An International PhD via Thinface

Sustainable energy solutions
The fundamental idea of the Thinface training network was to promote research into sustainable, more efficient and economical energy solutions. The research activities focused on novel ideas and techniques in the field of new energy systems and hybrid photovoltaics. Research was conducted in five areas of work – starting from the basics and moving towards production and stability. But the students were not limited to their own research areas. A key element of the training programme was international mobility and specialized training of the scientists. To this end the students spent much time at one of the partner universities or partner companies. In other European countries to carry out research outside their own particular research areas. “I have a background in materials modelling and simulation – but during my six months at the University of Southern Denmark in Sønderborg I turned my attention towards device fabrication,” explains Shashank Harivyasi.

International exchange
Shashank Harivyasi also acted as a representative of the PhD students, championed their interests in the steering group of the network and helped organising the final summer school. “The network worked amazingly,” says the delighted physicist. “We had many opportunities to meet each other, to get to know new research communities and make contacts with other research institutes.” If students take an exam at another European institute, in addition to their PhD they can receive an international research certificate for their pan-European experience from the University of Milano-Bicocca.Academic output
On top of the possibility for students to evolve personally, the academic output of the 14 doctoral students is not to be ignored. So far this includes 38 publications, two patents and two poster awards. “In the next few years this will probably amount to some 50 publications altogether. We’re currently waiting for several papers as well as jointly published books,” explains Shashank Harivyasi.This research project is attributed to the Field of Expertise <link https: www.tugraz.at en research fields-of-expertise advanced-materials-science overview-advanced-materials-science _blank int-link-external external link in new>"Advanced Materials Science", one of TU Graz' five strategic areas of research.
Visit <link https: www.tugraz.at en tu-graz services news-stories planet-research all-articles _blank int-link-external external link in new>Planet research for more research related news.
Kontakt
Ao.Univ.-Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr.techn.
Institute of Solid State Physics
Petersgasse 16/III | 8010 Graz
Phone: +43 316 873 8475
<link int-link-mail window for sending>egbert.zojer@tugraz.at