Cooperation between Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin and University of Applied Sciences is bearing new fruit
The head of the Competence Centre Thin-Film and Nanotechnology for Photovoltaics Berlin (PVcomB), Rutger Schlatmann, has assumed a professorship for solar cell technology at the university
Although lectures at the University of Applied Sciences in Karlshorst do not start until early October, Rutger Schlatmann is already looking forward to them. The physician has been heading up the Competence Centre Thin-Film and Nanotechnology for Photovoltaics Berlin (PVcomB) since 2008 and has now also assumed the position of full professor (W3) for "solar cell technology" at the university. This is a cooperation that offers numerous advantages: PVcomB, which is sponsored jointly by the University of Applied Sciences and Berlin's universities and colleges is considered to provide a key link between research and the solar industry, developing findings from basic research to application maturity.
According to Schlatmann, HTW is one of the best placed higher education institutions in the field of renewable energy. Firstly, the subject was already established at the University of Applied Sciences even before the boom that paved the way for the German Renewable Energies Act. Secondly, the university's professors cover the entire field of expertise that is required for the energy revolution – an approach that definitely makes sense.
"The appointment of Rutger Schlatmann at HTW Berlin further steps up the fruitful cooperation that the university already enjoys with the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin within the framework of PVcomB, and, most importantly, creates a future for it that extends beyond the research project, which will reach the end of its term in two years' time", confirms Volker Quaschning, expressing his satisfaction with the move. The university professor is the spokesman for the environmental technology/regenerative energies course of study and works in the centre of competence himself. He believes that this will also benefit students working towards their bachelor's and master's degrees at Berlin's University of Applied Sciences. "They will reap the benefits in teaching and will enjoy closer links to industry and first-class research."
Rutger Schlatmann is also relaxed about the prospect of meeting students. He already appeared as a guest lecturer at the University of Applied Sciences in the summer semester. He will kick off his professorship at the university next semester with a series of lectures on "production technologies for solar cells".
by Petra Hannen for Adlershof Special