Welcome and introduction - UHasselt

International Scientific Conference   ‘Photovoltaics at the nanoscale’ Hasselt University (Belgium)  24-28 October 2011 This conference will bring together scientists and engineers to exchange and discuss the latest ideas and trends in nanoscale photovoltaics, with the focus on specific research themes in the field of organic photovoltaics (OPV).

The themes that will be addressed are:

• Next generation OPV materials & devices
  • Novel donor and acceptor materials
  • Deposition techniques and devices
• Advanced characterization from α to Ω
  • Electro-optical and morphological characterization
  • Degradation and lifetime
• Charge transfer mechanisms & Thermodynamic efficiency limits
• Challenges in controlled synthesis of conjugated polymers

The different themes are programmed as ‘thematic workshops’. A thematic day consists of a keynote lecture followed by lectures given by renowned top scientists in the field of that specific theme. All the speakers are selectively invited by the organizers. Every thematic day is finalized with a panel discussion amongst the participants and the speakers.

Additionally, the full program includes a one-day school with tutorials, given by Prof. dr. R. A. J. Janssen and Prof. dr. M. Esposito. Active participation of young researchers is strongly encouraged by a poster session and programmed group discussions.

The conference is funded and organized by:

• ESF: European Science Foundation. Research Networking Program “Exploring the physics of small devices”
• Interreg Euregio Meuse-Rhine “ORGANEXT” project
• BPG, the Belgian Polymer Group