Department of Materials Engineering and Physics

News and announcements

International Conference on Material Engineering and Manufacturing(ICMEM 2026)

Artem Chystiakov, a PhD student at the Department of Materials Engineering and Physics, participated in the 10th International Conference on Material Engineering and Manufacturing (ICMEM 2026), which was held from March 27 to 31, 2026, in Kyoto, Japan. At the conference, Artem presented his research results on the topic “Wood-Based Polymer Composites for Additive Manufacturing: Influence of Printing Strategy on Product Properties”, which will be published in the conference proceedings.

Učiteľa roka 2025 SvF STU

In the Teacher of the Year poll, traditionally organized by the Association of Students of the Faculty of Civil Engineering, students decided by their votes that, out of more than 150 nominated teachers of the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Ing. Zuzana Štefunková, PhD., from the Department of Materials Engineering and Physics, placed second for the year 2025. More information is available on the page Students Voted for the Teacher of the Year 2025 at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, STU.

Successful Completion of VETpartEX Training Week

The Department of Material Engineering and Physics (KMIF) at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava (SvF STU), successfully hosted the international VETpartEX – Training on EU Building Standards event from 9–17 February 2026. The VETpartEX project is an Erasmus+ initiative focused on strengthening cooperation between vocational and higher education institutions and enhancing knowledge of contemporary EU building standards, sustainability and digital tools in the built environment.
The programme brought together participants and experts from academia and practice for a week of lectures, discussions and workshops on EU regulations, sustainable construction, digital design methods and professional cooperation. Sessions were delivered by distinguished lecturers from academic and professional backgrounds, providing broad perspectives on the challenges and opportunities in modern construction education and practice.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Prof. Ing. Stanislav Unčík, PhD., Dean of the Faculty of Civil Engineering, for his support, and to Prof. Ing. Katarína Gajdošová, PhD., Vice-Dean for international cooperation and education, for opening address for her active engagement throughout the week. Our thanks also go to Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Vladimír Benko, PhD., President of the Slovak Chamber of Civil Engineers, for hosting the mid-week professional session, and to Mr. Jan Fukas for his excellent assistance in organizing the event. We are especially grateful to Ing. Pavol Kukura, PhD., Chairman of the Board of the Slovak Green Building Council, for his valuable contributions on sustainability topics during the training. Special appreciation goes to Ms. Andrea Mišianiková (project department) for dedicated support in the preparation and smooth implementation of the VETpartEX week.
We would like to sincerely thank all contributing lecturers and partners for their expertise and active participation, which greatly enriched the training experience. The event once again confirmed the value of international cooperation, sustainability, and innovation in engineering education and professional development.

Participation at the 7th ActaReBuild Training School in Poland

From 27 to 29 January 2026, the ActaReBuild Training School was held in Poland at the premises of KFB Technologies, Domasław. The event was organised within the framework of the European project ActaReBuild – Acoustic and Thermal Retrofit of Office Building Stock in the EU, funded under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) programme.
Rossella Cottone, researcher at the Faculty of Civil Engineering (SvF) and Marie Skłodowska-Curie PhD candidate within the ActaReBuild project, participated in the training activities, actively contributing to the scientific sessions and research discussions including other 4 PhD. students (Michiel Geluykens, Juraj Potočár, Abhishek Singh and Rui Zeng) from Department of Materials Engineering and Physics. The Training School brought together all doctoral candidates, researchers and industrial partners from the ActaReBuild network, offering lectures and workshops focused on environmental acoustics, innovative product development and solutions, and transferable skills, including value proposition development and pitch deck preparation.
The Department was represented by several members of the ActaReBuild consortium, including Miroslav Čekon, project supervisor, and Monika Rychtáriková, Project Coordinator of ActaReBuild project. Their participation supported both the scientific coordination of the project and the mentoring of early-stage researchers.

Institutional involvement was further strengthened by the presence of Dean Stanislav Unčík and Vojtech Chmelík, Project Manager of the ActaReBuild project, underlining the department’s strong commitment to European research excellence and advanced doctoral training.

