2010 Nature Photonics Technology Conference
Future Perspectives on Photovoltaics

On behalf of the organizers

We at Nature Publishing Group (NPG) are delighted to be holding our second Nature Photonics Technology Conference in Tokyo on the very topical subject of photovoltaics (solar energy generation).

We are delighted that Professor Alan Heeger, who along with Professor Hideki Shirakawa won the 2000 Nobel prize in chemistry for their discovery of conducting polymers, has agreed to be a keynote speaker at the event. Professor Heeger now works on polymer-based solar cells. We also honoured that Professor Konagai of the Tokyo Institute of Technology, a leading figure in photovoltaic research has agreed to head the advisory board for the conference along with many other eminent researchers from Japanese academia and industry.

The aim of the conference is to bring together around 20–30 experts in the field — leading scientists from both academia and industry worldwide — for a 3-day event to present plenary-style talks on the current status and future evolution of the key technologies in the field of photovoltaics. These presentations will be complimented by a panel discussion and an exhibition that showcases leading-edge solar cell technologies. Following the event, a report that summarizes the content of the conference and exhibition will be published and distributed with the print and online editions of Nature Photonics.

Unlike many events in photovoltaics, which are either trade shows that promote business-to-business activities or highly technical conferences for experts in the area, the Nature Photonics event is unique in that it is designed to be highly accessible and future-oriented. It will provide scientists, industry executives, politicians and funding bodies a valuable insight into the evolution of photovoltaics, including the upcoming challenges, opportunities and trends at a time when the world needs to rapidly develop alternative renewable sources of energy.

Please enjoy what will undoubtedly be a highly stimulating 3 days.

David Swinbanks

Publishing Director, Nature Publishing Group (NPG)

Oliver Graydon

Chief Editor
Nature Photonics

Makoto Konagai

Chairman of the Advisory Board, Nature Photonics Technology Conference
Professor, Tokyo Institute of Technology

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