nanocomposites for next-generation devices. Core application areas include: High-capacity supercapacitors and lithium-ion batteries Efficient fuel cells and solar cells Scalable water purification systems Light-weight, high-strength structural composites for aerospace and defence (e.g., Arjun battle tank road-wheels) Biocompatible bio-implants and tissue-engineering scaffolds Publications & Patents: His recent outputs reveal a strategic emphasis on patent-protected innovations (two PCT filings on carbon nanofiber coatings and hydroxyapatite-PEEK nanocomposites) alongside high-impact journals. The works span synthesis, processing, finite-element modelling and device integration, underscoring a comprehensive approach from lab-scale discovery to translational technology. Scientific Recognition: Associate Editor, Materials Express (American Scientific Publishers) Editorial Board Member, International Journal of Plastic Technology (Springer) Editorial Board Member, Journal of Recent Patents on Nanotechnology (Bentham Science) Teaching & Mentoring: At IITK he teaches core undergraduate courses such as Structure and Properties of Materials and Composite Materials , and mentors graduate students in advanced laboratories. His lab hosts interdisciplinary teams that collaborate with national defence, energy and healthcare agencies.
