The Department of Chemistry of the Democritus University of Thrace (DUTh), the INES Research Center (France), and the School of Engineering of the Catholic University of Lille (France) are co-organizing an International Summer School on ” Photovoltaic Systems and Emerging Technologies” (From mainstream silicon to disruptive organics/perovskites technologies), which will take place from June 22 to July 1, 2026, at the DUTh University Campus of Kavala.

The goal of this International School is to educate participants about the present and future of photovoltaic (PV) systems and renewable energy sources (RES).

Program Objectives

The program is designed to train participants in fundamental knowledge and skills related to Renewable Energy Sources and, with a particular emphasis on PV technology. The objectives of the program are to:

  • Train participants in measuring the characteristic parameters of different types of photovoltaic cells.
  • Develop an understanding of the basic principles of modelling and simulating energy systems.
  • Build the ability to formulate, describe, numerically solve, and analyze solar energy conversion processes using advanced numerical tools.
  • Cultivate the capacity to evaluate the technical and economic performance of photovoltaic units and their integration into the energy system.
  • Foster critical thinking regarding current RES technologies and their associated benefits.

Program innovation

The program is innovative in its approach, aiming to address the skills gap by offering hands-on training and up-to-date knowledge on emerging technologies such as perovskite solar cells, solar storage, and smart grid integration. Particular emphasis is placed on the latest generation of photovoltaic technologies, including organic and perovskite PV systems.

As the global energy landscape shifts toward sustainable solutions, there is a growing demand for highly skilled personnel in solar energy systems. To meet this need, the program combines theoretical instruction with specialized workshops that enhance participants’ expertise and provide them with a competitive advantage in the job market. Through case studies and laboratory simulations, trainees gain practical experience and develop the technical competencies required to meet the challenges of sustainable development.

The program is designed for professionals, researchers, and students (undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and postdoctoral) from Chemistry Departments and various Engineering Schools, including Chemical, Mechanical, Environmental, Electrical, and Production Engineering and Management. This International Summer School brings together participants from diverse professional and academic backgrounds, fostering global collaboration and

facilitating the exchange of knowledge among specialists, researchers, and students from different disciplines and countries.

Academic Staff and Assessment Framework

The program is supported by a specialized team of researchers and professors from the INES Research Center (https://www.ines-solaire.org/en/), the School of Engineering at the Catholic University of Lille (https:/ www.junia.com/fr/junia/ programme-grande-ecole-hei/) and the Department of Chemistry of the Democritus University of Thrace (https://chem.duth.gr/index.php/el/).

Participants in the program are evaluated by a three-member committee through a final presentation of topics proposed by the instructors.The participation fee is €500 (€300 for students of the Democritus University of Thrace).

Participants who successfully complete the International Summer School receive a certificate of attendance (7 ECTS), issued by KEDIVIM of the Democritus University of Thrace, https://kedivim.duth.gr/.

For information and registration, visit https://i3se.kedivim.duth.gr/ and the Department of Chemistry website.