ACAP's Professor Anita Ho-Baillie wins Eureka Prize for Sustainability

Professor Anita Ho-Baillie, ACAP Node Lead for the University of Sydney and John Hooke Chair of Nanoscience in the School of Physics and Sydney Nano, has been awarded the Eureka Prize for Sustainability for her leadership in developing next-generation solar cells.

Her pioneering work on perovskite solar technologies, especially her work in improving their durability, is unlocking new possibilities for photovoltaics that are efficient, affordable and flexible, to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable power.

Professor Anita Ho-Baillie won the 2025 Eureka Prize for Sustainability.

“Solar energy will play a critical role in powering the world sustainably, and our research is about fast-tracking that future,” Professor Ho-Baillie said. “It’s an honour to have this work recognised by the Eureka Prizes.”

The Eureka Prizes are widely regarded as the 'Oscars of Australian Science', celebrating excellence across research, innovation, leadership and science engagement since 1990.

“I have followed in the footsteps of many great scientists including Professor Martin Green, who won a Eureka Prize in 1991,” Ho-Baillie reflected.

Alongside her research achievements, Professor Ho-Baillie is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of solar researchers. She has already supervised more than 90 students and early career researchers and students across PhD, Masters, Honours and undergraduate programs.

Reflecting upon her influence, Ho-Baillie said, “I am equally inspired by the students – by their creativity, curiosity and determination. I’m very enthusiastic about my research, and very animated when I talk about it. I hope they carry that energy and resilience into their own careers.”

Looking ahead, her focus is on overcoming the stability challenges of perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells while pushing efficiencies towards 40% – an ambitious goal that could transform global solar technology.

Professor Ho-Baillie acknowledged the vital role of ACAP and ARENA in supporting her research: “I'd like to thank ACAP and ARENA for their support; for believing in renewables, and in solar photovoltaics in particular, as a viable pathway to net-zero and a critical tool to mitigating global warming and climate change.”