ISTC supported participation of four talented researchers from Georgia and Kazakhstan at World Smart Energy Week 2024 from November 17 through 24 in Osaka, Japan. Professor Paata Kervalishvili and Associate Professor Tamar Berberashvili from Georgia Technical University and Kazakhstani researchers Gulnara Akanova and Akmaral Ismailova of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University brought their capacities and experience to the event while networking with for-profit companies, universities and institutes.

For Professors Kervalishvili and Berberashvili, the focus of their visit was presenting innovative advancements in solar energy technology while exploring potential collaboration with international researchers, representatives of for-profit companies and energy professionals. Their research presentation at the event was formally titled, “High-Efficient Solar Energy Photo Converting Element Based on a Silicon Graphene Nanosystem”. In addition to their presentation, Professors Kervalishvili and Berberashvili met with colleagues who specialize in solar energy, hydrogen technology, nuclear fusion, overall renewable energy and nanotechnology from China, Japan, South Korea and the United States. The meetings provided insight into the latest trends in energy innovation while offering opportunities for potential partnerships.

World Smart Energy Week 2024 provided an opportunity to generate significant interest among subject experts and industry leaders in a silicon graphene nanosystem as it relates to enhancing solar energy conversion efficiency. And, while in Osaka, Professors Kervalishvili and Berberashvili moved forward with preparing a joint ISTC research project with Ms. Akanova and Ms. Ismailova dedicated to developing laser plasma and tools for preparing rare earth materials-based nanosystems for different applications. Ms. Akanova and Ms. Ismailova networked with representatives of for-profit companies and universities, presenting expertise in rare earth metal oxides separated from waste. Rare earth metals are core materials for permanent magnets used in producing renewable energy equipment such as wind turbines, electric vehicles and solar panels. Ms. Akanova also presented on green technology; Ms. Ismailova was a lead speaker on applied rare earth separations; and, both developed contacts with representatives of the Korea Women’s University.

The financial support is provided by the Government of Japan and administrated by the International Science and Technology Center.