The Åbo Akademi University Foundation has awarded Oskar Sandberg, Doctor of Philosophy at the Faculty of Science and Engineering the 2024 Per Brahe Prize. The prize sum is EUR 15,000 and is given to a researcher whose continued close connection to Åbo Akademi University is deemed especially valuable.

Oskar Sandbergs research focuses on enhancing the understanding of the underlying physics of organic solar cells and improving their performance. His work holds significant promise for advancing sustainable and renewable energy technologies.

“Receiving the Per Brahe Prize is a great honour, and I am deeply grateful for this recognition,” said Sandberg. “It provides me with strength, inspiration, and motivation to continue my research. The prize holds a special meaning as Per Brahe founded my hometown, Kristinestad, in 1640”.”

Sandberg earned his PhD from Åbo Akademi University in 2018 and sees significant future potential in organic solar cells as a sustainable and cost-effective energy solution.

“My hope is that my research will deepen the understanding of the physics underlying organic solar cells and offer new insights into how their performance can be further optimized,” he explains. “This is essential for enabling the commercialisation of organic solar cells and contributing to a sustainable future for energy production.”

The recommendation for Sandberg’s nomination to the board of the Åbo Akademi University Foundation was made by a prize committee consisting of DSc Saara Inkinen, DSc Nina Kivinen and PhD Tuomas Martikainen. The committee describes him as an academic talent with exceptional research activity in a highly relevant and important field.

Dean Patrik Henelius, in support of the faculty’s nomination, highlighted Sandberg’s successful research achievements, his active role in international collaborations, and his exceptional number of publications, as well as the numerous invitations he has received to speak at international conferences and his organisational contributions to these events.

“Oskar Sandberg is a shining star and a true promise for the future in his research field and within Åbo Akademi University,” writes Henelius.

The Per Brahe Prize was awarded at the Åbo Akademi University Foundation’s Delegation autumn meeting on 28 November.

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For more information and interview requests:

Oskar Sandberg
Email: oskar.sandberg@abo.fi
Phone: +358 400 526 050

Communication Planner Helena Nylund
Åbo Akademi University Foundation
Email: helena.nylund@stiftelsenabo.fi
Phone: +358 400 514 136