Ivy Mawusi Asuo
“This award means that the efforts that have been made along the way are not only recognised by the scientists who judged my thesis but also by the INRS community and Québec in general.”
Ivy Mawusi Asuo
Ph.D. Energy and material sciences, 2022
Centre Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications | Supervisor : Alain Pignolet
Ivy Mawusi Asuo's thesis started in 2016 and is already playing a leading role in the progress of the halide perovskite research programme initiated in 2015. The excellent results of her research have served as a model for sixteen publications and a PCT patent. In addition, her thesis has been evaluated by leading scientists and rated as "excellent". Given the importance of this work, the start-up company Pi-Sol Technologies was created to valorise her innovative and affordable synthesis process. Having already attracted investors, Pi-Sol is now a part of WattByWatt, responsible for commercialising the technology developed. The startup is currently working on extending the protection of its intellectual property internationally.
What brought you to INRS?
I always had the desire to continue my studies after my master’s degree in materials science in Europe, especially in the field of energy. So I was looking for the best institutes that could help me to achieve my dreams. During my research, I came across the prestigious "Materials for energy conversion, saving, and storage (MATECSS)" grant, whose objectives and values corresponded well to my research desires. So I applied and I was among the three candidates finally chosen that year. MATECSS has its chair at INRS (Prof. Federico Rosei, MATECSS UNESCO chair) and so here I am in Quebec for my doctoral studies.
What do you remember about your experience?
There are probably many things that I remember, but what I remember most is the opportunity to meet colleagues/people from different backgrounds and cultures. The privilege of studying in a multidisciplinary and multicultural research environment such as ours has made me more sensitive and well rounded both professionally and personally.
Can you describe the challenge and impact of the research presented in your PhD thesis?
I started my thesis in 2016 and played a leading role in the progress of the halide perovskite research programme initiated in 2015. The excellent research results have served as a model for sixteen publications and a PCT patent. In addition, renowned scientists evaluated my thesis as "Excellent". Due to the importance of our work, the start-up company Pi-Sol Technologies was created to valorize its synthesis process 2 innovative and affordable. Having attracted investors, Pi-Sol is now a part of WattByWatt, responsible for commercializing the technology developed. Currently, Pi-Sol is working to extend the protection of its intellectual property internationally.
What does it mean to you to win this award?
It is an honour. This award means that the efforts that have been made along the way are not only recognized by the scientists who judged my thesis, but also by the INRS and Québec City community in general.
What’s the next chapter for you now that you’ve graduated?
We are already pushing our technology at the start-up Pi-Sol under the umbrella of WattByWatt Inc. I have recently joined the team as the R&D manager of the lab. I hope to contribute to the advancement of solar technology here and wherever I have the opportunity. Finally, I would also like to help young girls in the STEM field.