Solar Cell Project Passes Mid-term Evaluation

After the internal review at late August, the 973 “A-Class” “Basic Research on Highly-Efficient, Low-Cost, Novel Thin-Film Photovoltaic Materials and Devices” project passes the mid-tern evaluation, organized by the Department of Basic Research,Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST).

The 16-member panel met on September 13 in Beijing to listen to the progress reports given by the project team, and give independent evaluation on the project.

Dr. Jianlei Shen from the MOST began the meeting by introducing the guidelines and requirement of “973” programs, Academician Xinhe Bao briefed the background, main tasks, and mid-term goals of the “A-Class” project. Then Prof. Songyuan Dai, the Chief Scientist of the project, gave the research progress report, followed by two presentations by Prof. Dai and Prof. Ying Zhao from Nankai University on highlight achievements. Prof. Dai also introduced the future research plan adjustment

After the question-and-answer session, the panel had a deep discussion with the project team on problems existing in the project, they made constructive suggestions on project’s organization and next three’s work plan. In conclusion, they are satisfied the progress of the project and advises MOST to increase the project budget.(Fantai Kong reports)

Background:

National Basic Research Program is abbreviated to “973” program, because the program was started in March, 1997. Under the 973 program, there are many project categories; the major-scientific-issue-orientated project, also called “A-Class” 973 project, is a new member of them, which was begun in 2010. “Basic Research on Highly-Efficient, Low-Cost, Novel Thin-Film Photovoltaic Materials and Devices” project is the only one in energy area that is supported by 973 major-scientific-issue-orientated project. And only 10 projects from other research areas is supported by “A-Class” 973 program

Dai Songyuan gives report