Project news

DEMADES Project Team Opens New Horizons in the Challenger Science Program

On 16 September 2025, the Challenger Science Program, organized by ESET and Civitta, officially began and our DEMADES project team (ElectroChemTech) is proud to be part of this inspiring initiative.

This unique program offers a journey from research to real-world impact. What could be more valuable than learning how to:

• turn a research idea into a strong business plan,

• develop public speaking skills,

• present research in the most engaging way,

• design a market-ready product,

• connect freely with potential partners,

• and build an attractive and sustainable business?

We were inspired by powerful talks from outstanding lecturers, met amazing people from different research areas and industries, and gained valuable insights from ESET and Civitta experts.

The introduction was truly amazing, and we are excited to continue this journey - building essential skills to disseminate our research outputs and bring them closer to society.

A big thank you to the organizers and all participants. We are proud and thrilled to be part of such an important initiative.

#challengerscience

DEMADES Project at IAM-I Working Groups Meeting

4.09.2025 DEMADES project, represented by project leader Anna Kityk, participated in the IAM-I (Innovative Advanced Materials Initiative) working groups meeting. IAM-I is an international non-profit association driving the IAM4EU partnership, with the goal of creating a Europe-wide, cross-sector R&I ecosystem that accelerates the market uptake of sustainable advanced materials. It brings together stakeholders across the entire materials value chain and researchers to support innovation for a digital and circular economy.

During the meeting, participants focused on establishing the structure and functioning of IAM-I working groups, including:

1. Defining work processes and reporting systems;
2. Assigning responsible persons for each working group;
3. Planning the next steps for the initiative.

The IAM-I working groups cover key topics across advanced materials innovation:

WG#1 – AI, Materials Digitalization & Data Management – Ladislav Hluchý / Martin Bobák;

WG#2 – Resilient & Circular Value Chains – Martin Nosko;

WG#3 – Materials Innovation Markets (Construction) – Miroslav Čekon;

WG#4 – Materials Innovation Markets (Electronics) – Milan Ťapajna;

WG#5 – Materials Innovation Markets (Energy) – Anna Kityk;

WG#6 – Materials Innovation Markets (Mobility) – František Simančík;

WG#7 – Materials Innovation Markets (Health) – Juraj Kronek.

Participation in this meeting allows DEMADES and Slovak Academy of Sciences to actively contribute to shaping the future of advanced materials innovation, exchange expertise across sectors, and support sustainable and circular approaches in research and market development.

We extend our thanks to all participants for their valuable contributions and special thanks to Martin Nosko for organizing this amazing event, as well as for creating the opportunity for SAS and DEMADES to be part of this exciting European initiative.

DEMADES Project at Slovak Hydrogen Workshop –

24 September

The DEMADES project team will participate in the final session of a series of hydrogen-focused workshops, organized by the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic in collaboration with the National Hydrogen Association of Slovakia, taking place in Bratislava on 24 September.

The workshop will focus on:

Legislative updates and national hydrogen support policies

Strategic planning for Slovakia's hydrogen ecosystem up to 2050

Regulatory frameworks, technical standards, safety, and permitting for hydrogen infrastructure

Participation in this event will allow DEMADES to stay updated on the latest hydrogen-related developments, ensuring our research on novel electrocatalysts using eco-friendly Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) aligns with national and EU goals. Insights from the workshop will support the project's mission to advance clean, sustainable hydrogen production, contributing to the EU Green Deal, EU Hydrogen Strategy, and global decarbonization efforts.

Stay tuned for updates on our activities and insights from the workshop.

Advanced Electrochemical Training Course for DEMADES Project Team

On August 29th, the Center for Advanced Materials Application (CEMEA SAS) had the pleasure of hosting participants from DEMADES project for an intensive, one-day training course in our Advanced Electrochemical Engineering Laboratory. Led by DEMADES project leader, Assoc. Prof. Anna Kityk, PhD, the course focused on key aspects of green hydrogen production.

The session integrated theoretical principles with hands-on practice, covering the following:

Electrocatalysis Fundamentals: A review of the Hydrogen and Oxygen Evolution Reactions (HER and OER), including key concepts like overpotential and catalyst design strategies.

Catalyst Synthesis: A practical session on electrodeposition, allowing participants to synthesize nickel-based alloys and composites.

