HyPe'd Up!!

Some conferences leave you with new research ideas. Others leave you with lifelong memories. HyPe 2024, hosted at NISER Bhubaneswar, gave me both.

The journey itself was unforgettable. Along with my lab mates, I traveled by train from Bengaluru to Bhubaneswar, a trip filled with conversations, laughter, and excitement. As we reached the beautiful campus of NISER Bhubaneswar, we were greeted by lush greenery, peaceful surroundings, and an atmosphere that immediately connected us to science and nature.

HyPe 2024 brought together some of the most respected researchers in the global perovskite community. It was inspiring to attend lectures by scientists whose work I had been reading throughout. Distinguished professors, including Prof. David Cahen, Prof. Pablo P. Boix, Prof. Shaibul Sarkar, and Prof. Prashant Kamat, along with leading faculty members from IISc, IITs, and many other institutions across India and abroad, shared their latest research and insights. The conference covered every aspect of hybrid perovskites: from fundamentals to advanced device engineering, computational modeling, spectroscopy, characterization techniques, and pathways toward commercialization. Every session offered something new to learn.

One of the most memorable moments of the conference came on the second day, when I had the opportunity to have breakfast with Prof. David Cahen. Sitting across the table from someone whose work has had such a profound impact on the field of perovskite photovoltaics was truly inspiring. Beyond discussing science, he shared stories from his own research journey, the challenges he faced, how scientific ideas evolved, and the importance of curiosity and perseverance in research. Those conversations reminded me that behind every influential publication is a scientist who has spent years learning through both successes and failures.

Prof. David Cahen (Second from left)

The scientific discussions extended far beyond the lecture halls. The poster sessions were filled with enthusiasm, where students and researchers from across India gathered to discuss their work, ask challenging questions, and exchange ideas. It was exciting to meet fellow researchers working on similar problems in perovskite photovoltaics and explore different experimental and computational approaches to understanding these fascinating materials. Many of the friendships I built during HyPe 2024 continue to this day. We still stay connected, discussing challenges in device fabrication, characterization techniques, and troubleshooting research problems together. Experiences like these remind me that conferences are not only about presenting research, but also about building a community.

A particularly proud moment came when I was awarded the Best Poster Award. Competing among nearly a hundred poster presentations, I was honored to have my work recognized as one of the best. Receiving the award from Prof. Prashant Kamat made the achievement even more special. It was a moment of immense satisfaction and motivation.

After the conference concluded, we visited the sacred Jagannath Temple in Puri. Walking through one of India's most revered pilgrimage sites and experiencing the peaceful atmosphere was both humbling and refreshing. It was the perfect way to conclude a journey that had been intellectually stimulating and enriching.

Looking back, HyPe-24 was much more than a conference. It was a journey filled with learning, inspiration, meaningful conversations, and unforgettable experiences. It reminded me that science grows through collaboration, curiosity, and the willingness to share knowledge.