New researchers from the two REFRESH initiatives presented their research activities

The Research Spotlight: Collaboration & Networking workshop held on Thursday was specifically tailored for new researchers involved in the Materials & Environment Lab (MEL) and the Industry 4.0 & Automotive Lab (IAL) of the REFRESH project. Researchers who came to VŠB-TUO through REFRESH and other projects from countries such as Lithuania, India, Vietnam, Argentina, and various local research institutions shared their activities in diverse fields including materials engineering, additive manufacturing, and sustainable technologies.

“The event aimed to highlight the efforts of our researchers, foster networking, and create new collaborative opportunities. That’s why we united researchers from two living labs and two faculties,” explained Kateřina Skotnicová from the Faculty of Materials Science and Technology, who oversees one of the research programs in the Materials & Environment Lab.

Workshop participants discussed a range of topics, including the potential applications of biomaterials in medicine and environmental conservation, the advancement of layered materials for energy applications, the circularity of waste sands in industrial processes, and surface treatments for biomaterials and aerospace materials. Additionally, there were updates on additive manufacturing at VŠB-TUO, exploring the utilization of bioprinting in cancer research and the additive manufacturing of continuous carbon-reinforced composites for high-performance structures.

“The expert presentations were followed by discussions, networking, and a guided tour of Protolab and the newly installed FIB-SEM (Focused Ion Beam – Scanning Electron Microscope) including a demonstration of new technologies. We believe that such meetings are valuable for the new members of our teams and facilitate their smooth and successful integration” added Jana Petrů, Head of the IAL Additive Technology Research Program from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering.