Bening Tirta Muhammad

I joined Newcastle University (Energy Materials Laboratory) as a research associate after completing my PhD research in 2022. My current project is about scaling up and testing emerging PV technologies (perovskite, dye-sensitised, etc.) outdoors. My research interests include materials engineering for photovoltaics, photocatalysis, circular economy, and sustainability at large.

Previously, I conducted my PhD research at Energy Research Institute @ NTU (ERIAN), Nanyang Technological University, exploring approaches to improve bulk and interfacial stabilities of perovskite solar cells.

My first encounter with light-matter interaction was in 2013 when I conducted my Honours project on synthesis of porous copper (II) oxide nanoparticles for photocatalytic applications. I then had internship at Ma Chung University in 2014 working bacterial dye-sensitised solar cells. I earned my master's degree in polymer science and engineering from School of Materials, The University of Manchester in 2016, with MSc dissertation on FAPbI3 perovskite precursor stability.

Beyond academic/professional activities, I enjoy discussing about policy, technology, and social and youth movements. I was the Vice Chairman of Lingkar Studi Cendekia United Kingdom (LSC UK) in 2015-2016. I founded Forum Indonesia Muda Club (FIM Club) in 2013 and led the Club until 2019. In 2021, I initiated Peer Groups for Indonesian PhD Students (@peerphd.id).