The Carinthiacus International is an award given to people who are not originally from Austria but live and work on outstanding projects in Carinthia – such as Nastaran, who is a researcher for Thin Film Technologies at Silicon Austria Labs in Villach. Silicon Austria Labs (SAL) is a research center for electronics and software based system with three locations in Austria.
Nastaran's research focus is to develop piezoelectric and ferroelectric thin films for MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) applications, which are integral to tiny sensors and actuators used in everyday devices like smartphones. She works on lead-free alternatives such as aluminum nitride and aluminum scandium nitride, contributing to a sustainable technology development. These materials enable the creation of efficient and durable MEMS devices used across various sectors, including telecommunications, healthcare, and the automotive industry.
Her research supports the regional economy by enhancing collaborations with Carinthian companies, driving innovative solutions that improve energy efficiency and resource conservation. The projects submitted for the Carinthiacus Award are pre-selected by an expert jury and evaluated in terms of their sustainability, innovation and future viability. Nastaran’s innovative work convinced both the jury and the public in the subsequent voting.
The award ceremony took place in the Hall of Mirrors of the Office of the Carinthian Provincial Government. Nastaran accepted the award with a big smile on her face, stressing how much this meant to her. “This award is a significant recognition of the hard work and dedication that we as a team at Silicon Austria Labs have put into advancing sustainable technology in Carinthia. It validates our efforts and inspires me to continue pursuing excellence", says Nastaran about the importance of the award.
In a few days, the young researcher will already be off again on her way to Sweden, where she is currently spending two months within the framework of her PhD studies, making use of the excellent lab infrastructure at Linköping University and fostering connections for her second home Carinthia.
