Basic research and its applications align well, with laboratories complementing each other as we advance towards the REFRESH objectives

A high success rate in attracting top researchers both domestically and internationally and high-quality outputs across various levels of Technology Readiness Level (TRL),  i.e. from excellent basic research to close partnerships with industry. These two benefits emerged the most from the presentations of the REFRESH results to date at the retreat in Celadna, which was attended not only by academics but also by representatives of partner institutions, including the Ministry of the Environment (MoE) of the Czech Republic. The MoE oversees the Operational Programme Just Transition that has provided a grant of CZK 2.5 billion for the largest project to date at VSB-TUO.

“We are providing you with the framework and watching with amazement the progress being made. My hope for the project is that all the components come together seamlessly, much like a puzzle, leading to the return of natives to the region—researchers who have remained elsewhere following their studies—as well as attracting new top-tier researchers who will play a vital role in the region’s development,” stated Radana Leistner Kratochvilova, director of the Department of Support for a Low-Carbon Economy Transition at the Ministry of the Environment, at the start of the meeting.

The results so far indicate that the project is successfully attracting scientific talent. “From the beginning, we emphasized that the most significant investment is needed in personnel. Currently, 40 percent of the new team members are actively participating in the project. We have recruited 30 outstanding researchers, frequently from abroad, which is three times the number we initially promised. In total, we have established 62 new full-time equivalent positions in research and development, with a commitment to create 106 jobs throughout the duration of the project,” stated REFRESH Director Igor Ivan, highlighting some of the achievements.

He stated that, thanks to the REFRESH project, VSB-TUO has successfully secured funding for 14 projects in prominent European grant competitions, totaling over seven million euros, with one-third of these projects led by newly arrived researchers. The researchers have produced 391 publications in high-impact journals, with a third authored by a new scientist, and four patent applications have been submitted. The scientific directors of the four living labs provided specific highlights from their results, along with planned investments and challenges they face.

“From the perspective of someone working in the industry on a daily basis, I greatly value the opportunity to bridge the gap between science, industrial realities, and students. I am confident that this connection will lead to the successful achievement of the project’s objectives,” concluded Katerina Kupkova, a member of the REFRESH Board of Directors and Vice President of the Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic.

REFRESH is based on a unique concept of interconnected living laboratories, facilitating cutting-edge research in close collaboration with companies and aligned with the needs of end users. Researchers concentrate on innovating technologies in critical sectors, including sustainable energy, new materials, and the automation and digitalization of industry and transportation. A significant aspect of the project involves observing regional changes through the perspectives of social sciences and humanities, overseen by the University of Ostrava.