A legacy of collaboration
Prof. Green is internationally recognised as one of the world’s main solar researchers. His pioneering work helped set up the theoretical effectivity limits of silicon solar cells and led to breakthrough applied sciences, together with Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact (PERC) and TOPCon (Tunnel-Oxide Polysilicon Contact) solar cell designs, which are actually extensively used all through the international solar business.
Prof. Green arrange Australia’s first solar analysis lab in 1974 and established the world’s first solar undergraduate degree in 2000. Since then, he has supervised round 130 Master’s and PhD college students, together with greater than 50 from China, many of whom have gone on to change into leaders in the nation’s quickly rising solar business.
Through a long time of analysis partnerships, know-how switch and Australian–Chinese joint ventures, Prof. Green performed a pivotal function in the early improvement and exponential development of China’s solar business. Innovations developed at UNSW have been adopted and scaled by Chinese producers, serving to drive down the price of solar cells and speed up their international uptake.
China now produces more than 80% of the world’s solar panels, with the widespread adoption of solar know-how contributing considerably to the international transition away from fossil fuels and the discount of greenhouse gasoline emissions.
The honour cements Prof. Green’s lasting affect on worldwide scientific cooperation and reinforces UNSW Sydney’s dedication to advancing clean energy analysis by means of international partnerships.
UNSW Dean of Engineering Professor Julien Epps mentioned the accolade recognised the enduring affect of Prof. Green’s analysis and worldwide collaboration.
“Martin Green’s contribution to solar energy is extraordinary,” Prof. Epps mentioned.
“His pioneering research has transformed the global photovoltaic industry and helped make solar power one of the world’s most affordable and widely adopted sources of clean energy. This prestigious recognition reflects not only his scientific excellence, but also his decades-long commitment to international collaboration, mentoring the next generation of researchers and delivering real-world impact through innovation.”
After the National Science and Technology Awards Conference in Beijing, Prof. Green travelled to Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) in Wuhan to proceed a longstanding tutorial partnership spanning greater than 40 years. During the go to, Prof. Green delivered lectures, met with researchers and college students and mentioned future collaboration in solar know-how.
The newest accolade provides to an extended record of worldwide honours for Prof. Green. In 2025, he obtained the Faraday Medal from the UK’s Institution of Engineering and Technology. Prof. Green has additionally been awarded the Japan Prize, Millennium Technology Prize, Global Energy Prize and the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering, shared with three of his former college students.