INSTITUTUL DE FIZICA APLICATA

Their core work

The Institute of Applied Physics in Chișinău, Moldova, specializes in materials science and advanced optical techniques. Their core work spans electrochemical processing of metallic and semiconductor materials, development of cost-efficient solar cell technologies (particularly kesterite-based thin films), and digital holographic microscopy. They bridge fundamental physics research with practical applications in energy conversion, sensing, and electrochemical devices.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Their H2020 journey began with optical instrumentation — the 2016 HOLO project centered on digital holographic microscopy and image processing. By 2017-2018, the focus shifted decisively toward materials science and energy applications: kesterite solar cells (INFINITE-CELL) and electrochemical electrode technologies (SMARTELECTRODES). This progression suggests a move from measurement and characterization techniques toward the functional materials and devices themselves.

They are moving from optical characterization tools toward applied materials science for energy and electrochemistry — expect future work in functional electrode materials and thin-film photovoltaics.

How they like to work

They have experience both leading (HOLO as coordinator) and contributing as a partner, showing flexibility in consortium roles. With 21 unique partners across 12 countries from just 3 projects, they build broad international networks rather than returning to the same partners. Their participation in MSCA-RISE projects indicates a focus on researcher mobility and knowledge exchange, typical for institutes building international visibility from a non-EU member state.

Despite only 3 projects, they have connected with 21 partners across 12 countries — a remarkably wide network for a Moldovan institute. Their MSCA-RISE involvement means these are deep researcher-exchange partnerships, not just paper collaborations.

What sets them apart

As Moldova's applied physics institute, they offer a rare combination: materials science expertise at Eastern European cost levels with genuine European research network integration. Their dual capability in both characterization (holographic microscopy) and fabrication (electrochemical processing, thin films) makes them a versatile partner who can both make materials and measure them. For consortium builders, they also strengthen Widening Participation criteria as a non-EU associated country partner.

Highlights from their portfolio

• HOLO
  Their only coordinator role with the largest single grant (EUR 507K), focused on building institutional capacity in digital holographic microscopy.
• SMARTELECTRODES
  Broad materials science scope covering electrochemical processing, metallic foams, thermoelectric and catalytic applications — signals diverse fabrication capabilities.
• INFINITE-CELL
  International cooperation on next-generation kesterite/c-Si tandem solar cells, connecting them to the photovoltaics research community.