The IAS Frontiers Workshop on Renewable Energy for a Sustainable Future took place on July 1, 2025, at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), gathering international scholars and industry leaders to exchange insights on the future of sustainable energy. Jointly organized by Prof Fan Hong Jin and the Institute of Advanced Studies, the full-day workshop aimed to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration across materials science, electrochemistry, and energy engineering.
The program opened with a keynote by Prof Meng Ying Shirley from the University of Chicago, who addressed persistent challenges in lithium metal batteries, such as dendrite formation and interfacial instability, while presenting new advances in electrolyte and interface design. Leading researchers followed with presentations on critical topics: Prof Zhao Dongyuan (Fudan University) explored mesoporous materials for energy applications; Prof Rose Amal (University of New South Wales) outlined solar-driven chemical pathways for fuel and chemical production; and Prof Qiao Shizhang (University of Adelaide) discussed the role of electrocatalysis in energy storage.
Further talks highlighted next-generation materials and technologies, including hybrid perovskites, iodine chemistry in energy stability, and solid-state battery innovations. Afternoon sessions featured Prof Jennifer Rupp (Technical University of Munich), Prof Yabuuchi Naoaki (Yokohama National University), and Prof Wen Zhaoyin (Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, CAS), each showcasing forward-looking strategies for advancing battery performance.
Two thematic panels—Perspectives on Next-Generation Batteries and From Research to Industrial Translation—encouraged lively discussion, bridging the gap between scientific discovery and practical application. Closing remarks by Prof Fan emphasized the essential role of interdisciplinary collaboration in accelerating global progress toward sustainable energy solutions.
