SUPA Energy Theme: Progress and Strategy

Prof. Ifor SamuelProf. Merv RoseProf. Paul McKenna

The SUPA Energy Theme

Physics:- Solar- Photonics- Materials- Nuclear

Two areas of strength identified for development !

Formed two years agoOverview: 20 academics, 25 postdocs, 35 PhDs

>£10M current funding, 2 fellowships100 papers inc. 1 Science, 4 PRL, 8 APL

Solar Photovoltaics Activity

Materials

-Organic-Flexible/on fabric

-Laser processeda-Si, black Si

Photonics

Microstructure to enhanceabsorptionMoth eye antireflection

Collaboration with WestCHEMAngew. Chimie in press (

(b)(b)

black Si

5-year Strategy for SUPA Solar Energy

1. Work with SISER and ETP to show potential of solar power in Scotland

2. Combine SUPA expertise to enhance solar cells: organic photovoltaics, light capture, materials processing

3. Collaborate with Photonics, Condensed Matter, EastCHEM, WestCHEM

4. Attract significant research funding

5. Use active participation in the new SUPERGEN solar energy hub to promote SUPA research

6. Build industry links e.g. Coherent Centre in Dundee

7. Provide high quality PG training

8. Use theme’s complementary activities (storage, networks, lighting) to participate in larger/broader calls.

5-year strategy for SUPA Nuclear Energy

1. Identify international projects which would benefit from our diversity of expertise • Build on our strengths in emerging areas e.g.

laser-driven nuclear probes and drivers, novel diagnostics and detectors…(SCAPA)

• New opportunities, e.g. HiPER, ITER • Fusion materials Nu-FuSE

2. Attract significant new research grant income • Grow the number of researchers in areas of

strength

3. Continue to develop high quality PG education• MSc in Nuclear Technology, Grad. School,

Summer schools,…

4. Pursue opportunities for engaging with the nuclear energy industry

Summary

- Major progress in first two years

- Drawing on expertise in several themes

- Building international and cross-pool activity

- Competitive grants and fellowships won

- Opportunities to develop education and training