PVcomB-25 paper awards for two HZB-Contributions
On stage for the PVSEC-25 Paper Awards. Jan-Peter Bäcker (1. on left side) and Marc Daniel Heinemann (5. on left side).
At the 25th International Photovoltaic Science & Engineering Conference (PVSEC) two papers from the HZB-Institute PVcomB have been awarded: Jan-Peter Bäcker and Marc Daniel Heinemann received the PVSEC-25 Paper Award for their research on chalcogenide solar cells (CIGS). The PVSEC was held from 15. to 20. November in Busan, Korea.
Jan-Peter Bäcker and his co-authors presented their research on phase separation in Copper-Indium-Gallium precursor thin films for sequentially processed Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells". Marc Daniel Heinemann and his co-authors reported on results on CIGS solarcells in „superstrate“-configurations.
You can find more informationen and the abstracts of the awarded papers at the PVcomB-newspage here:
"Phase separation and coarsening in Cu-In-Ga precursor thin films for sequentially processed Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells"
J.P. Bäcker, S.S. Schmidt, M. Hartig, C.A. Kaufmann, R. Mainz, H. Rodriguez-Alvarez, C. Wolf, R. Schlatmann
"Revival of CIGSe Superstrate Solar Cells?"
M.D. Heinemann, J. Berry, D. Greiner, M. Wollgarten, T. Unold, R. Klenk, H.-W. Schock, D. Ginley, R. Schlatmann, C. A. Kaufmann
- Cool vaccines in rural Kenya: solar solution has been awarded by UNIn 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.
- Too old for research at 60? From nuclear physics to papyrus researchA 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.
- Theory meets practice – We’re heading back to HTW Berlin!The HZB’s BIPV consultancy office (BAIP) is once again coordinating and delivering the lecture series “Building-Integrated Photovoltaics”.