Honorary doctorate for Prof. Hans-Werner Schock

Prof. Hans-Werner Schock (3.f.l.) receives the honorary doctorate at University  of Tallinn.

Prof. Hans-Werner Schock (3.f.l.) receives the honorary doctorate at University of Tallinn.

Tallinn University of Technology (TTU) has named Prof. Hans-Werner Schock recipient of an honorary doctorate in recognition of Schock’s achievements during TTU’s integration into the Western research community after the 1990 fall of the Iron Curtain.

According to Schock, “TTU was already actively conducting research on monograin layer solar cells way before 1990.” Once the Iron Curtain came down, it was necessary to integrate solid Eastern European research sites like Tallinn into the European research community.

“At the time, I was coordinator for a major EU project and had the chance to win over Estland with TTU as one of our partnering institutes,” says Schock. This marked the beginning of a regular success story: The TTU Institute of Materials Science quickly became integrated in the wet european research alliances and built up a solid international reputation for itself. Schock continued to collaborate with TTU over the years: “At this point, TTU has established itself as an important player in photovoltaics research – our collaboration has consistently proven very fruitful.”

Today, the university is internationally ranked among the very top. Hans-Werner Schock is the man to thank for giving the initial impulse back in the 90’s. Reason enough for TTU to bestow upon him their honorary doctorate in mid-September of this year.

HS

  • Copy link

You might also be interested in

  • Cool vaccines in rural Kenya: solar solution has been awarded by UN
    Interview
    11.05.2026
    Cool vaccines in rural Kenya: solar solution has been awarded by UN
    In May 2026, Tabitha Awuor Amollo is spending some weeks as a guest scientist at HZB, analysing perovskite thin films at BESSY II. The Kenyan physicist from Egerton University, Nairobi, was recently recognised for her achievements in research and teaching. For the development of a solar-powered refrigeration system for use in rural health centres, she  has been awarded the 2026 Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD)-Elsevier Foundation Award. An interview on exceptional projects and daily struggles of a scientist. Questions were asked by Antonia Rötger.
  • BESSY II: How intrinsic oxygen shortens the lifespan of solid-state batteries
    Science Highlight
    08.05.2026
    BESSY II: How intrinsic oxygen shortens the lifespan of solid-state batteries
    Although solid-state batteries (SSBs) demonstrate high performance and are intrinsically safe, their capacity currently declines rapidly. A team from the TU Wien, Humboldt-University Berlin and HZB has now analysed a TiS₂|Li₃YCl₆ solid-state half-cell in operando at BESSY II using a special sample environment that allows for non-destructive investigation under real operating conditions. Data obtained by combination of soft and hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS and HAXPES) revealed a new degradation mechanism that had not previously been identified in solid-state batteries. They have gained some surprising insights, particularly regarding the harmful role played by intrinsic oxygen. This study provides valuable information for improving design and handling of such batteries.
  • Too old for research at 60? From nuclear physics to papyrus research
    Interview
    29.04.2026
    Too old for research at 60? From nuclear physics to papyrus research
    A career in science can be personally fulfilling. However, this also means accepting the unpredictable: research topics may no longer receive funding, and laboratories may close. Heinz-Eberhard Mahnke experienced this first-hand when he had to seek new challenges in his early 60s. Today, the 81-year-old is still active in research, using non-destructive measurement methods to examine ancient artefacts of inestimable cultural value. Antonia Rötger spoke with this extraordinary researcher, whose curiosity and drive are truly inspiring.