Advanced Characterization: Participants learned how to analyze catalyst properties, such as corrosion resistance, using electrochemical measurements.

Performance and Durability: The day concluded with a deep dive into measuring catalytic activity and stability through various electrochemical tests.

The goal of this program was to provide DEMADES project team with a solid foundation in experimental electrochemistry, thereby driving the project's success in developing next-generation electrocatalysts for efficient green hydrogen production.

DEMADES Project Team Has Won ESET Challenger Science Grant

We are excited to announce that the DEMADES project team has been selected to receive a grant for participation in the Challenger Science program, a special initiative by ESET aimed at helping scientists in Slovakia develop their entrepreneurial potential.

The program offers an intensive combination of workshops, networking opportunities, and personalized guidance to support researchers in:

-Developing entrepreneurial thinking and skills;
-Building relationships with partners and potential customers;
-Identifying opportunities for commercialization;
-Preparing impactful presentations.
Participants will also benefit from individual mentoring and coaching, ensuring that their innovative research ideas have the best chance to reach real-world impact.

The program is organized in partnership with Civitta, an organization with extensive experience in mentoring startups, and supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT).
With only 30 spots available nationwide for PhD students and senior researchers from Slovak educational and research institutions, our selection marks an important milestone for DEMADES.

We look forward to leveraging this opportunity to bring our research closer to practical applications and to strengthen its societal impact.

Stay tuned for updates as we embark on this exciting journey!

#challengerscience#eset

Anna Kityk and Viliam Pavlik, DEMADES' Key Researchers, Featured in Academia Journal

We are delighted to share that two of DEMADES' key researchers, Anna Kityk and Viliam Pavlik, are featured in the latest issue of Academia Journal. The article offers a unique glimpse into their inspiring professional journey, their significant research achievements within the DEMADES project, and their life together as a couple united by both science and love.

Anna and Viliam's story highlights the human side of scientific work, showing that groundbreaking research and personal connection can go hand in hand. Engaging with the public through such publications is an important part of our mission, helping to make science accessible, relatable, and inspiring.

We thank Stanislava Longauerová, editor-in-chief of Academia Journal, for the thoughtful and motivating interview, and Martin Bystriansky for the beautiful photography that captured their story.

Shaping Future Innovators: DEMADES at the Summer School of Young Scientists 

🔬 DEMADES Project Inspires Future Scientists at the 2025 Summer School of Young Scientists

From July 14th to 18th, 2025, the Center for Advanced Materials Application (CEMEA SAS) welcomed a group of bright, curious students to take part in the Summer School of Young Scientists, a week filled with discovery, creativity, and hands-on science. The DEMADES project team was proud to play an active role in this inspiring initiative, helping to ignite a passion for research in the minds of the next generation.

🌱 Science for a Sustainable Future

The DEMADES project team aims to create innovative materials and technologies that support sustainable development. As part of this mission, we believe it's essential to engage young minds and share the excitement of scientific discovery.

Throughout the summer school, our team prepared a wide range of activities that demonstrated the magic of science.

🔍 A Week of Exploration and Wonder

Each day offered a new adventure into the world of science:

🌡 High-temperature experiments – Students observed glass production, the colorful burning of metals, and the thermal decomposition of silver nitrate (AgNO₃), and even took home their silver souvenirs.

❄ Low-temperature magic – Experiments with liquid nitrogen amazed students with its strange and spectacular properties.

⚡ Electrochemistry in action – Participants constructed their electrolyzers, learning how clean energy can be produced using simple materials.

🧲 Hands-on materials science – From ferrofluid play to 3D printing with plastic filaments, students explored how materials behave and are shaped for everyday and high-tech applications.

💡 Why This Matters

At DEMADES and CEMEA SAS, we believe that science outreach isn't just a nice addition; it's a vital part of our mission. Events like the Summer School of Young Scientists help bridge the gap between research institutions and the community. They show young people that a career in science is not only possible, but deeply rewarding.

We are proud to support these early steps into science and hope to see many of these students continue their journey into research, innovation, and discovery.

Stay connected with the DEMADES project for more updates, events, and science-driven solutions for a sustainable future.

