Liite Suomen Akatemian lokakuun 2009 hakuilmoitukseen 22.9.2009

10.2 Yhteishankehaku fotoniikan, optoelektroniikan, aurinkokennojen ja akkujen materiaalien tutkimuksen alalla (Suomen Akatemia, Tekes ja Japanin JST) - teemat

Joint call in the field of research of materials for photonics, optoelectronics, solar cells and batteries (Academy of Finland, Japan Science and Technology Agency JST and Tekes)

Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), the Academy of Finland (AF) and the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation (Tekes) invite researchers to submit proposals for collaborative research projects within the field of materials for photonics, optoelectronics, solar cells and batteries. These research fields are currently undergoing remarkable development and are considered important on a global scale in achieving steady growth and sustainability in the long run. The research activities in these areas are strong both in Japan and Finland, and the collaboration potential between the two countries is significant.

The theme of the call covers a broad range of functional materials research from emerging energy technologies to photonics and optoelectronics applications.

Novel materials, including carbon based materials among others, represent a key technology in the generation, storage and transmission of electricity. The materials for new energy solutions can exhibit photovoltaic properties such as those required in solar cells. Battery technology relies on materials that can be tailored for fast charging and storage of electric charge.

The materials for photonics applications can be inorganic or organic. The internal and surface properties of materials can be modifiable so that they direct light in the desired direction, or so that they generate light. Another possible area of research is shaping the characteristics of light sensitive material. Examples of relevant research subjects include research on optically active materials like metamaterials, and materials used in lighting and display technologies.

This is the second call of the three joint calls that JST, AF and Tekes will arrange within the field of functional materials during the years 2008–2010. In each of the three joint calls, the aim is to fund at least three joint projects. Each project will run for three years. The aim of these calls is to strengthen the collaboration between Japan and Finland to achieve world-class scientific results, leading towards new innovative technologies.