Vincent Marc Le Corre

Project title

R2-D2: Robotic Research platform and automated Device Doctor for Perovskite Solar Cells

What is your project about?

The European Union has set an ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Among the key technologies identified to help reach this target is solar energy. One of the most promising emerging solutions in this field is perovskite solar cells, which offer the potential for high efficiency and low cost. However, the number of possible material combinations is virtually endless, making it difficult to identify the best ones. The mission of the R2-D2 project is to speed up the discovery of optimal solar cell designs. At its core is an AI-guided robotic platform that can automatically produce and test hundreds of solar cells. The ultimate goal is to build what I call a “Device Doctor”, an autonomous system capable of diagnosing what limits a solar cell’s performance (its “illness”) and recommending the best path to improvement (its “treatment”).

How did you become interested in your particular field of research?

I knew early on that I wanted to pursue a research career. I have always enjoyed solving puzzles and tackling complex problems, so research felt like a natural fit. My specific interest in solar cells developed later. During my studies, I had the chance to work on several projects involving solar cell technologies, where I was introduced to modeling techniques that offered deeper insights into the underlying physics. That’s when everything clicked. I found myself drawn to both the modeling itself and the multidisciplinary nature of photovoltaic research. From there, I looked for a PhD in the field, and everything after that happened naturally.

What are the scientific challenges and perspectives in your project?

The key challenge of this project is to understand and improve the interface between materials in perovskite solar cells, which is crucial for boosting efficiency. Today, there is no reliable method to quickly and accurately measure what is happening at these interfaces. We will combine advanced measurements with powerful computer models and machine learning to extract meaningful physical information. If successful, this could become a standard tool to guide the development of better materials and more efficient solar cells.

What is your estimate of the impact, which your project may have to society in the long term?

In the long term, this project could help accelerate the development of more efficient and stable perovskite solar cells, making solar energy cheaper and more widely accessible. By improving our understanding of critical material interfaces, we can enable smarter, data-driven design of solar cell components. This supports the transition to a low-carbon energy system, helping to address climate change and reduce global reliance on fossil fuels. The open-source tools and databases we develop will also benefit the broader scientific community and industry.

Which impact do you expect the Sapere Aude programme will have on your career as a researcher?

The past decade has been intensely focused on building my research career, something that has come with its share of personal sacrifices. Receiving the Sapere Aude: DFF-Starting Grant is not just an incredible honor; it also brings a deep sense of validation. It makes many of those sacrifices feel worthwhile. This grant marks a turning point for me as it allows me to start my own research group, something I have been aspiring to for a long time. More importantly, it gives me the freedom to finally explore ideas that have been simmering in the back of my mind for years. I am grateful for the trust put in me by the DFF and I look forward to starting to build R2-D2.

Background and personal life

I grew up in France, though interestingly, I have never actually worked there. My career has taken me across borders, and Denmark is now the sixth country I have called home. This nomadic lifestyle has exposed me to a wide range of cultures and perspectives, which have deeply shaped the way I see the world. I genuinely enjoy working with people from diverse backgrounds and always welcome new experiences, whether work-related or not. Outside of research, I love spending time in nature, whether it is going for a quiet stroll or hiking with friends. I travel often, mostly to visit friends and family back home, but I also try to squeeze in the occasional surf or snowboarding trip, when I can.