#SummerSchoolOfYoungScientists#YouthInScience#NextGenResearchers#ScienceEducation#InspiringYoungMinds#FutureScientists#ScienceForAll

Strengthening Innovation Through Industry Partnerships: DEMADES Project Expands Collaboration with Leading Manufacturers

The DEMADES project continues to build strong bridges between research excellence and industrial practice.
We are pleased to announce that our team has recently signed collaboration agreements with several major manufacturers of metal and alloy components for the automotive industry in Slovakia, as well as an international partnership with a company based in Singapore.

These new partnerships mark a significant step toward bringing cutting-edge research closer to real-world applications. DEMADES project is not only about advanced research but also about fostering innovation, cooperation, and the active involvement of industry partners who can help translate novel ideas into sustainable solutions.

By working directly with large-scale producers of metal and alloy parts for the car industry, our team will be able to test and demonstrate advanced surface treatments, eco-friendly processes, and new materials under real production conditions. In parallel, our collaboration with the Singaporean partner opens the door to broader international exchange and new opportunities for knowledge transfer, technology validation, and market development in Asia.

These agreements confirm that DEMADES is a truly collaborative platform, where researchers, engineers, and industry stakeholders join forces to tackle global challenges in green technologies, sustainable materials, and advanced manufacturing.

Stay tuned for more updates on our progress and the results of these joint activities!

#DEMADES #IndustryPartnership #Innovation #SustainableManufacturing #GreenTechnology #Slovakia #Singapore #AutomotiveIndustry #SurfaceEngineering 

SCI-CONNECT 2025: A Scientific Picnic That United Minds and Sparked Ideas
Organized by CEMEA SAS – 25.06.2025

Science should unite. It should inspire, spark dialogue, and remain open and accessible to all who are curious and passionate. This vision came to life at SCI-CONNECT 2025, an informal scientific picnic held under the open sky and organized by CEMEA SAS in collaboration with the DEMEDES project team.

The event brought together a diverse group of participants: researchers from the DEMEDES project, key scientific teams from CEMEA SAS, international guests, partners from various institutes of Slovak Academy of Sciences, and many other distinguished contributors. It was a true celebration of science in its most human form - collaborative, joyful, and deeply engaging.

Guests enjoyed a vibrant program featuring short scientific talks, informal discussions, live music, and excellent food. The relaxed atmosphere encouraged open dialogue, fostered cross-disciplinary connections, and inspired the exchange of ideas in an environment built on curiosity and mutual respect.

An additional highlight of the event was a presentation by the Technology Transfer Office of CEMEA SAS (Director TTO - Mgr. Miroslav Kubiš), offering a detailed overview of the support available for patenting and commercialization of scientific results. It underlined TTO's strong role as a bridge between cutting-edge research and real-world innovation.

An inspiring speech was delivered by RNDr. Veronika Ostatná, PhD (Czech Republic), who reflected on the enduring importance of scientific schools and mentorship. Her message emphasized the value of knowledge transfer between generations and the lasting impact of experienced researchers guiding young talent.

The event also honored the origins of CEMEA SAS, as its founders, RNDr. Eva Majková, DrSc. and Prof. RNDr. Pavol Šajgalík, DrSc., shared personal stories about CEMEA's foundation and development. The center's director, Assoc. Prof. Miroslav Hnatko, PhD, highlighted CEMEA's current achievements, including its dynamic research teams, numerous local and international projects, and growing impact across scientific disciplines.

Adding to the event's significance was the participation of Mgr. Martin Venhart, DrSc., Chairman of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, who expressed strong support for modern, open formats of scientific exchange. He emphasized that the Academy is committed to promoting transparent communication and encouraging researchers to engage broadly with the community.

SCI-CONNECT 2025 was more than just a gathering; it was a powerful statement about the future of science: informal, inclusive, and accessible. It is with great pride that the DEMEDES project has launched this meaningful tradition. Scientific picnics like this one not only unite researchers and the public but also highlight the energy, creativity, and openness that drive discovery forward.

Acknowledgments

This event and the activities presented were supported by funding from the European Union – NextGenerationEU, through the Recovery and Resilience Plan for Slovakia under the following projects: No. 09I03-03-V04-00020, No. 09I04-03-V02-00006, and No. 10I02-03-V01-00023.