The Training School represented an important opportunity for scientific exchange and professional development, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration between academia, research centres and industry in the field of acoustic and thermal retrofitting of the existing building stock.

Conference SPACE 2025. Structural and physical aspects of construction engineering.

PhD students of the Department of Materials Engineering and Physics, Artem Chystiakov and Anton Bershadskyi, participated in the conference “SPACE 2025. Structural and physical aspects of construction engineering”, which took place in Štrbské Pleso from 15 to 17 October. At the conference, they presented the results of their research titled “Impact Resistance of Cement Concretes with Recycled Aggregates”. Following the conference, the conference proceedings are expected to be published by Springer and indexed in Scopus.

CESBP 2025 Budapest Hungary

After successfully hosting CESBP 2022 in Bratislava, we also had the opportunity to participate in another prestigious symposium held on 11–13 September 2025 nearby in Hungary, at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics. As in previous years, the event offered a rich program with invited lectures by leading building physicists, technical presentations, and discussions on current topics in building physics. It also provided an exceptional forum for exchanging experience from both academic and industrial research, which significantly contributed to the further development of this dynamic discipline.

Our colleagues had the honor of representing our department at this prestigious event, which proved highly successful. Lectures, discussions, new contacts, and friendships formed during breaks and social evenings created a valuable platform for strengthening scientific collaboration and deepening knowledge in building physics, not only in the region but also globally.

The IABP Summer School 2025 preceded the CESBP 2025 symposium and was held on 8–10 September at the same institute. Our colleagues, Miroslav Čekon and Rossella Cottone, represented our department at this prestigious scientific platform organized by the International Association of Building Physics (IABP). Over three days, leading experts and early-career researchers from around the world met to discuss the latest topics ranging from hygrothermal behavior and retrofitting to dynamic simulations and innovations in sustainable materials. The event, led by IABP President Umberto Berardi and Associate Professor Balázs Nagy, offered a valuable opportunity to educate the next generation of specialists and to strengthen our faculty’s international visibility within the global building physics community.

Participation in these events not only expanded knowledge and built new connections but also strengthened the standing of our research in the global context.

https://www.iabp.info/phd-schools/

Building Simulation Conference 2025 Brisbane, Australia

At the end of summer in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, the international Building Simulation 2025 conference took place from 24–27 August 2025, marking a significant milestone in the global development of building simulation. Following the successful event in Shanghai in 2023, Australia (IBPSA Australasia) took the lead in hosting this prestigious meeting, focused on leveraging building simulation to achieve net-zero energy use, low carbon emissions, and the preservation of occupants’ health and well-being.

Our department was represented by Assoc. Prof. Čekon, who, as part of a joint research project with the Slovak Academy of Sciences, the Institute of Construction and Architecture, presented research and innovative approaches in building simulation and the use of computer modeling, which are being successfully applied to deliver project results. The discussions also covered the sustainable development of the built environment and the role of simulations in ensuring energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. Participation in this global platform confirmed our commitment to innovative solutions and efficient energy use in construction.

The professional and social program was extensive and included a follow-up workshop at UNSW Sydney on 29 August 2025, co-organized by two leading institutions: the School of Built Environment’s High Performance Architecture Research Cluster and the School of Architecture at Tsinghua University. Discussion topics included the mitigation and adaptation of urban heat islands, climate-resilient buildings, net-zero-carbon buildings, advanced modeling and simulations, as well as the application of artificial intelligence in the built environment. The event attracted leading academics, industry experts, and government representatives who discussed research initiatives and opportunities for future collaboration.

At Building Simulation 2025, Slovakia was clearly given a prominent role, with two papers presented directly from the joint research project with the Institute of Construction and Architecture of the Slovak Academy of Sciences. The specific scientific papers were: “Enhancing Bio-based Thermal Storage Tank Efficiency for Solar Applications” and “Optimizing Building Performance with a Semi-Transparent Photovoltaic Trombe Wall and Latent Thermal Energy Storage.” These contributions demonstrated progress in the use of simulation techniques to improve the energy efficiency of buildings. They were also the only papers from Slovakia at the global level in this field. In addition, we actively participated in the peer-review process, confirming our influence and presence on the international building-simulation scene. This participation confirmed our determination and ability to contribute actively to the development of state-of-the-art technologies and innovations, while strengthening our position on the global scientific stage.

