Awards for CREST Research Students at IEEE PVSC 2025

members of the CREST delegation at IEEE PVSC 2025 stood in a row

Luksa Kujovic (centre) and members of the CREST delegation at IEEE PVSC 2025.

The IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference (PVSC) is the premier annual gathering for solar cell researchers worldwide. The 53rd edition was held in Montréal, Canada, from 9–13 June 2025, bringing together leading experts to share the latest advancements in photovoltaic science and technology.

Kieran Curson holding his plaque for the best poster award at the 53rd IEEE PVSC
Kieran Curson holding his plaque for the best poster award at the 53rd IEEE PVSC following the presentation by the international award judges.

A strong delegation from CREST at Loughborough University attended the conference, presenting cutting-edge research across a range of topics including thin-film photovoltaics, high-resolution cathodoluminescence, and advanced anti-reflection and anti-soiling coatings.

The quality of the presentations from Loughborough researchers was exceptional, with two of our doctoral researchers earning two prestigious awards:

Luksa Kujovic received the Best Student Presentation Award for his paper titled “Bilayer SnO₂/ZnO Buffer Layers to Achieve 21.7% Efficient CdSeTe/CdTe Solar Cells.” His work was recognised for its innovation and clarity and how Luksa delivered the results.

Kieran Curson was awarded the Best Poster Award for his research on “Optimizing the CdCl₂ Activation Process for CdSeTe/CdTe Photovoltaic Devices.” His poster was selected based on the its technical depth, research impact and recognised how Kieran presented the research.

These accolades reflect the high calibre of research being conducted at CREST and its continued impact on the global photovoltaics community.