Researchers, industry specialists and early-career scientists met in Palma de Mallorca from 8 to 10 September for the seventh edition of NEXTGEN, the Next Generation High Efficiency Photovoltaics International School and Workshop. Organised by IREC in collaboration with UPC, TalTech, and supported by ReNewPV, a European COST Action connecting academic and industry researchers working on emerging thin-film photovoltaic technologies, the event focused on emerging photovoltaic materials, technologies and applications.

The programme featured master classes, invited talks, research presentations and a poster session, bringing together expertise from universities, research organisations and companies. The format combined specialist lectures with opportunities for discussion throughout the three-day event.

The scientific sessions followed the development of photovoltaic technologies from materials design and characterisation to solar-cell engineering and integration into practical applications. Topics included thin-film solar cells, advanced chalcogenide materials, building-integrated photovoltaics, indoor energy harvesting and autonomous materials research combining artificial intelligence with automated synthesis.

Industrial and applied research perspectives complemented the scientific programme. Sessions explored the challenges of integrating photovoltaics into buildings, the role of next-generation solar technologies in future energy applications and the contribution of integrated photovoltaics to energy-active living environments. Together, these contributions highlighted the importance of connecting advances in materials and devices with the practical requirements of real-world deployment.

Researchers from the participating organisations contributed expertise spanning materials science, device engineering, modelling, characterisation and photovoltaic integration. IREC researchers took part in this wider scientific programme with presentations and posters on autonomous materials research, thin-film photovoltaic devices, advanced absorber materials, transparent photovoltaic technologies and electron-transport layers, contributing alongside researchers from the other participating organisations.

The closing sessions addressed collaborative research, high-efficiency solar cells, emerging semiconductor materials and photovoltaic technologies for indoor applications. NEXTGEN 2026 concluded on 10 September after three days dedicated to scientific discussion, specialist training and international participation around the future development of photovoltaic technologies.

By hosting NEXTGEN 2026, IREC provided a meeting point for universities, research organisations and companies working across the photovoltaic field. The event strengthened connections between research and industry and created opportunities for scientific exchange between organisations working on common technological challenges. It also reinforced IREC’s role as a facilitator of collaboration and knowledge sharing in a technology area that is central to the energy transition.