We gratefully acknowledge this support, which made SCI-CONNECT 2025 and the broader outreach and research collaboration possible.

DEMADES Project Showcases Sustainable Surface Engineering at 8CSCS-2025 in Belgrade

✨ DEMADES Project at the 8th Conference of the Serbian Society for Ceramic Materials ✨

We are pleased to share that a DEMADES project team member participated in the 8th Conference of the Serbian Society for Ceramic Materials, held on June 18–20, 2025, in Belgrade, Serbia.

Our team presented an abstract and a presentation devoted to the synthesis of TiO₂ nanotubes on Ti-alloy surfaces using eco-friendly deep eutectic solvents. This innovative approach offers an efficient alternative to conventional methods that rely on toxic electrolytes. The resulting highly developed nanotubular surfaces of Ti-alloys demonstrate excellent properties for electro- and photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reactions (HER). In addition, this surface modification can be utilized for biomedical applications involving titanium and its alloys.

Participation in this international conference was a valuable opportunity to present our project results to the scientific community, where our work was recognized for its high quality and innovative contribution.

🌍✨ #DEMADES #Sustainability #Nanotechnology #TiAlloys #DeepEutecticSolvents #GreenChemistry #Electrocatalysis #Photocatalysis #CeramicMaterials #ResearchCollaboration

DEMADES Project Reaches New Heights with Patent Filing

✅ DEMADES Project Milestone: Patent Application Successfully Submitted!

We are excited to share a major achievement of DEMADES project, which has now officially led to a patent application filed with Industrial Property Office of Slovak Republic.

📌 Patent Application Details:

Filing number: PP50006-2025

Submission date: 6 June 2025

Reference number: 1000052236

Applicant: CEMEA SAS (Centrum pre využitie pokročilých materiálov Slovenskej akadémie vied, v. v. i., Bratislava)

This patent application marks a significant recognition of the originality and innovation developed within the project.

🧪 Beyond Catalysts: Unlocking the Potential of Next-Generation Solvents

While DEMADES initially focused on advanced catalysts for electrochemical applications, the project has gone far beyond that scope.

🔬 Our work has shown that eco-friendly solvents of the new generation that we utilize for catalysts development can revolutionize multiple electrochemical processes:

⚙️ Efficient electropolishing of metals and alloys with improved surface quality

🧼 Eco-friendly electrochemical cleaning techniques replacing aggressive traditional methods

⚡ Improved electrodeposition strategies for functional coatings

💧 Better control over reaction selectivity and efficiency

🔍 Why It Matters

The successful submission of the patent is more than just a formal step - it's a signal of the practical impact and commercial potential of DEMADES project outcomes. It underlines our mission: to bring sustainable and scalable solutions for the future of electrochemistry.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to translate scientific innovation into real-world applications.

We Are Slovak Academy of Sciences: Living Science at Every Cell. DEMADES project at a Flagship Public Event of SAS

On June 13-14, 2025, DEMADES project proudly participated in the event titled "We Are Slovak Academy of Sciences: Living Science with Every Cell" ("We are SAS"). This unique public science festival aimed to bring cutting-edge research closer to the general public, and DEMADES project was right at the heart of it.

⚡ Live Hydrogen Production in Action

DEMADES team presented real-time electrolysis demonstrations, showcasing the direct production of green hydrogen from water solution. Visitors were able to see hydrogen being created live, using our specially developed foam electrodes, which served as platforms for:

🧪 Electro- and photocatalysts

💡 Demonstrations of photocatalysis and electrocatalysis in action

🛠️ Electrochemical modification of various metals and alloys

🔬 Nanoengineering and electrochemical texturing

🌱 Utilization of next-generation green solvents for eco-friendly processing

These presentations highlighted the exciting potential of green hydrogen as a clean and renewable fuel and emphasized how Slovakia, as a strong player in car manufacturing, could play a leading role in Europe's green transition.

💬 Did you know? Green hydrogen can be produced cleanly, stored safely, and used to power everything from factories to fuel-cell vehicles – all without CO₂ emissions!

🎩 Magic of Chemistry for Future Scientists

For younger visitors, DEMADES featured a Chemical Magic Show, presented by one of our project team members. This fun and educational performance used real chemical reactions to inspire curiosity and show that science is magical and exciting for all ages.

