Periodic Reporting for period 1 - EBEAM (Electron Beam Emergent Additive Manufacturing)
Berichtszeitraum: 2024-01-01 bis 2025-03-31
The objective of project is establishment of a new excellent Centre for Electron Beam Precision Manufacturing (EBEAM Centre) with international research team led by an experienced researcher prof. M.H. Rümmeli - ERA chair, to help exploit the research potential of the use of electron-beams to fabricate and structure new materials at the atomistic level and to enhance performance in research, innovation and education in nanotechnology as well as energy and environmental technologies and visibility of VSB-TUO at international level. The project is also aimed on implementation of structural changes in research environment and science management at VSB-TUO initiated by ERA Chair, to develop a research environment that meets the highest international standard, and on support of young researchers who will strengthen their creative and innovative potential via their engagement in the project and make use of the international dimension of the project for gaining independence and career development. The EBEAM project will have regional and national impacts in terms of research, education, and technology according to Research and Innovation Smart Specialization strategy.
Research excellence of the institution in the specific fields covered by the ERA Chair holder - A new research topic, which had not been explored prior to the arrival of the ERA CHAIR, is now being actively developed. A dedicated team is being assembled to focus on this area. The work has already resulted in ten publications, and EBEAM centre is actively establishing further collaborations with partners such as Politechnika Wrocławska and Technische Universität Chemnitz.
Increased attractiveness of the institution for internationally excellent and mobile researchers - The EBEAM Centre was represented at public outreach events such as "Researchers' Night" by researchers Ondřej Sakreida and Szymon Abrahamczyk. Working conditions are being continuously enhanced through the project manager's implementation of best practices from the corporate sector, including face-to-face meetings, an open-door policy, and soft skills workshops such as “Working in online environment using Microsoft solutions”.
Creation of a permanent and excellent research group in the chosen scientific field with a spill-over effect on the institution - The EBEAM Centre was established at IET with new scientific topic, cooperation within VSB-TUO such as intern program with Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.
Improved capability to succeed in competitive research funding in the EU and globally, at least, in the fields of choice EBEAM centre applied for Teaming for excellence with several international such as Politechnika Wrocławska, Universitetet i Oslo and Technische Universität Chemnitz.
Greater contribution to the knowledge-based economy and society - As our research activities are still in the early stages, significant contributions to the knowledge-based economy and society are currently in the planning phase. We have recently initiated a collaboration with the industry partner ON SEMI, a company specializing in silicon chip technologies. This promising partnership is just beginning, with the first introductory meeting having recently taken place.
Increase in number of R&I talents moving to host organization in Widening countries - The project has effectively established competitive employment and working conditions, supported by state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure and a novel research focus. WP1 and WP2 have laid a strong foundation by recruiting an international ERA Chair team, equipping facilities (T1.3 T3.4) and creating a vibrant research environment. This already resulted in the onboarding of international postdocs and the attraction of a wider pool of international applicants despite known structural challenges (e.g. relocation barriers, limited international schooling in Ostrava).
Increase in international, interdisciplinary and intersectoral mobility of researchers and Innovators - WP2 clearly demonstrates how the project leverages the ERA Chair's extensive international network to enhance VSB-TUO's visibility and collaborations across borders. The early-stage cooperation with partners such as Thermo-Fisher, JEOL, and the submission of a Teaming for Excellence proposal with Politechnika Wrocławska, Universität Oslo, and TU Chemnitz reflects the EBEAM Centre’s growing role in transnational and interdisciplinary networks. Planning of international secondments and researcher exchanges further enhances this mobility.
Encouraging institutional reforms in research institutions and in the national R&I system in Widening countries - Through WP2 and WP3, the ERA Chair and project management have actively introduced structural and cultural changes within VSB-TUO. This includes adoption of open-door policies, soft skills training, digitization of lab access systems and HR process enhancements aligned with European standards. These reforms not only strengthen VSB-TUO’s internal practices but serve as a model for other Czech research institutions aiming to raise institutional excellence.
Strengthening of Widening countries’ human capital base in R&I with better trained researchers and innovators - Through WP3, the project implemented a robust training programme for both scientific and administrative staff. This includes participation in events like CZARMA, FINPRA, and international internships (e.g. Lisbon, Gent). Furthermore, each researcher has an individual Career Development Plan with targeted training and mentoring, ensuring long-term impact on researcher development and future leadership potential within the Czech R&I system.
Better communication of R&I results to society - WP4 activities demonstrate a deliberate and strategic focus on outreach. The EBEAM Centre’s participation in Researchers’ Night, public events, media outreach (e.g. vedavyzkum.cz) and newsletter publications clearly show how research activities are being translated for public understanding. Furthermore, training researchers in science communication is reinforcing this impact.
