Global perspective in solar innovations

Your professional journey has spanned various locations around the world. How have these international experiences influenced your approach to scientific research, and your current role as the head of a research team in Singapore?

The international aspects of my personal, academic, and professional journey have significantly impacted my approach to scientific research, and my current role leading a research team. Life itself is the best training ground for cultivating curiosity. The diverse places I have lived, travelled, studied, and worked have enriched my scientific perspective and exposed me to various scientific and human cultures. I have benefited from interdisciplinary approaches and access to advanced resources, shaping my integrated perspective on research. Working closely with leading scientists globally, I’ve learned new methodologies and gained a global outlook on research. Leading a research team in Singapore, I integrate these international influences to tackle complex scientific challenges in a highly multicultural environment. I support diverse thinking in my team to creatively address scientific problems, fostering collaborations with researchers from different backgrounds to develop innovative solutions and maintain a cutting-edge approach in our scientific research. Never take anything for granted.

Your research focuses on developing innovative solar cells using materials like perovskites. What are the main challenges in the development of these materials, and how do you foresee them impacting global energy production?

In the development of perovskite-based solar cells, the main challenges include their long-term stability, adapting the state-of-the-art laboratory methodologies to production processes on a large scale, and managing the toxicity of some of the materials involved. Overcoming these challenges could revolutionize global energy production, as perovskites offer high efficiency, lower costs, and reduced CO2 emissions in the production process. A significant advantage is that the perovskite materials offer the possibility to create thin, transparent, flexible, and coloured solar cells, allowing versatile use on various surfaces (from glasses to textiles, etc) and maximizing the absorption of available solar energy. Their widespread adoption could contribute significantly to the transition of more sustainable energy, reducing dependence on non-renewable sources and mitigating climate change.
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As a woman in science and innovation, how do you believe gender influences the perception of women in the scientific sector, and what challenges have you faced as a female scientist in your career?

As a woman in the scientific field, stereotypes and societal expectations are still to be completely overcome. Indeed, the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles can sometimes discourage aspirations for certain positions. Despite these challenges, I strive to turn these experiences into opportunities by promoting gender equality in scientific research. My commitment includes supporting and inspiring other women to pursue scientific careers contributing to creating a more inclusive and diverse environment in the scientific community.

What are the expectations for the widespread adoption of these new technologies, and what benefits do you anticipate in the context of the climate crisis?

Perovskite-based solar cells offer notable advantages in reducing CO2 emissions compared to traditional silicon cells due to the lower temperature required in the production. The expectation is that their widespread adoption could significantly contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, providing a sustainable alternative to conventional energy sources, and making solar energy more globally accessible. These solar cells could play a crucial role in the fight against the climate crisis and the push toward sustainable energy development.
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Being involved in international research projects, how do you collaborate with other scientists and institutions worldwide to promote innovation and share knowledge in the field of renewable energies?

I collaborate with many scientists and institutions around the world in various ways. Firstly, actively engaging in international research projects, then participating in conferences and organizing symposia with scholars from around the world. Through conferences, workshops, and collaborative meetings, I exchange ideas and research results to promote innovation in renewable energy. International collaborations are crucial to addressing complex challenges in this field, leveraging diverse perspectives and expertise. In the future, I would like to work on international cooperation projects to address global challenges related to renewable energies and promote sustainable energy transitions, especially in poorer countries.

You mentioned the intention to make perovskite-based materials industrially accessible. What are the practical and technological challenges associated with this goal, and what progress has been made so far in transferring these innovations from the laboratory to industry?

Making perovskite-based materials industrially accessible presents practical and technological challenges. Key challenges include long-term stability, adapting large-scale production processes, and managing the toxicity of some components. Progress has been made in improving stability and understanding production processes, but challenges remain to ensure scalability and efficiency in large-scale production. Ongoing research efforts and collaboration between laboratories and industries are contributing to overcoming these challenges, paving the way for a more effective transfer of innovations from the laboratory to industry. Your decision to work in Singapore represents a choice to leave Italy for opportunities abroad.

What was the main motivation behind this decision?

Since school, I have had a desire to live abroad to experience different perspectives on life, thought, and work. Despite my love for Italy, I believed the world offered ample learning opportunities. This curiosity led me to visit many countries, spend short periods in others, and eventually live in Scotland, England, and Singapore. Here, I found an ideal environment for my research journey, thanks to the intersection of cultures and solid financial support that has facilitated my growth as a scientist and as a person. Italy has rich history  of eminent scientists, and it is also a pioneer country for research in perovskites. Italy boasts excellence in fundamental research and bridging the industrial research even more strongly could push the boundary further in the field of renewable energies.
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Given the rapid evolution of solar technologies, what future developments do you foresee in the field of renewable energies, and how do you imagine these innovations influencing the transition to a more sustainable global energy system?

With the rapid evolution of perovskite-based solar technologies, I foresee an exciting future in renewable energies. Future developments may lead to increased efficiency and stability of solar cells, making perovskites a key component in transitioning to a more sustainable energy system. The flexibility and lightweight nature of perovskites also allow for applications in innovative sectors, such as wearable devices, gadgets, or architectural integration. Furthermore, the widespread implementation of solar technologies could help reduce environmental impact, mitigate climate change, and promote greater energy self-sufficiency, especially in poorer countries. Continuous research and development in this field are crucial to guide the transition to a more sustainable and resilient global energy future.

In conclusion, based on your experience and success in the field, what advice would you give to young scientists, especially women, aspiring to pursue a career in scientific research and innovation?

Always look beyond what you are currently doing and consider the global impact of your research. Listen to everyone without being swayed by prejudices; there is always something to learn from different perspectives. Determination is crucial; it's challenging to defeat someone who never gives up. Each person has a unique path to achieving their goals and success.

Cover: Professor Annalisa Bruno
Images provided by Annalisa Bruno