🎥 Event Highlights

The energy and atmosphere of We are SAS event were captured on video! Watch our live demos, science talks, and family-friendly experiments here:

🔗 Watch the event video: https://www.facebook.com/RaptorTV.cz/videos/1859041194952574

💬 Thank You!

We are grateful to all who visited our stand, asked questions, and joined us in celebrating science. DEMADES is committed to making cutting-edge electrochemical research accessible, impactful, and inspiring.

🔗 Stay Connected

#DEMADES #GreenHydrogen #SAV #CleanEnergy #ScienceForPublic

🌱 Call for Sponsors: Partner with CEMEA SAS to Drive the Future of Green Technology

Join Us in Pioneering Sustainable Innovation

CEMEA SAS (Centre for Advanced Materials Application, Slovak Academy of Sciences) invites forward-thinking companies and stakeholders in green energy and green chemistry to become strategic sponsors of our cutting-edge research and innovation initiatives.

As Slovakia's leading center for advanced materials design and application, CEMEA SAS is at the forefront of research and development in:

• Green hydrogen production via efficient and cost-effective catalysts
• Next-generation batteries – design, performance optimization, and recycling
• Eco-friendly electrolytes and electrochemical systems
• Sustainable treatment of metals and alloys
• Circular economy technologies in materials science

🌍Why Partner With Us?

• Research Excellence: CEMEA SAS leads and participates in national and international R&D projects focused on sustainable and high-performance material systems.

• Innovation Pipeline: From lab-scale breakthroughs to industry-ready prototypes, we bridge the gap between science and application.

• Shared Impact: Collaborate with a trusted institution committed to EU green goals, Net Zero strategies, and industrial decarbonization.

• Visibility & Engagement: Gain access to a wide scientific and industrial network across Europe, including academic institutions, startups, and manufacturing leaders.

💼 Sponsorship Opportunities

We offer flexible sponsorship schemas tailored to your company's goals, size, and commitment to green innovation.

🤝 Let's Build the Future, Together

CEMEA SAS seeks impactful partnerships with companies dedicated to transforming the energy and chemical sectors. Whether your focus is on batteries, hydrogen, catalysts, electrochemical systems, or sustainable materials, we welcome the opportunity to align our research capabilities with your strategic objectives.

📩Contact Us

To discuss sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to:

CEMEA SAS – Centre for Advanced Materials Application
📧 Email: [cemaanki@savba.sk]
🌐 Web: [https://cemea.sav.sk/en/; https://demades0.webnode.sk/]
📍 Bratislava, Slovakia

Project DEMADES is launching a new initiative aimed at supporting the career start and growth of young researchers in the field of electrochemistry

🚀 Exciting Opportunity for Aspiring Young Researchers in Electrochemistry! 🔬🌱

If you're a:

🎓 Bachelor's or Master's student
📚 PhD candidate
🧪 Postdoc researcher
…with an interest in green energy, hydrogen production, or catalyst development, this is your chance to grow with us!

CEMEA Center offers:
✨ A modern research environment
👩‍🔬 Mentorship from experienced scientists
📈 Career development opportunities
📅 Access to research, educational, and networking events
🔍 Join us in shaping the future of sustainable energy
📧 Send your CV to: cemaanki@savba.sk
We can't wait to hear from you!

Strategic Meeting of DEMADES Project Consortium: Advancing Catalytic Innovation Through Interdisciplinary Synergy 

Bratislava, 13 May 2025 — DEMADES project, supported under an interregional collaborative framework, reached a significant milestone today with the coordination meeting held at Centre for Advanced Materials Application of Slovak Academy of Sciences (CEMEA SAS). Under the leadership of Assoc. Prof. Anna Kityk, project coordinator, the event gathered researchers from CEMEA SAS, Institute of Electrical Engineering SAS (IEE SAS, Bratislava), and Institute of Materials Research SAS (IMR SAS, Košice) for a productive hybrid meeting.

The primary objective of the meeting was to assess the current progress and to coordinate upcoming scientific and organizational activities. The event facilitated in-depth discussions on experimental methodologies, material synthesis strategies, and the harmonization of research protocols across partner institutions.

