Page 62 - ISES SWC50

Ruben Piacentini
Country: Argentina
Year Started Research: 1967
Title of Research: Solar Energy, Atmospheric components that
attenuate solar radiation and Climate change
University: Institute of Physics Rosario, CONICET-National University of
Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
Still Active in Research: Yes

Professor of the first post-graduated Couse on “Fundamentals of Solar Energy” in Faculty of Exact Sciences and
Engineering, National University of Rosario (FESE/NUR), Argentina (1978). Invited professor of graduate and
post-graduate courses and Researcher at different national and international Universities and Research centers
(1984-present). Researcher at CONICET, Argentina, from the Independent to Superior categories on Solar Energy,
Atmospheric components that attenuate solar radiation (ozone and aerosol) and Climate change (1978-present).
Founder and Director of the Solar Energy Group at FESE/NUR,1977-1980. From 1981 to the present, Director of
the Atmospheric Physics, Solar Radiation and Astroparticles Group, Institute of Physics Rosario, CONICET-National
University of Rosario. Director of the Master Degree Energy for Sustainable Development, Faculty of Exact Sciences,
Engineering and Surveying, National University of Rosario (2007-2018). Director of 9 doctorates in Solar Energy
and related subjects (1997-2013) and of 15 researchers (1977-present). International, regional and national
publications (188) and books or chapter of books (20). Conferences, seminars, courses and special classes given
at Universities and Research Centre of France, USA, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Brasil, Chili, Uruguay. Awarded prize
of “Technological Innovation” presented at the International Exposition in Buenos Aires for the Solar grain dryer
with bare collectors (1982). “William T Pecora” prize given by NASA and the Department of Interior/USA, as part
of the TOMS (Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer) Science Team at Goddard Space Flight Center/NASA (2006).
Co-founder of the Argentina Solar Energy Society. Co-author and reviewer of the WMO/UNEP world reports on
Ozone, Solar UV radiation and Climate change (1998-present). Named Member of the Argentina National Academy
of Exact, Physical and Natural Sciences (2003). Editor and Reviewer of Journals (Drying Technology, Atmosphere,
Journal of Environmental Research, Energy, Optics Express, ERMA)

Stephen L. Sargent

Country: United States
Year Started Research: 1963
Title of Research: Solar Power Generation for Developing Countries
University: Arizona State University
Still Active in Research: No

Stephen L. Sargent first became interested in solar energy in 1963 while an engineering student at Arizona State
University. He applied for and received a Fulbright grant to study the subject at the Israel Institute of Technology in
1964. He completed MS and PhD work at the University of Wisconsin, where he was affiliated with the Solar Energy
Laboratory. He taught mechanical engineering courses at the University of Maryland, where he initiated a solar
energy course. He joined the US Energy Research and Development Administration where he served as a program
manager in the newly created solar energy research program. He worked in the Department of Energy’s solar
program until his retirement in 2004. Dr. Sargent joined the Association for Applied Solar Energy, the predecessor
to the International Solar Energy Society, in 1963 and remained a member throughout his career. He is the recipient
of the Rebecca Vorhies Award for exceptional service given by the American Solar Energy Society. He has given a
number of presentations at ASES and ISES conferences on various solar-related topics.

44 | ISES SWC50 - The Century of Solar-Stories and Visions