The 2018/2019 NSTF-South32 for Special Annual Theme Award: Materials for inclusive economic development Award was won by Prof. Alexander Quandt for his pioneering work in computational materials science with applications to nano-materials, optics/photonics and renewable energy research. Quandt is Acting Chair: Materials for Energy Research Group; Focus Area Co-ordinator: Centre of Excellence in Strong Materials at the University of the Witwatersrand.

“Computer experiments have finally established themselves alongside more traditional experimental techniques as a powerful tool to develop novel technologies in a very economical and systematic fashion,” says Quandt. “My research also points out new applications of chemical elements across the whole periodic table, which might lead to new types of solar cells, batteries and computing devices [being] developed here in South Africa.” Read more about his work, and his commentary in the South African Journal of Science – a research communication partner of the NSTF Awards.

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