Global honour for UNSW solar pioneer driving the future of clean energy

Scientia Professor Martin Green was recognised for decades of collaboration that helped advance China’s solar technology industry.

UNSW Sydney Scientia Professor Martin Green has received China’s highest honour for international scientific collaboration, recognising more than four decades of contributions to solar energy research and the development of the country’s photovoltaic (PV) industry.

Prof. Green, founding Director of the Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics, opens in a new window (ACAP), was presented with the International Science and Technology Cooperation Award at the 2026 National Science and Technology Awards Conference in Beijing.

It’s the most prestigious award presented by the Chinese government to foreign scientists, engineers or organisations that have made outstanding contributions to China’s scientific and technological development.

Prof. Green was recognised for his pioneering work in high-efficiency silicon solar cells, his longstanding collaboration with Chinese researchers and industry, and his role in mentoring generations of photovoltaic scientists and engineers.

“Science knows no borders and green energy is a shared cause for all of humanity,” Prof. Green said.

“Receiving this prestigious award is not just a personal honour, but a testament to over 40 years of win-win collaboration between UNSW Sydney and China’s academic and industrial sectors.”

Prof. Green also reflected on the importance of international scientific partnerships to address shared challenges.

“In facing the global challenge of climate change, cross-border scientific cooperation is more vital now than ever before.”