The development of renewable, low cost energy technologies is a key scientific challenge for the 21st century. My group’s primary research interest is the development of new chemical approaches to solar energy conversion – harnessing solar energy either to produce electricity (photovoltaics) or molecular fuels (e.g.: hydrogen). Our studies have recently extended to spectroscopic studies of electrochemical routes to sustainable fuels and chemicals. We undertake fundamental scientific studies of new materials and device concepts, aiming to elucidate design principles which enable technological development. Our research is based around using transient optical spectroscopies to undertake photochemical and spectroelectrochemical studies of electron and energy transfer reactions. Such studies are undertaken in parallel with device development and functional characterisation, including studies of materials and device stability, employing a wide range of molecular, polymeric and inorganic materials. Control of materials structure on the nanometer length scale is often essential for efficient utilisation of solar energy, and therefore the nano-morphology and the use of nanostructured materials is a key component of our research.