International Conference COBEE 2025 - Conference on Building Energy and Environment

Our colleagues, assoc. Prof. Miroslav Čekon and researcher Rossella Cottone represented our department at the 6th International Conference on Building Energy and Environment (COBEE 2025), which took place in Eindhoven (The Netherlands) from 6 to 10 July 2025.
The event brought together international experts in the field of energy efficiency and environmental sustainability of buildings, offering an important platform for scientific and academic exchange.
Rossella Cottone presented a research paper on innovative solutions for energy-efficient building retrofitting coupling phase change materials and passive ventilation strategies, while assoc. prof. Čekon on Building Integrated Photovoltaic system coupled with latent thermal energy storage for innovative passive cooling technology.
Participation in COBEE 2025 was a valuable opportunity to strengthen the scientific visibility of our department, promote international collaborations and actively contribute to the global debate on innovation in the building sector.

Innovative materials and sustainable design: final bachelor projects by international graduates

On June 23, 2025, international students successfully defended their final bachelor theses in English under the guidance of Mgr. Maryna Babenko, PhD. Their research reflects the growing academic focus on sustainable and bio-based materials in architecture. Eglis Nano (Republic of Albania) and Yulianna Kudryk (Ukraine) worked independently on the development and analysis of building elements made from mycelium composite, showcasing innovation in biotechnological construction methods. Kateryna Kretova (Ukraine) explored the implementation of bio-based building materials in modern architecture. The presented topics contribute to the current discourse on environmentally conscious design and material circularity. The department is proud of its graduates’ commitment to advancing sustainable construction technologies. Their work highlights the integration of scientific research into practical, forward-thinking building solutions.

International Conference CEES 2025 - Construction, Energy, Environment and Sustainability

Our young researcher Rossella Cottone represented our department at the International Conference CEES 2025 – Construction, Energy, Environment and Sustainability, held in Bari from 11 to 13 June 2025. The event was organised by the Politecnico di Bari, in collaboration with the University of Coimbra and Itecons, and brought together international experts to discuss current challenges and future opportunities in sustainable construction and energy transition.
Rossella contributed with a presentation on the integration of phase change materials (PCM) in porous building systems, illustrating the results of her recent experimental research. Her presentation aroused great interest for the innovative approach adopted, based on direct impregnation of materials and characterisation of thermo-hygrometric performance according to international standards.
Her participation in CEES 2025 was a valuable opportunity to enhance the scientific visibility of our Department and foster international exchange and collaboration in the field of sustainable building technologies.

KMIF Teambuilding

Early June 2025 at our department was all about the spirit of teambuilding, a friendly atmosphere and relaxation in nature, when we gathered in large numbers at Železná studnička in Bratislava. After the doctoral seminar, which this time took place at ÚSTARCH SAS, colleagues from the Slovak Academy of Sciences joined us, giving the event an even more colourful character. We kicked off the afternoon with a traditional barbecue, complete with the aromas of grilled delicacies and lively conversations about research, teaching and everyday life. After hearty refreshments we played board games, tried sports activities and shared plenty of laughter during several competitive moments. The weather was on our side – a sunny day and pleasant warmth created ideal conditions for relaxing outside laboratories and lecture halls. The event was an excellent opportunity to strengthen cross-disciplinary relations, recharge our batteries and deepen collegial bonds. It showed that teamwork works not only in scientific collaboration but also in off-campus activities. We look forward to the next gathering!

CONSTRUMAT 2025

From 11 – 13 June 2025, the 29^th edition of the international conference CONSTRUMAT was held at the Botanika complex in Horní Bezděkov (Czech Republic). The event brought together members of university departments, institutes and research centres focused on building materials. The conference was hosted by the CTU Faculty of Civil Engineering, represented by Prof. Ing. Petr Konvalinka, CSc., FEng., and Prof. Ing. Eva Vejmelková, PhD. The programme also included a tour of the Old Wastewater Treatment Plant in Bubeneč, in Prague’s Dejvice district, which is listed among UNESCO industrial heritage sites.

