👉 Save the dates: 9th – 12th September 2024
👉 Location: CaixaForum Palma, Palma de Mallorca, Spain

We are glad to announce the 6th edition of the NEXTGEN (Next Generation High Efficiency Photovoltaics) International School and Workshop, continuing the tradition of scientific excellence and fostering connections between academia and industry.
This year’s edition, held in collaboration with the RenewPV School, will focus on the theme:

“Wide Band Gap PV”

The program will begin with a full day of Master Classes delivered by internationally recognized experts, providing a comprehensive overview of fundamentals and cutting-edge concepts in:

• Indoor photovoltaics for powering IoT devices and systems
  
• Transparent PV for building integration and agrivoltaics
  
• High-efficiency thin-film tandem technologies
  

Following the School, participants will enjoy a dynamic program of invited talks, oral presentations, and poster sessions, offering valuable insights into the current state-of-the-art research in these fields. Special emphasis will be placed on presentations by young researchers, encouraging PhD students to showcase their work and engage in interactive discussions with senior experts and industry leaders.

The Call for Abstracts for the 6th edition of the NEXTGEN (Next Generation High-Efficiency Photovoltaics) International School and Workshop is now open!

• Abstract submission deadline: 20 June 2025
  
• Registration deadline: 16 May – 16 August 2025
  

This year’s edition will take place at CaixaForum Palma (Mallorca, Spain) from 9 to 12 September 2025, and will be held in collaboration with the RenewPV School.
The 2025 program will revolve around the theme “Wide Band Gap PV”, focusing on novel concepts and devices with strong potential for indoor photovoltaics for IoT, transparent PV for building integration and agrivoltaics, and high-efficiency thin-film tandem technologies.

The School will open with a series of Master Classes that will be delivered by leading experts on hot topics related to advanced research on Wide Band Gap PV:
• Zacharie Jehl-Li Kao (Polytechnic University of Catalonia – UPC, Spain): Semiempirical model methodologies of wide band gap single and multijunction device architectures
• Joaquim Puigdollers (UPC, Spain): Selective contacts for high-efficiency device architectures: fundamentals and advanced concepts on inorganic and organic hybrid technologies
• Maxim Guc (Catalonia Institute for Energy Research – IREC, Spain): Understanding Raman scattering: what can we learn from inelastic scattering in PV materials and devices?
• Jon Major (University of Liverpool, UK): DLTS-based techniques: how can they contribute to the advanced understanding of wide band gap PV technologies
• Guillaume Zoppi (Northumbria University, UK): SIMS Advanced characterization techniques
• Julien Bachmann (Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany): Development of Sb2S3 solar cells by ALD: Perspectives and challenges

In addition, we are pleased to confirm the participation of several world-leading invited speakers, including Prof. Susan Schoor (Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, Germany), Prof. Robert Hoye (University of Oxford, UK), Dr. Cesar Valderrama (UPC, Spain, TBC)) and Prof. Aldo Di Carlo (ISM-CNR and CHOSE – University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Italy, TBC).

The School will be followed by oral and poster sessions, offering a broad perspective on the current state of international research in the field. Young researchers are especially encouraged to submit their work and take part in dynamic discussions around their PhD projects. In addition, best selected presentations will be invited to contribute to a special issue that will be published in the high IF journal Small Structure from Wiley.

Full information on abstract submission and registration is available on the event webpage:
👉 https://www.irec.cat/press-society/events/nextgen/

Post-Event Highlights (NEXTGEN 2025)

The Next Generation High Efficiency Photovoltaics School and Workshop (NEXTGEN 2025) brought together leading researchers and young scientists from across the globe to exchange knowledge and explore the future of solar energy. Organized by IREC and RenewPV, the event took place from September 9–12 at the Caixa Forum in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, combining cutting-edge science with the inspiring setting of the Balearic Islands.

