Prof. Karl Leo has been appointed as the Director of KAUST's Solar and Photovoltaics Engineering Research Center (SPERC). He joins KAUST from Technische Universität in Dresden, bringing expertise in organic semiconductors and photovoltaics. His research aims to improve the efficiency and lifetime of organic solar cells, with a goal of reaching 20% efficiency. Why it matters: This appointment strengthens KAUST's solar energy research program and aligns with Saudi Arabia's focus on renewable energy technologies.
KAUST Discovery highlighted Prof. Karl Leo's insights on translating science into business from an Entrepreneurship Center speaker series. Prof. Leo, with 440 publications and 8 co-founded companies, emphasized the importance of curiosity-driven basic research. He envisions organic semiconductors dominating electronics in 20-30 years, noting the success of Novaled, his OLED company in Dresden. Why it matters: This underscores KAUST's focus on fostering entrepreneurship and translating research into practical applications within the Kingdom.
KAUST's Solar & Photovoltaics Engineering Research Center (SPERC) was officially inaugurated with a two-day seminar featuring international solar energy experts. The event included discussions on developing the solar energy manufacturing industry in Saudi Arabia and a memorandum of understanding between KAUST and the Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg (ZSW) to develop thin-film photovoltaic technology. ZSW holds the world record in thin-film photovoltaics cells efficiency, achieving a rate of 20.8%. Why it matters: This initiative signifies KAUST's commitment to becoming a regional hub for renewable energy and photovoltaics, fostering collaboration between research and industry to advance solar energy development in Saudi Arabia.
Professor Jean-Luc Bredas, Director of KAUST’s Solar Center (SPERC), has been elected to the European Academy of Sciences (EURASC). Bredas is recognized for his theoretical research into organic materials for semiconductor devices like LEDs, transistors, and solar cells. His KAUST group focuses on understanding the electronic and optical properties of these materials. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's growing prominence in advanced materials research and its contributions to global scientific advancements in electronics and photonics.
Jean-Luc Bredas, Director of KAUST's Solar and Photovoltaics Engineering Research Center (SPERC), recounts his academic journey from Belgium to the U.S. and then to Saudi Arabia. He highlights his prior involvement with KAUST through a research collaboration starting in 2008 and a visiting professorship at King Abdulaziz University (KAU) in 2011. Bredas was drawn to KAUST due to its flexible system and resources for faculty research. Why it matters: This showcases KAUST's ability to attract established international researchers to contribute to its research ecosystem, particularly in renewable energy.