Prof. Dr Christophe Ballif to be awarded the title of Doctor Honoris Causa by the University of Ljubljana

The University of Ljubljana will award Prof. Dr Christophe Ballif, one of the leading scientists and engineers in the field of photovoltaics and energy solutions, the title of Doctor Honoris Causa for his outstanding scientific achievements and long-term collaboration with the Faculty of Electrical Engineering at the University of Ljubljana.  

Prof. Dr Ballif is a full professor at the École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), where he heads the Laboratory for Photovoltaics and Thin Film Electronics. Additionally, he is the director of the Centre for Sustainable Energy at the CSEM (Centre Suisse d’Electronique et de Microtechnique), which is considered to be one of the leading institutions in the industrial development of advanced photovoltaic technologies and in the implementation of sustainable solutions in practice. Prof. Dr Ballif is also recognised as an advocate of the transition to a low-carbon society, as he promotes a wider use of renewable energy sources.  

His collaboration with the University of Ljubljana includes many research projects, mentoring of young researchers and strengthening the links between the academic and industrial communities, which significantly contributes to the increased international recognition of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering at UL and the university as a whole.  

Prof. Dr Ballif emphasizes the importance of his collaboration with the University of Ljubljana, which has been ongoing for more than 20 years. During this time, together with colleagues from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering at UL, Prof. Dr Mark Topič, Prof. Dr Janez Krč and Assoc. Prof. Dr Mark Jankovec, they have carried out several research projects and developed advanced measurement methods for photovoltaics. He highlights the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation in Europe to tackle key challenges such as global warming and underlines the triple objective of their work: creating value for science, the environment and the economy. 

“In a time where disinformation is spreading around like a cancer, where far rights governments in many countries want to step back in the energy transition, with the benediction of rich oil lobbies, it is essential that the academic world communicate and engage with the population. And of course education, at its core, is the most powerful tool for change and real progress. It fosters critical thinking, nurtures compassion, and equips individuals with the courage to confront challenges and transform society. I think and I hope that Ljubjana Univeristy exemplifies these ideals through its commitment to excellence and its dedication to shaping not just careers but characters.” 

Prof. Dr Marko Topič, the dean of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering at UL, who nominated Prof. Ballif for the title of Doctor Honoris Causa, emphasises, “Prof. Dr Christophe Ballif has left an indelible mark on both the scientific community and on our faculty with his outstanding scientific work and his commitment to the development of sustainable energy solutions. His collaboration with us is a model of interdisciplinarity and international cooperation. The title of Doctor Honoris Causa reflects our deep respect for his contribution.”  

“Doctor Honoris Causa is the highest honour that universities award to individuals who contribute to the reputation of our institutions or to social progress. This year’s recipient, who works closely with our Faculty of Electrical Engineering at UL, has made significant breakthroughs in the field of photovoltaics. Therefore, this year’s recognition is particularly important in the light of our activities in the field of sustainable development, to which we also devote a great deal of attention at UL,” adds the Rector of the University of Ljubljana, Prof. Dr Gregor Majdič.   

The Rector of the University of Ljubljana will award the title of Doctor Honoris Causa at the ceremonial session of the Senate of UL, which will take place on Tuesday, 3 December 2024, at 11 a.m. in the Assembly Hall of UL (Kongresni trg 12, Ljubljana). With this recognition, the University of Ljubljana reaffirms its commitment to connecting with top researchers and strengthening scientific excellence on a global scale.