MMUST Hosts International Workshop on Photovoltaics, Uniting Global Experts to Explore Emerging Solar Energy Materials
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), through its Department of Physics, successfully hosted a three-day international workshop on ‘Photovoltaics and Photovoltaic Materials’ from 15th to 17th April 2025. The event brought together leading experts, researchers, and academicians from around the world to explore the latest advancements and opportunities in solar energy research, with a particular focus on emerging photovoltaic materials.
The workshop, jointly organized by MMUST and Moi University, attracted participants from several Kenyan institutions including Egerton University and Tom Mboya University College. The International delegates were drawn from renowned institutions such as CNRS-CEMHTI Orléans, ISEP, University of Paris, CNRS-I2MNP Marseille (France), EPAC (Benin), Mohammed V University (Morocco), Verona University (Italy), UPC Barcelona (Spain), Universitas Sumatera Utara (Indonesia), African University of Science and Technology and Federal University of Dutsin-ma (Nigeria), and Berkeley and LAAAMP (USA). It provided an opportunity to learn about the state of the art and the prospects in photovoltaics (PV) research with a focus on perovskites.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and Student Affairs), Prof. Hussein Golicha speaking during the workshop.
Speaking during the opening of the workshop, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and Student Affairs), Prof. Hussein Golicha stated that the workshop is vital for sharing and gaining insights on the emerging photovoltaic materials as well as learning latest research perspectives on perovskite solar cells. “I encourage you to actively participate in this workshop which is focused on enhancing knowledge and capacity in solar energy technologies, a field that is rapidly gaining importance amid global efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable energy solutions,” stated Prof. Golicha.
The Chairperson of the Department of Physics, Dr. Maxwell Mageto making remarks at the event.
The Chairperson of the Department of Physics, Dr. Maxwell Mageto, who was also the organizer of the event, emphasized the role of academic institutions in driving clean energy innovation. “This workshop has enabled the participants to gain insights into the fundamental principles of photovoltaics, Photovoltaic systems, emerging photovoltaic materials, kesterite materials, perovskite materials, charge carrier dynamics and defect chemistry, role of charge transport layers and interfaces on device performance of Perovskite Solar Cells (PSCs),” he said.
The other organizers included Prof. Ntsoenzok Esidor- CNRS France, Dr. Patrick Tonui- MMUST Dr. Richard Koech- Moi University, Dr. Rose Ramkat- Dean, School of Science, Moi University, Dr. Geoffrey Yegon- Moi University and Dr. Kiptiemoi Korir-Moi University.
A section of researchers at the workshop.
The participants engaged in interactive sessions, presentations, and discussions centered around the current state of photovoltaic technology and its future prospects. The event emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary research and the need for continuous innovation to address global energy challenges. They were exposed to the fundamentals of photovoltaics and the latest advancements in perovskite technology, preparing them for research and industrial applications in next-generation solar energy solutions. The workshop covered different aspects of PSCs ranging from computational modelling and simulations, material synthesis, charge transport mechanisms, characterization techniques, stability challenges, efficiency and stability improvement routes and scalability prospects.
A section of researchers at the workshop.
With the increasing shift towards sustainable energy solutions, MMUST’s initiative reflects its commitment to being at the forefront of renewable energy research and development. Courtesy of this workshop, we hope that its outcomes will inspire further collaborative projects and knowledge exchange in the field of solar energy.
By Linet Owuor
Photos by Wangari Wambugu
