Semiconductor Research Corporation and Masdar Institute Host Solar Technology Scientists in Abu Dhabi to Identify Research Directions for Energy Breakthroughs

SRC and Masdar Institute Aim to Achieve Cost-Effective Systems That Feature 25 Percent Energy Conversion Efficiency with Solar Power by 2020

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. and ABU DHABI - Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC) and the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology today announced Abu Dhabi’s first world-class gathering of solar experts and university researchers for a forum on photovoltaics (PV). The March 27-28 event is designed to explore the route for development of cost-effective systems capable of achieving 25 percent energy conversion from solar resources in Abu Dhabi by the year 2020.

The Forum on Solar-Electrical Energy Systems 2020 conference brings more than 40 of the leading commercial and university researchers from North America, Europe, Asia, Japan and the United Arab Emirates as presenters. Topics will range from New Materials and Nanostructures for PV to Industrial and Commercial-Scale PV Systems and System Integration Challenges. Research directions needed for Abu Dhabi’s solar future and potential smart grid will also be discussed in detail. The forum is a collaboration of SRC and Masdar Institute of Science and Technology.

“The forum’s rich representation from many of the top research organizations globally is a testament to the commitment of Abu Dhabi, and the Masdar Institute in particular, to attracting the best talent and guiding its future in renewable energy,” said SRC President Larry Sumney. “This forum provides the type of collaboration in basic research that leads to critical next steps in creation of world-class technologies.”

Dr. Fred Moavenzadeh, President of Masdar Institute, said: “At Masdar Institute we take a collaborative approach to developing a wide range of clean technology solutions. Advancing semiconductor technology is a vital component of the clean technologies of the future, and we are delighted to co-host this forum with the Semiconductor Research Corporation.”

SRC, the world's leading university-research consortium for semiconductors and related technologies, is partnering with Masdar Institute to encourage university research in fields of renewable technologies. While the Masdar Institute conference will be by invitation only, the results are expected to drive a wide number of research initiatives for solar energy breakthroughs in Abu Dhabi that will be guided by the semiconductor and solar industries at Masdar Institute and other education institutions.

About SRC

Celebrating 28 years of collaborative research for the semiconductor industry, SRC defines industry needs, invests in and manages the research that gives its members a competitive advantage in the dynamic global marketplace. Awarded the National Medal of Technology, America’s highest recognition for contributions to technology, SRC expands the industry knowledge base and attracts premier students to help innovate and transfer semiconductor technology to the commercial industry. For more information, visit www.src.org.

About Masdar Institute of Science and Technology

Masdar Institute of Science and Technology (Masdar Institute) was established by the government of Abu Dhabi as a not-for-profit, private graduate university to serve as a “knowledge-hub” in the region to develop indigenous R&D capacity in Abu Dhabi addressing issues of importance to the region. Masdar Institute is committed to advancing the role of women in science, 37 percent of its 153 students are female.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Dan Francisco
The Francisco Group for SRC
dan@franciscogrp.com
916.293.9030

Ben Steele
APCO Worldwide for Masdar Institute
bsteele@apcoworldwide.com
+44.207.526.3657