University College is delighted to congratulate Professor Laura Herz, Supernumerary Fellow in Physics, on receiving the 2024 Institute of Physics (IOP) Michael Faraday Medal and Prize. This prestigious award recognises Professor Herz’s pioneering work in the photophysics of next-generation semiconductors, advancing the field through innovative spectroscopic experiments.

Professor Herz, based in the Department of Physics at the University of Oxford, has conducted groundbreaking research that has profoundly influenced the development of new light-harvesting materials for solar energy conversion. Her studies on the photophysical properties of semiconductors have become foundational in the field, widely cited by researchers and contributing to the development of solar devices.

Her work has also provided critical insights into the science underlying a broad range of semiconductor materials, including metal halides, nanocrystals, organic polymers, and biomimetic assemblies. Through her research, Professor Herz has expanded our understanding of how these materials interact with light, transport charges, and ultimately improve solar energy capture. Her findings have also guided advancements in semiconductor fabrication, engineering, and device technology.

Professor Herz attributes her success to collaborative efforts and the dedication of her research team. “I feel delighted and honoured to have been presented with this award by the Institute of Physics,” she shared. “Laboratory-based experimental physics offers fresh challenges every day, and this award reflects the dedication of our whole team over the last two decades of shining light on the mysteries of semiconductors.”

Professor Herz has also been widely celebrated for her commitment to mentoring and supporting the next generation of researchers, fostering diversity and excellence in her field.
University College is proud of Professor Herz’s achievements and her contributions to advancing knowledge in the field of physics.

Published: 6 November 2024

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