About RESTART
REsilience through Synchrotron Techniques for African Research & Technology (RESTART) is a UKRI-funded Africa-UK Physics Partnership project bringing together researchers from the United Kingdom, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa to advance renewable energy technologies and develop capacity in synchrotron science across Africa.
Vision Summary
Africa is home to one of the world’s fastest growing populations, yet many communities continue to face challenges associated with reliable access to electricity and sustainable energy technologies. RESTART seeks to address these challenges by combining advanced synchrotron science with research into next-generation solar cells and energy-storage materials.
The project aims to strengthen scientific partnerships between African institutions and internationally recognised synchrotron facilities, enabling researchers to access world-class infrastructure, gain specialist expertise, and tackle energy challenges that are relevant to African communities.
What We Do
- Develop expertise in synchrotron-based materials research.
- Support research into next-generation solar energy technologies.
- Advance sustainable battery materials and energy storage.
- Train the next generation of African synchrotron scientists.
- Support long-term planning for a future African Light Source.
- Create opportunities for scientific collaboration, networking and knowledge exchange.
Research Themes
RESTART focuses on three interconnected research themes:
- Next-Generation Solar Cells including perovskite and organic photovoltaic technologies.
- Sustainable Battery Materials including lithium-ion batteries and advanced computational modelling.
- Synchrotron Accelerator Science to build expertise in the design, construction, operation and maintenance of future large-scale research infrastructure.
International Partners
Our international partners include:
- South Africa
- Ghana
- Kenya
- France
- United Kingdom
Building a Sustainable Future
By combining international collaboration, advanced facilities and local expertise, RESTART aims to contribute to affordable clean energy, climate resilience, scientific capacity building and sustainable economic development throughout Africa.