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PO Box 600
Wellington 6140
Biography
Professor Justin Hodgkiss was the Co-Director of the MacDiarmid Institute until the end of 2024, and a Professor in Physical Chemistry at Victoria University of Wellington. He became an Emeritus Investigator in January 2025 and is now in a full-time role as CEO and Chief Scientist at his start-up, Advemto.
Justin completed his BSc (Hons) in chemistry at the University of Otago in 2000, and his PhD as a Fulbright Scholar at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2006. Following his PhD, he carried out post-doctoral research in the Cavendish laboratory at the University of Cambridge.
Justin moved to Victoria University of Wellington in 2009, was a Rutherford Discovery Fellow from 2012-2016, and was Deputy Director of the MacDiarmid Institute from 2015-2018.
Research interests
Justin’s research program is focused on the development of molecular electronic materials for low-cost printable electronics – primarily solar cells.
His group invented transient grating ultrafast fluorescence spectroscopy, and has used laser spectroscopy to develop a detailed understanding of the physics of photocurrent generation in printable solar cells.
A second research focus is on DNA aptasensors. Through collaboration with biologists, Justin’s group are creating ultrasensitive and highly specific colorimetric and electronic sensors for biological targets, including hormones.
Solar PVs, wind turbines, batteries, electric vehicles, passive cooling, renewable fuels, fertilisers, waste, even computers and data centres – these are areas where substantial innovation may get us a long way to a sustainable future. For this to happen, we need to create new materials.
Professor Justin Hodgkiss
In the news
News Article
MacDiarmid Institute researchers successful in latest MBIE round
September 20, 2024
The MacDiarmid Institute is pleased to share the following successes from its researchers in this year’s MBIE Endeavour Fund round.
Read more about MacDiarmid Institute researchers successful in latest MBIE round
In The Media
Postdocs: the key to NZ's post-Covid recovery
October 14, 2020
Co-Directors Nicola Gaston and Justin Hodgkiss write about funding postdocs to keep talent in New Zealand and elevate the economy.
Read more about Postdocs: the key to NZ's post-Covid recovery
Annual Report
Materials science in the new energy sector
June 11, 2020
In May, the Government hosted the Just Transition summit in Taranaki on preparing for a low emissions economy,
Annual Report
Funding successes - Annual Report 2019
May 26, 2020
Funding successes for our investigators and their research programmes during 2019. This funding enables our researchers and collaborators to continue their breakthrough research in advanced materials and nanotechnology.
Annual Report
Co-Directors' Report - Annual Report 2019
April 17, 2020
A major focus for the MacDiarmid Institute in 2019 was building the proposal for our next eight years of CoRE funding.
News Article
MacDiarmid Institute-led research recieves $4.1 million funding
November 5, 2019
MacDiarmid Institute-led advanced materials and nanotechnology research received $4.1 million funding through the 2019 Marsden Fund.
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In The Media
After decades of service, the lithium-ion battery has won a Nobel Prize
October 30, 2019
Justin Hodgkiss celebrates the slow and steady speed of technological developments.
Read more about After decades of service, the lithium-ion battery has won a Nobel Prize
News Article
Showcasing science for future sustainability at Te Papa
August 22, 2019
Te Papa’s Nature exhibit features some of our scientists' work creating materials for energy technology key to mitigating climate change.
Read more about Showcasing science for future sustainability at Te Papa
News Article
Change in leadership sees MacDiarmid Institute head in new direction
May 8, 2018
Announcing the appointment of Associate Professor Nicola Gaston and Associate Professor Justin Hodgkiss as Co-Directors of the Institute.
Read more about Change in leadership sees MacDiarmid Institute head in new direction
News Article
AMN8: The Solar Revolution
August 17, 2017
Oxford Professor Henry Snaith and VUW Associate Professor Justin Hodgkiss discuss The Solar Revolution at the Royal Society in Wanaka, February 2017.
In The Media
Industry speed-dating – video and media coverage
May 11, 2017
The Interface Industry Challenge is a new joint initiative conceived by the MacDiarmid Institute and the Dodd-Walls Centre, under which scientists from two Centres of Research Excellence (CoREs) tackle real world problems faced by New Zealand companies.
Read more about Industry speed-dating – video and media coverage
In The Media
AMN8 Outreach
March 28, 2017
680 secondary school students came along to hear and be inspired by David Leigh in Christchurch - who also appeared on RNZ and was featured in an article about molecular machines by TheSpinoff.
In The Media
The MacDiarmid Institute faciliates the New Zealand nano-revolution
March 22, 2017
Professor Thomas Nann, Associate Professor Justin Hodgkiss, and Postdoctoral Fellow Dr Renee Goreham give an overview over the MacDiarmid Institute’s research activities.
Read more about The MacDiarmid Institute faciliates the New Zealand nano-revolution
In The Media
AMN8: From science to spinoff companies
March 22, 2017
Associate Professor Justin Hodgkiss shares his experiences in founding a company based on research that was conducted in his group.
News Article
MI Investigators successful in MBIE Endeavour Round 2016 & Smart Ideas
October 18, 2016
12 of our Investigators were successful in MBIE 2016 Endeavour Round and are involved in both Smart Ideas and Research Programmes.
Read more about MI Investigators successful in MBIE Endeavour Round 2016 & Smart Ideas
Interface Magazine
Public Lecture Series: The Energy Revolution
July 10, 2015
The age of fossil fuels is coming to an end and global warming from their burning is undeniable - but when will tomorrow begin? Will there be a long transition period, with a mish-mash of renewables while we learn to harness the sun’s energy efficiently, as plants have been doing for 3.5 billion years? Is there even enough sunlight striking the Earth to supply the increasing energy demands of 6-9 billion humans?
Read more about Public Lecture Series: The Energy Revolution
Podcasts
15 Minutes Smarter - Episode 2: Alternative Energy
August 31, 2020
Claire and Jono talk about what energy is, how coal is renewable if you are just prepared to wait, and chat to Professor Justin Hodgkiss about the power of solar power.
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Element of the Week - Carbon (C)
June 24, 2019
Professor Justin Hodgkiss introduces the element Carbon on RNZ Nights' Element of the Week.
Materials: Fact or Fiction - Lightsabers
January 31, 2020
In this episode of the new series 'Materials: Fact or Fiction', Professor Justin Hodgkiss gives his take on lighsabers.
Videos
The Fast and the Curious: Unravelling light-triggered chemical processes
August 26, 2019
Professor Justin Hodgkiss describes how he and his team have created instruments to illuminate and explore the femtosecond world.
Read more about The Fast and the Curious: Unravelling light-triggered chemical processes
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