The workshop program was remarkably diverse, appealing to a broad audience from students engaged in fundamental and advanced characterization of materials and devices to those focused on solar cell synthesis and development. It also met the expectations of experienced participants who were eager to learn about the latest results and achievements from various research groups working on the optimization and advancement of emerging photovoltaic materials.

The first two days were dedicated to masterclasses for new PhD students and early-career researchers, covering fundamental topics essential for advancing solar cell research. The lectures introduced a wide range of methods and tools, including advanced characterization techniques (e.g., Raman scattering and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS)), novel fabrication approaches (e.g., implementing atomic layer deposition (ALD) in thin-film fabrication), and modeling strategies that support the design of more efficient devices.

The program then shifted to two days of scientific talks, where international experts presented their most recent breakthroughs. Highlights included progress in kesterite and antimony chalcogenide technologies, innovative applications of wide bandgap and building-integrated photovoltaics, and new insights into life-cycle assessment and sustainable manufacturing. Presentations also showcased the role of artificial intelligence and modeling in accelerating discoveries, as well as collaborative European projects such as ActFast and HIDDEN-PV.
In addition to the talks, the poster session was a lively highlight of the event. Held on the evening of the second day, it offered a relaxed setting for informal discussions and idea exchange. Posters covered a broad spectrum of thin-film solar cell research, from kesterite and GeSe devices to innovative materials and alternative components. Participants explored topics such as composition optimization, back-contact design, new absorber materials, and strategies for improved device performance. The session demonstrated the creativity and vitality of the next generation of photovoltaic researchers, fostering connections and inspiring potential collaborations.

Beyond the scientific content, networking and social interactions were a highlight of the event. Coffee breaks and lunches created many opportunities for participants to connect in an informal setting, while the social dinner on the second day provided a particularly memorable experience. Against the backdrop of Mallorca’s unforgettable sunset, with gentle sea breezes and a breathtaking view, guests enjoyed a relaxed and friendly atmosphere for networking. The dinner itself was a delight featuring a variety of local Mediterranean dishes, from fresh seafood and traditional tapas to flavorful vegetarian specialties, all complemented by excellent drinks and desserts. The combination of the magical ambiance and the outstanding cuisine added an extra layer of charm to the event.

To conclude, NEXTGEN 2025 was a highly successful and enriching gathering, meeting participants’ expectations and leaving many with lasting memories. Attendees warmly expressed their appreciation for the organizers’ efforts in creating such a stimulating, enjoyable, and inspiring experience.

Participant Feedback

Highlights and Positive Impressions

• “It was very useful to learn about the latest advances in synthesis and characterization techniques in photovoltaics and thin films.”
• “The event provided a great opportunity to connect with other PhD students and experts working on similar topics, especially in chalcogenide research.”
• “The talks were insightful and delivered by exceptional speakers, particularly on synthesis and characterization in thin-film solar cells.”
• “The poster session was highly engaging, fostering discussion, networking, and constructive feedback from senior researchers.”
• “NEXTGEN 2025 strengthened our foundation in key techniques and provided insights into translating research from lab to industrial applications.”
• “The workshop program was diverse and engaging for both students focused on characterization and those working on solar cell synthesis. The masterclasses provided in-depth explanations and practical insights, while the poster session allowed students to share ongoing research.”
• “The conference was successful in every aspect—organization, scientific content, and social activities. The social event was especially enjoyable, with a great atmosphere and delicious food.”

Suggestions for Future Editions

• “It would be helpful to include presentations on experiments that did not achieve the expected outcomes, to guide future research and avoid repeating unsuccessful approaches.”
• “A special session with field pioneers discussing new ideas, challenges, and pathways from lab to industrial scale would be a valuable addition.”
• “Extending the masterclasses into multiple sessions would allow deeper learning.”
• “More time for questions and discussion after each presentation, especially the masterclasses, would be beneficial.”
• “Greater student interaction throughout the program would be welcomed.”