Advancing Scientific Synergy

The project team placed special emphasis on the synthesis and characterization of advanced catalytic materials, a cornerstone of DEMADES initiative. Researchers from IMR SAS, with longstanding expertise in catalysis, proposed novel approaches for material development and evaluation, including advanced strategies for structural and surface modification. Simultaneously, CEMEA SAS introduced conceptual frameworks for the use of novel media in catalyst formation, targeting the generation of highly structured nanoarchitectures with enhanced catalytic properties.

IEE SAS contributed by outlining precise protocols for the characterization of catalytic materials, essential for ensuring reproducibility and cross-validation across laboratories. The integration of these approaches is expected to substantially enhance the scientific rigor and impact of the project.

Innovative concepts such as the integration of 3D-structured supports, including foams and porous architectures, were discussed as effective strategies to increase active surface area and facilitate efficient mass transport within catalytic systems. The dialogue highlighted the team's shared commitment to merging fundamental science with applied innovation.

Fostering Collaboration and Open Science

Beyond technical considerations, the meeting served as a platform for deepening interpersonal and institutional connections. Each partner presented their scientific portfolio, allowing for the identification of complementary expertise and the definition of individual roles within the broader project context.

Crucially, the consortium reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of open science, transparency, and public engagement. Plans for future dissemination, outreach activities, and the promotion of accessibility in research were outlined, emphasizing the project's dual mission of scientific excellence and societal relevance.

Outlook

The meeting concluded with a clear roadmap for the next phase of the project. Participants expressed enthusiasm for upcoming joint experiments and co-authored publications, underlining the value of sustained, interdisciplinary collaboration. DEMADES project continues to serve as a dynamic platform for cutting-edge materials research, driven by a collective vision and unified scientific purpose.

Upcoming events 

DEMADES Project Joins Summer School of Young Scientists 2025!

We're excited to announce that the DEMADES project team will take part in this year's Summer School of Young Scientists. From July 14th to 18th, 2025, curious students aged 12 to 18 will spend an unforgettable week at the Slovak Academy of Sciences, exploring science through hands-on experiments and inspiring discussions.

The DEMADES team is preparing amazing activities to spark creativity and scientific thinking. Young participants will get the chance to dive into fascinating experiments connected to our research, learn more about data science, environmental monitoring, and discover how modern science can help protect and restore our ecosystems.

We can't wait to meet this year's young scientists and share our passion for research and innovation. If you're a young explorer ready to experience real science up close, don't hesitate to join!

See you at the Summer School!

SCI-CONNECT 2025: Scientific Picnic by CEMEA SAS – Building Bridges Through Science and Community

CEMEA SAS is pleased to announce SCI-CONNECT 2025, an informal outdoor scientific gathering designed to foster collaboration, share research, and strengthen connections across scientific disciplines.

🧪 Theme:

A relaxed open-air event focused on team-building, showcasing current research, and deepening cooperation among project members (CEMEA SAS, IEE SAS, IMR SAS) and invited guests from partner research institutions.

📅 Date:

End of June
⏰ Time: 10:00 – 16:00
📍 Location: Green lawn in front of the CEMEA SAS building

🎯 Objectives of the Event

• Strengthen collaboration across research teams.

• Present ongoing projects in an informal, engaging way.

• Promote DEMADES participants (CEMEA SAS, IEE SAS, IMR SAS) as open, innovative, and forward-looking scientific institutions.

🗓️ Proposed Program

Time Activity
10:00 Arrival of guests, welcome drink (coffee, lemonades, cocktails)
10:30 Opening remarks by the Director of CEMEA SAS
10:45 Lightning talks: Fast-paced presentations of current research projects
11:30 Poster walk & discussions: Poster zone opens for interactive dialogue with research teams
12:00 Refreshments: Light buffet and drinks
13:00 Science Under the Sky – Open discussions and networking session on the theme: "Science That Changes the World"; informal conversations with background music
15:45 Closing toast and acknowledgements
16:00 Conclusion of the event

We invite all members of DEMADES community and collaborating institutions to join us for a day of scientific exchange, open dialogue, and inspiring interactions, set in a relaxed outdoor atmosphere. Let's celebrate science not only through data and discovery, but through meaningful human connection.

Save the date and stay tuned for further details!
For inquiries or participation, please contact the organizing team at [cemaanki@savba.sk].