PERSEUS at PVCON 2026: Highlights from Ankara, Turkey
The 5th International Photovoltaic Conference on Photovoltaic Science and Technologies (PVCON) was held from 29 June to 1 July at the Middle East Technical University Culture and Convention Center in Ankara, Turkey, with PERSEUS project partner representatives from ODTÜ-GÜNAM serving as the Scientific & Organising Committee.
PVCON 2026 brought together industry professionals, researchers, and policy stakeholders. Participants presented recent research and development in the photovoltaic sector and examined the scientific and technological innovations advancing the field. The event provided a platform for connection and collaboration, strengthening networks at both national and international levels within the solar sector.
Over the three days, technical sessions and parallel event panels took place in two halls at the venue. PERSEUS partners hosted a panel, “Towards a More Inclusive PV Ecosystems - Visibility, Leadership and Representation in the Energy Transition”, on Tuesday 30th, moderated by Prof. Dr. Pinar Derin Güre (METU), joined by Dr. Hisham Nasser (ODTÜ), Büşra Yılmaz-Depondt (Becquerel Institute), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ezgi Pehlivanlı Yazıcı (METU) and Prof. Dr. Ramazan Sarı (DTU) as panellists.
Opening the discussion on the approach to inclusivity, access to clean energy, gender equality, and the integration of migrant and refugee researchers to approximately 250 attendees, the panel highlighted the aim of strengthening diversity in research and development by supporting women entrepreneurs, disadvantaged groups, and a more diverse talent pool within the solar energy sector.
Our previous article, “Meet the Women in Science,” and dedicated Women in Science webpage further highlight the importance of women in scientific, technical and management fields throughout history and the present day for PERSEUS and the solar industry as a whole.
Thank you to everyone who attended PVCON 2026 and joined PERSEUS during our parallel event to learn about the significance of diverse leadership and representation within the energy transition.
