MOROCCAN FOUNDATION FOR ADVANCED SCIENCE INNOVATION AND RESEARCHFONDATION MASCIR

Their core work

MASCIR is a Moroccan applied research foundation based in Rabat, focused on advanced materials and photovoltaic technologies. Their H2020 work centers on improving solar cell performance — from concentrated solar power (CSP) functional materials to next-generation kesterite/silicon thin-film tandem devices and cost-efficient PV module design. They bridge materials science and energy technology, contributing to projects that aim to make solar energy cheaper and longer-lasting. As a North African research center, they bring regional expertise relevant to high-irradiance solar deployment conditions.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

MASCIR's H2020 involvement spans 2016–2018 entry dates across just three projects, making evolution analysis limited. Their earliest project (RAISELIFE, 2016) focused on CSP functional materials durability, while later projects (INFINITE-CELL 2017, SUPER PV 2018) shifted decisively toward photovoltaic cell and module technologies — kesterite thin films, flexible CIGS, and c-Si module optimization. The trajectory suggests a move from concentrated solar thermal materials toward direct electricity-generating PV technologies.

MASCIR is moving toward next-generation thin-film and tandem solar cell technologies, positioning itself as a partner for cost-driven PV innovation in high-irradiance regions.

How they like to work

MASCIR has never coordinated an H2020 project — they participate as a partner or third party, contributing specialized materials and testing capabilities to larger consortia. With 52 unique partners across 16 countries from just 3 projects, they operate within large, internationally diverse consortia. This profile suggests a specialist contributor that brings regional expertise and testing infrastructure rather than driving project direction.

Despite only 3 projects, MASCIR has built connections with 52 partners across 16 countries, reflecting participation in large multinational consortia. Their network spans Europe and likely includes North African and Mediterranean partners given their geographic position.

What sets them apart

MASCIR is one of the few North African research foundations active in H2020 solar energy projects, offering a geographic advantage for testing and deploying PV technologies in high-irradiance, arid climates. Their combination of materials science capabilities (from CSP coatings to kesterite thin films) with a location in Morocco — a country investing heavily in solar infrastructure — makes them a distinctive partner for EU-Africa energy cooperation. For consortium builders needing international cooperation components or real-world testing in Southern Mediterranean conditions, MASCIR fills a specific gap.

Highlights from their portfolio

• INFINITE-CELL
  International cooperation project developing next-generation kesterite/c-Si tandem solar cells — represents MASCIR's role in bridging EU-Morocco research on emerging PV materials.
• SUPER PV
  Largest single EC contribution to MASCIR (EUR 205,537), covering the full PV value chain from flexible CIGS cells to power electronics and data management.
• RAISELIFE
  MASCIR's entry into H2020, focused on extending the lifetime of CSP materials — a topic directly relevant to Morocco's large-scale solar installations like Noor-Ouarzazate.