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Yaroslav Romanyuk: Empa's Trailblazer Redefining Thin Films

  From Ukraine to Switzerland: A Postcard Moment Shapes a Career

In the world of cutting-edge thin-film technologies, Yaroslav Romanyuk stands at the forefront. For over 15 years, Romanyuk has been a driving force at Empa, focusing on advancements in solar cells, printed circuits, solid-state batteries, and more. Since July, he has assumed the role of heading the Laboratory for Thin Films and Photovoltaics, steering his team towards ambitious goals – from groundbreaking materials to launching a startup and integrating artificial intelligence into future experiments.   A Career Forged in Switzerland Romanyuk's journey to Switzerland wasn't predestined. He could have chosen Germany, the US, Poland, or even his home country, Ukraine. However, a pivotal moment occurred in 2002 when he traveled to Lausanne for a doctoral interview at EPFL. The picturesque Swiss landscape, with its vineyards overlooking Lac Léman, won him over. Switzerland became the stage for Romanyuk's career, which began in Zurich in 2008 at Empa, collaborating with lab head Ayodhya Tiwari on solar cell research.  

Collaboration Breeds Innovation

Romanyuk acknowledges the importance of collaboration, emphasizing the unforeseen discoveries that emerge when teams work enthusiastically together. His passion for thin films and novel material combinations, developed during his postdoc at the University of California at Berkeley, fuels his pursuit of groundbreaking advancements. While some projects, like transparent security films for invisible "locks," are targeted, others, such as those related to solid-state batteries, unfold unexpectedly.   Nurturing Future Leaders A testament to Romanyuk's impact is the more than 40 diploma and doctoral theses he has mentored, with many graduates now holding leadership positions in Swiss high-tech companies. For him, witnessing their development is the most rewarding aspect, driven by trust, patience, and the understanding that failures often pave the way for crucial progress.  

BTRY - A Venture into Solid-State Battery Start-up

Romanyuk takes pride in the entrepreneurial spirit of his colleagues Moritz Futscher and Abdessalem Aribia, who founded BTRY. The startup aims to develop lithium-ion solid-state batteries, leveraging the quick charge transport in thin-film batteries. Romanyuk envisions stacking multiple cells to create powerful, fast-charging batteries that are safer and more robust than current options. Although the technology is in its infancy, the team has patented its approach and is actively seeking investors for further development.   The Path to Faster, Safer Batteries While acknowledging the challenges, Romanyuk believes in the potential of their battery technology. Despite the higher manufacturing costs, he sees the appeal, especially in applications like aviation. The prospect of reducing charging time to less than a minute could outweigh the additional cost, making it an attractive choice for consumers, he suggests.  

Balancing Act - Managing Innovation and Coordination

Romanyuk's role involves a delicate balance of managing diverse technologies, handling numerous emails, and engaging in constant research proposals. The transition to a leadership role brings more managerial responsibilities and a demanding workload. However, Romanyuk draws strength from his early experiences, recalling his first job's physical demands at Volyn National University in Ukraine, where he controlled a furnace for semiconductor crystals.   Digital Twins and the Future of Efficiency Looking ahead, Romanyuk envisions a more efficient future through the use of machine learning and artificial intelligence. The development of digital twins for batteries or solar cells before actual manufacturing could revolutionize the industry, reducing production cycles and saving time and energy. Empa, with its state-of-the-art Coating Competence Center, aims to lead the charge in this technological shift.  

Work-Life Balance and Rewards

Outside the lab, Romanyuk finds compensation in activities that rejuvenate him physically and mentally. Whether swimming, running, or biking six kilometers to work, he values the Swiss outdoors. Engaging in nature conservation activities with his two sons, Marco and Taras, provides a different perspective. A recent mishap involving a wasp nest, though painful, exemplifies Romanyuk's spirit of curiosity and the resilience that comes with it.   A Scientist with a Passion for Nature Romanyuk's commitment extends beyond the lab, involving activities with the nature conservation association in Fällanden. Bird watching, nest building, and fostering curiosity in his sons reflect his dedication to preserving the environment.  

Yaroslav Romanyuk's Impact on Empa's Future

In summary, Yaroslav Romanyuk's journey from Ukraine to Switzerland has been marked by innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to shaping the future of thin-film technologies. As he leads Empa's Laboratory for Thin Films and Photovoltaics, his focus on groundbreaking materials, entrepreneurial ventures, and the integration of AI promises a future where sustainable solutions thrive. With BTRY's venture into solid-state batteries and the adoption of digital twins, Romanyuk and his team aim to propel Empa to new heights in the realm of innovative research and development.   Sources: THX News & Swiss Government. Read the full article