The Princess and Mayor Halsema were welcomed by Director Bruno Ehrler, who introduced AMOLF as a national research institute that is part of NWO (Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research).
Solar energy, currently the fastest-growing energy source worldwide, formed the central theme of the visit. Bruno Ehrler outlined how AMOLF's research extends from understanding materials at the atomic scale to developing new solar cell technologies, including innovative materials such as perovskites, which can be produced more simply and potentially more efficiently than traditional silicon-based solar cells.
Solar Cell Laboratory
The visit continued at AMOLF's solar cell laboratory, where perovskite materials are developed. Perovskites are a type of semiconductor particularly suitable for solar cell applications. For example, they can be used in flexible solar cells or solar cells integrated into building materials.
SolarNL Programme
Following the laboratory visit, the SolarNL programme was introduced to the Princess. This is a national consortium of universities, research institutes, TNO, and companies dedicated to the development of Dutch solar technologies and their market introduction. The SolarNL program, coordinated by AMOLF, plays a key role in connecting fundamental research with industrial application and large-scale implementation. Within the program, work is being done on perovskite solar panels, among other things.
LAB42
Prior to her visit to AMOLF, the Princess was introduced to LAB42, the international center for talent development in the field of digital innovation. The Princess and the Mayor also visited the Intelligent Robotics Lab in LAB42, where they were given a tour of an AI experience. During a roundtable discussion with researchers, societal partners, and industry, they discussed the technological challenges of today and tomorrow.
