MCAA Best Innovator Award winner: “I’m committed to propelling progress toward a sustainable world”

Artem Musiienko is a researcher at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB) specialising in advanced material characterisation for perovskite solar cells and novel materials. His patented Constant Light-Induced MagnetoTransport (CLIMAT) method allows the determination of more than fourteen different parameters of semiconductors, materials that can be found in, for example, solar cells and sensors, in one go. These measurements are crucial for optimising the performance of semiconductor-based devices.

How does it feel to win the award?

“I feel incredibly honoured and humbled by the recognition. It's a validation of all the hard work and dedication I've put into my craft. Additionally, I feel a deep sense of responsibility to contribute to efforts aimed at saving our planet from ecological genocide. This award serves as a reminder of the importance of using my skills and platform to make a positive impact on the world around me.”

What journey led you to this award?

“My journey began in the city of Bakhmut in Ukraine, which has now been devastated by the war and Russian invaders. It was a lengthy one, encompassing PhD studies in Prague, where I was awarded a three-year grant to initiate the development of the CLIMAT concept. Following this, I pursued postdoctoral positions within the same research group and later at the HZB. Presently, I am an MSCA fellow dedicated to the development of sustainable, low-cost photovoltaics.”

How will this award propel you in your future endeavours?

“I am dedicated to forging a brighter, more peaceful future by spearheading innovative photovoltaic technologies. With a focus on novel, low-cost solutions, I aim to revolutionise solar energy capture, pushing the boundaries of science to harness more sunlight efficiently. This award helps me to maintain my vision and adds strength to continue my journey towards developing a sustainable future.”

What are your future goals?

“I’m committed to propelling progress toward a sustainable world powered by clean, renewable energy sources discovered by accelerated scientific tools. This year, I’m thrilled to apply for support to establish our own research group using the support of the ERC Starting Grant and the NanoMatFutur programme of the German Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). I am also seeking to find a position as a tenure-track professor.”

What advice do you have for the MCAA?

“My advice for the MCAA is to actively engage in influencing the policies of both public research institutions and universities concerning the working conditions of scientists and students. This should encompass not only tangible factors like workspace amenities but also support for psychological well-being. It's uncommon to have dedicated happiness officers in each scientific department. Employers can also aid with relocation to ensure access to quality food, water, and other basic necessities at the workplace.

By advocating for improved working conditions and psychological support structures, the MCAA can significantly enhance the overall well-being and productivity of researchers. Addressing these aspects can positively impact retention rates, job satisfaction, and, ultimately, the quality of research outcomes. Additionally, fostering a supportive environment can attract top talent and contribute to creating a more inclusive and thriving scientific community. Furthermore, the MCAA can collaborate with relevant stakeholders to develop guidelines and best practices for institutions to adopt. This could involve conducting surveys or research to identify prevalent issues and recommending evidence-based solutions. Through strategic partnerships and proactive advocacy efforts, the MCAA can serve as a catalyst for positive change within the scientific research landscape.”

Kira Keini
MCAA Communication Officer
kira.keini@mariecuriealumni.eu
@kirakeini