Better quality and capacity of research and innovation contributing to Europe's competitiveness and growth - With the acquisition of advanced SEM instruments, spectroscopy tools, and custom-built infrastructure under WP2 and WP3, the project is building one of the most advanced facilities for electron beam precision manufacturing in the region. This not only strengthens Czech infrastructure but directly contributes to closing the innovation gap and elevating regional capacity to a globally competitive level.
Improved excellence capacity and resources in Widening countries and close the still apparent research and innovation gap within Europe - The leadership of the ERA Chair, the onboarding of top-tier researchers, the launch of a unique research programme, and successful integration into European research networks collectively reflect a significant enhancement in scientific excellence and capacity. The synergy between WP2 (research development) and WP3 (administrative competence) ensures that this growth is sustainable, embedded, and continuously evolving.
Increased attractiveness of the institution for internationally excellent and mobile researchers - The EBEAM Centre was represented at public outreach events such as "Researchers' Night" by researchers Ondřej Sakreida and Szymon Abrahamczyk. Working conditions are being continuously enhanced through the project manager's implementation of best practices from the corporate sector, including face-to-face meetings, an open-door policy, and soft skills workshops such as “Working in online environment using Microsoft solutions”.
Creation of a permanent and excellent research group in the chosen scientific field with a spill-over effect on the institution - The EBEAM Centre was established at IET with new scientific topic, cooperation within VSB-TUO such as intern program with Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.
Improved capability to succeed in competitive research funding in the EU and globally, at least, in the fields of choice EBEAM centre applied for Teaming for excellence with several international such as Politechnika Wrocławska, Universitetet i Oslo and Technische Universität Chemnitz.
Greater contribution to the knowledge-based economy and society - As our research activities are still in the early stages, significant contributions to the knowledge-based economy and society are currently in the planning phase. We have recently initiated a collaboration with the industry partner ON SEMI, a company specializing in silicon chip technologies. This promising partnership is just beginning, with the first introductory meeting having recently taken place.
Increase in number of R&I talents moving to host organization in Widening countries - The project has effectively established competitive employment and working conditions, supported by state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure and a novel research focus. WP1 and WP2 have laid a strong foundation by recruiting an international ERA Chair team, equipping facilities (T1.3 T3.4) and creating a vibrant research environment. This already resulted in the onboarding of international postdocs and the attraction of a wider pool of international applicants despite known structural challenges (e.g. relocation barriers, limited international schooling in Ostrava).
Increase in international, interdisciplinary and intersectoral mobility of researchers and Innovators - WP2 clearly demonstrates how the project leverages the ERA Chair's extensive international network to enhance VSB-TUO's visibility and collaborations across borders. The early-stage cooperation with partners such as Thermo-Fisher, JEOL, and the submission of a Teaming for Excellence proposal with Politechnika Wrocławska, Universität Oslo, and TU Chemnitz reflects the EBEAM Centre’s growing role in transnational and interdisciplinary networks. Planning of international secondments and researcher exchanges further enhances this mobility.
Encouraging institutional reforms in research institutions and in the national R&I system in Widening countries - Through WP2 and WP3, the ERA Chair and project management have actively introduced structural and cultural changes within VSB-TUO. This includes adoption of open-door policies, soft skills training, digitization of lab access systems and HR process enhancements aligned with European standards. These reforms not only strengthen VSB-TUO’s internal practices but serve as a model for other Czech research institutions aiming to raise institutional excellence.
Strengthening of Widening countries’ human capital base in R&I with better trained researchers and innovators - Through WP3, the project implemented a robust training programme for both scientific and administrative staff. This includes participation in events like CZARMA, FINPRA, and international internships (e.g. Lisbon, Gent). Furthermore, each researcher has an individual Career Development Plan with targeted training and mentoring, ensuring long-term impact on researcher development and future leadership potential within the Czech R&I system.
Better communication of R&I results to society - WP4 activities demonstrate a deliberate and strategic focus on outreach. The EBEAM Centre’s participation in Researchers’ Night, public events, media outreach (e.g. vedavyzkum.cz) and newsletter publications clearly show how research activities are being translated for public understanding. Furthermore, training researchers in science communication is reinforcing this impact.
Better quality and capacity of research and innovation contributing to Europe's competitiveness and growth - With the acquisition of advanced SEM instruments, spectroscopy tools, and custom-built infrastructure under WP2 and WP3, the project is building one of the most advanced facilities for electron beam precision manufacturing in the region. This not only strengthens Czech infrastructure but directly contributes to closing the innovation gap and elevating regional capacity to a globally competitive level.
Improved excellence capacity and resources in Widening countries and close the still apparent research and innovation gap within Europe - The leadership of the ERA Chair, the onboarding of top-tier researchers, the launch of a unique research programme, and successful integration into European research networks collectively reflect a significant enhancement in scientific excellence and capacity. The synergy between WP2 (research development) and WP3 (administrative competence) ensures that this growth is sustainable, embedded, and continuously evolving.