Defence of Diploma Theses

On June 10, 2025, the defence of the following diploma theses took place at our department:

Sledovanie vplyvu použitej kávovej usadeniny na vlastnosti cementových kompozitov
Nové funkčné geopolyméry na báze aluminosilikátov a ich využitie v environmentálnych aplikáciách
Kompozitné materiály v betónových konštrukciách
Fyzikálno-chemické a mikroštrukturálne vlastnosti geopolymérov s rôznymi prekurzormi kalcinovaného ílu
Analýza nasiakavosti modifikovaných cementových kompozitov v rôznych prostrediach
Alkalicky aktivované geopolymérne spojivá na báze priemyselných hlinitokremičitanov
Komplexná štúdia materiálov na báze slamy pre ekologický nízkopodlažný rodinný dom

Thanks to the successful defences, our alumni network has grown once again. We warmly congratulate our new engineers on the successful completion of their studies and wish them all the best as they take the next step in their lives.

11th Workshop of the Slovak Clay Society

From 2 – 4 June 2025, the 11th Workshop of the Slovak Clay Society took place in Červený Kláštor under the title “Clay minerals and selected industrial minerals in material science, applications, and environmental technology.” The workshop was attended by the department’s employee Ing. Michal Slaný, PhD, and his doctoral students Artem Chystiakov and Anton Bershadskyi. During the event, Artem Chystiakov presented the paper “Mechanical and structural properties of cement concretes on recycled aggregates,” Anton Bershadskyi delivered “Novel functional geopolymer composites based on calcined clays with excellent immobilization properties,” and Michal Slaný gave the lecture “Physico-chemical characterization of a thiol-functionalized montmorillonite/biochar composite.” Abstracts of all contributions were published in the workshop proceedings. Besides attending the lectures, participants were able to join in sports activities – hiking to Mount Tri Koruny and rafting on the upper stretch of the river.

Visit to the University of El Oued by members of our department

From April 19 to 30, PhD students and master's students from the Department of Materials Engineering and Physics, together with staff from the Office of International Relations at STU, visited the University of El Oued in Algeria. The visit was carried out within the framework of the "International Credit Mobility" and "Blended Intensive Program" schemes under Erasmus+. As part of the mobility, students participated in an intensive course on the application of artificial intelligence in statistical mathematical computations. A PhD student presented their dissertation research to the university's expert team, including suggestions for improvements and requests for further research development. Staff from the Office of International Relations presented STU as an option for international mobility opportunities for Algerian students. During the visit, a new four-year cooperation agreement was signed between the two universities.

Baumit

At the invitation of Baumit, spol. s r. o., on 29 April 2025 first-year Construction Technology students visited the company’s plant in Rohožník. They were introduced not only to the production of plaster mixes itself, but also to demonstrations of colouring and testing samples from proven formulations and bespoke mixes.
We believe the visit was beneficial for the students and that they will be open to the possibility of joining the company’s team in the future.
We would like to thank Ing. Tibor Blaško and Michala Reichová, as well as the other members of the Baumit team, for facilitating the visit.

International Collaboration with El-Oued University in Algeria

From February 20 to February 24, 2025, researchers and teachers from El-Oued University in Algeria visited the Department of Materials Engineering and Physics as part of the International Credit Mobility program under Erasmus+. During their visit, the Algerian guests met with department staff, familiarized themselves with the laboratories where scientific research is conducted, and presented the results of their research. Discussions were also held on possibilities for further collaboration between the institutions.

Doctoral Erasmus+ Internship at KU Leuven University in Belgium

From January 20 to February 18, 2025, PhD student Artem Chystiakov from the Department of Materials Engineering and Physics participated in a short-term doctoral Erasmus+ internship at KU Leuven University in Belgium. During the internship, he was involved in scientific research on measuring the thermal properties of concrete based on recycled aggregate with phase change materials. Based on the research findings, a scientific publication is planned.