The Scientist of the Future from the University of Gdańsk

The award Scientist of the Future 2021 in the category Science and Technology for an Innovative Future for dr Illia Serdiuk from the Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science of UG was granted by the Centre for Intelligent Development. Thus, the research of the scientist in the project 'Two current problems, one solution: improved organic materials for OLED and hydrogen photoproduction' was appreciated.

Let us recall that the project, whose leader is dr Illia Serdiuk from the Department of Biomaterials and Medical Physics, Institute of Experimental Physics has received funding of PLN 1.5 million under the Programme LEADER XI from the NCBiR.

The solution used in the project involves the conversion (transformation) of solar energy into chemical energy in the form of hydrogen. For this purpose, only organic materials will be used, including new original structures, which are expected to significantly reduce the price of large-scale production and utilisation. Although the hydrogen energy sector is very young in Europe, it is developing rapidly and I foresee an increasing demand for hydrogen production technology, especially from renewable energy sources.

The Scientist of the Future Award is granted by the Centre for Intelligent Development (CIR) to researchers with a vision for the future, who carry out research and projects serving people, who are open to informing society about their research and who demonstrate a proactive attitude towards business cooperation.

- 'We reward research authors who want to give the results of their work a chance to influence smart development and a better future. Our mission is to popularise research results so that they are useful and socially applicable,' - informs CIR.

- 'Understanding that such research is considered a priority and worth investing in, not only by me and our research group but also by experienced specialists in the composition of the Award Committee, is very important and motivating for me,' - says the winner. In his opinion, an important event connected with the awarding of the prize is also the Intelligent Development Forum. - 'It gives a unique opportunity for contact between scientists and representatives of business and local government. Thanks to participation in the Forum, I count on further steps in the development of my ideas and possibilities to implement them,' - he adds.

Ewa Cichocka / Press Office of University of Gdańsk