European Society for Quantum Solar Energy Conversion
The European Society for Quantum Solar Energy Conversion
was founded in 1994 to advance basic research in quantum solar energy conversion

Mission Statement

It is common knowledge that environmental aspects and limits to existing energy resources call for changes in energy production. Equally well known is that periods of several decades of years and substantial amounts of conventional energy are required in order to change the energy supply from the existing to renewable, basically solar energy resources.
The more it is surprising that politicians as well as society do not realize the urgency of the problem and miss to attack it on all levels: research, development, production and implementation, and financing. We feel that in particular basic research in this field lacks the appropriate attention and financial support. This is due to the misleading feeling of many scientific, technical and political institutions who assume that the problem is only an engineering task and can be solved without special effort. However, this is deceptive and a continous and even an increased effort in solar energy conversion is called for. In order to obtain the appropriate appreciation for basic research going on in quantum solar energy conversion and storage and in order to promote the corresponding financial funding by governmental, european and other agencies, a group of scientists decided the formation of this association. If a substantial number of scientists joins this organisation the strength and momentum will be reached to enforce a change of the pattern of thinking.

History

The idea of forming an association was born during successive workshops devoted to Fundamental Research on Quantum Solar Energy Conversion by an international group of about 50 scientists. This workshop has been held every year in various places (Austria, France, and Switzerland) since 1989. Finally the Society was founded at the 10th International Conference on Photochemical Storage of Solar Energy - IPS 10, in 1994 at Interlaken (Switzerland) and had its first General Assembly in March 1996 in Rauris (Austria) with the election of the Executive Board.

Aims of the Association

  • Promotion of long term basic and applied Research in the field of Solar Energy Conversion

  • Promotion of international, and interdisciplinary cooperations to induce synergies and accelerate progress

  • Promotion of scientific education in this field and information at university, school and public level

  • Promotion of the transfer of results of basic research to applied research, development and industrial applications

  • Promotion of the attractiveness of this field to get physicists, chemists, physical chemists and social scientists to become active

  • Information of members of the association on funding, research, programs and political issues

  • Information, consulting and support of members for cooperation and jobs

Activities

The Society organises regular Meetings and Workshops, Summerschools for Students and a Research Award for Young European Scientist. Further information is available on the ACTIVITIES overwiew.

General Assemblies

  • The 2022 General Assembly took place on Wednesday March 23, 2022 during the Quantsol 2015 Winterworkshop in Rauris, Austria
    Agendas of the General Assembly - n.y.a.
    Summary of the General Assembly - n.y.a.

  • The 2021 General Assembly was cancelled dur to the Covid-19 pandemic, and was postponed to 2022

  • The 2019 General Assembly took place on Wednesday March 20, 2019 during the Quantsol 2015 Winterworkshop in Rauris, Austria
    Agendas of the General Assembly - n.y.a.
    Summary of the General Assembly - n.y.a.

  • The 2017 General Assembly took place on Wednesday March 22, 2017 during the Quantsol 2015 Winterworkshop in Rauris, Austria
    Agendas of the General Assembly - n.y.a.
    Summary of the General Assembly - n.y.a.

  • The 2015 General Assembly took place on Wednesday March 25, 2015 during the Quantsol 2015 Winterworkshop in Rauris, Austria
    Agendas of the General Assembly
    Summary of the General Assembly

  • The 2013 General Assembly took place on Wednesday March 6, 2013 during the Quantsol 2013 Winterworkshop in Bad Gastein, Austria
    Agendas of the General Assembly

  • The 2011 General Assembly took place on Wednesday March 23, 2011 during the Quantsol 2011 Winterworkshop in Bad Hofgastein, Austria
    Agendas of the General Assembly
    Summary of the General Assembly

  • The 2009 General Assembly took place on Wednesday March 10, 2009 during the Quantsol 2009 Winterworkshop in Rauris, Austria
    Summary of the General Assembly

  • The 2007 General Assembly took place on Wednesday March 22, 2007 during the Quantsol 2007 Winterworkshop in Bad Hofgastein, Austria
    Summary of the General Assembly

  • The 2005 General Assembly took place on Wednesday March 16, 2005 during the Quantsol 2005 Winterworkshop in Rauris, Austria
    Summary of the General Assembly

  • The 2004 General Assembly took place on Wednesday March 17, 2004 during the Quantsol 2004 Winterworkshop in Bad Gastein, Austria
    Summary of the General Assembly

  • The 2002 General Assembly took place on Wednesday March 20, 2002 during the Quantsol 2002 Winterworkshop in Rauris, Austria
    Summary of the General Assembly

  • The 2000 General Assembly took place during the Quantsol 2000 Winterworkshop
    Summary of the General Assembly

  • The 1998 General Assembly of ESQSEC was held in Berlin, on August 11, during the IPS-12 conference.
    Summary of the General Assembly
European Society for Quantum Solar Energy Conversion
E-mail: secretary.general@quantsol.org