KTH Researchers Take Leading Roles in the International Solar Energy Society
A strong delegation from the Department of Energy Technology at KTH is helping shape the global solar energy agenda through active leadership roles in the International Solar Energy Society (ISES) – a key organization advancing the global transition to 100% renewable energy. All three joined the ISES Board of Directors, following the most recent elections in June 2024.
At the forefront is Professor Viktoria Martin, who serves as the President of the International Solar Energy Society (ISES) . She is the also third female president of ISES in the 70+ years of history. In addition to leading the ISES Executive Committee, she plays a central role in setting the strategic direction of the organization at a time when solar energy and renewables are more important than ever.
Assistant Professor Saman Nimali Gunasekara, chairs the ISES Outreach Committee, where she is focused on strengthening the society’s global engagement and partnerships. She has also recently been appointed International Scientific Committee Chair for the Solar World Congress (SWC) 2025 , the society’s flagship scientific conference held every two years. In this role, she leads the development of the congress’s scientific program and promotes broad international participation from the research and innovation community.
Francisco Beltrán, doctoral student in sustainable energy systems, contributes to the ISES Outreach and Membership Committees and the Young ISES Community, the platform supporting students and early-career professionals. His involvement focuses on international collaboration and knowledge sharing within the next generation of solar energy experts.
All three KTH representatives are actively contributing to the development of SWC 2025 (abstracts submission open now) , which serves as a key global platform for the scientific and R&D community working toward a 100% renewable energy future. They all highlight the importance of global collaboration, interdisciplinary research, and the role that Sweden and KTH can play in driving innovation for clean energy transitions.
“SWC is not just a conference – it’s a vital meeting point for sharing research, connecting disciplines, and accelerating progress in renewable energy,” says Saman. “Our goal is to build a scientific program that is inclusive, high-impact, and forward-looking.”
“Through ISES, we connect KTH’s research and education with a global network of scientists, engineers, and decision-makers who share the same goal – a sustainable, 100% renewable energy future,” says Francisco.