On Physics Day 2011, Bernhard Ecker received the "Oldenburg Physics Prize" for publications in high-ranking journals with an impact factor greater than 7 for the first time.the Dean of School V, Prof. Dr Martin Holtahus, presented Bernhard Ecker with a certificate and prize money.the Institute honoured Ecker's achievements as the first author of an article in the prestigious journal Advanced Functional Materials with the prize. Ecker belongs to a group of physicists led by Dr Elizabeth von Hauff from the Department of Energy and Semiconductor Research, who have succeeded in making an important contribution to increasing the stability of organic solar cells. In a joint publication with a group of Spanish scientists and an industrial partner, it was possible to develop more stable materials that can be used to transport the electricity generated by light irradiation. This was demonstrated by determining the density of states using impedance spectroscopy. The scientists were thus able to show that by using the more stable charge transport layer, fewer trap states are generated in the solar cell as soon as the solar cell is exposed to harsh conditions. The publication of these results in the prestigious journal Advanced Functional Materials confirms Oldenburg's expertise in the broad field of research into renewable energy sources and photovoltaics in particular. As first author of the article, Bernhard Ecker is also delighted about the associated award of the Oldenburg Physics Prize, which is endowed with 100 euros and is intended to motivate Oldenburg physicists to publish their research results in high-ranking specialist journals. This prize was awarded to first authors in 2009. Source: B. Ecker, J. C. Nolasco, J. Pallarés, L. F. Marsal, J. Posdorfer, J. Parisi, and E. von Hauff, Degradation Effects Related to the Hole Transport Layer in Organic Solar Cells. Advanced Functional Materials, 2011, 21, 2705-2711. DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201100429