Centre for functional and surface-functionalized glasses

Project Information

FunGlass

Grant agreement ID: 739566

DOI

10.3030/739566

Project closed

EC signature date 13 February 2017

Start date 1 March 2017

End date 31 December 2024

Funded under

• Teaming of excellent research institutions and low performing RDI regions

Total cost

€ 15 000 000,00

EU contribution

€ 15 000 000,00

Coordinated by

TRENCIANSKA UNIVERZITA ALEXANDRA DUBCEKA V TRENCINE
Slovakia

Periodic Reporting for period 5 - FunGlass (Centre for functional and surface-functionalized glasses)

Reporting period: 2022-06-01 to 2024-12-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

FunGlass Centre’s completion of the largest Slovak academic project within Horizon 2020 demonstrates that science knows no borders, and that world-leading research can emerge from smaller cities if they get appropriate help and support. The project's primary goal was to establish an internationally recognized Centre for Functional and Surface Functionalized Glass (FunGlass) by collaborating with advanced partners within the Consortium—leading experts in glass science and technology across Europe. The Consortium's advanced partners include:

• Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, Italy
• Institute of Biomaterials, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
• Institute of Ceramic and Glass, Spanish National Research Centre in Madrid, Spain
• Otto Schott Institute of Materials Research, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Germany

The Centre's research focuses on glass with special functional properties and the functionalization of conventional glass, aiming to unlock new possibilities for glass applications in society. The project encompassed a comprehensive range of activities essential for cutting-edge research, including the development of an excellent research team, the installation of state-of-the-art infrastructure, the formation of dedicated research administration team, the implementation of innovative management procedures, and the establishment of transnational cooperation with global leaders in the field.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

At the heart of the project is the belief in facilitating the transfer of excellence through the cooperation of established institutions with young emerging institutions. This way, solidarity not only helps the weak, but also contributes to the sustainable development and prosperity of the common European space. “Scientific excellence is contagious,” says coordinator Dušan Galusek, director of the FunGlass Centre. “With FunGlass, we demonstrate how expertise from top European partners can be transfused into a young, aspiring institute, empowering it to carry out great research.” Building on these principles, the project led to the following key achievements:

• Creation of new research departments: Under the mentorship of advanced partners, FunGlass established 4 new research departments and recruited over 90 highly skilled researchers and PhD students from 20 countries.
• Reconstruction of premises and installation of state-of-the-art research infrastructure: a €10M investment was successfully completed, equipping the institute with cutting-edge research capabilities. To optimize the use of these facilities, a dedicated management system for advanced research infrastructure was designed and implemented.
• Training and teaching: A long-term training program with advanced partners was successfully executed, involving 29 researchers and 19 PhD students for a total of over 500 person-months. A double-degree collaboration was established with project advanced partners and Brno University of Technology, Czech Republic.
• Structural and institutional reforms: A dedicated administrative unit with specialized project management competencies was created, and a process improvement initiative was implemented.
• Intersectoral collaboration: 30 new project-based collaborations were established, including 15 new industrial partners in funded projects and 15 additional industrial partners in pending or rejected grant proposals. The Centre also attracted 50 new clients for contractual research and launched six new dissertation topics with an intersectoral component.

To enhance its international recognition and share best practices within the region, the Centre engaged in a range of dissemination & communication activities, including:
• special issues in respected scientific journals in the field prepared under FunGlass supervision: International Journal of Applied Glass Science (Vol. 12, No.4) Pure and Applied Chemistry (Vol. 94, Issue 2) on 14th Conference on Solid State Chemistry organized by FunGlass, Gels 2023 (Vol. 9, Issue 7) – “Bioceramics, Bioglasses and Gels for Tissue Engineering” by FunGlass guest editors,
• annual FunGlass symposium organized as a satellite event of prestigious conferences: 2019 - 93rd Annual Meeting of the German Society of Glass Technology, 2021 – 14th International Conference on Solid State Chemistry in Trenčín, 2022 – 36th International Congress on Glass in Berlin, 2023 – 18th Conference of the ECerS in Lyon, 2024 - 14th International Conference on Ceramic Materials and Components for Energy and Environmental Systems in Budapest,
• promotion of best practices at national and international forums as panellists/presenters: NCP Wide.Net workshop in Tallin 2017; ERAdiate and COST workshop in Žilina 2019; Slovak Liason Office for R&D 5th Anniversary in Brussels 2019; Workshop on Tools and Developments for NCPs for H2020 in Bratislava 2019; EARMA meeting in Prague 2023; a dedicated episode in “Science within Reach” series of Slovak Public Television – July 2023; NCP_WIDERA.NET transnational hybrid seminar on Excellence Hubs and ERA Chairs in Prague 2023; NCBR Information Day of Polish NCP for HE – online 2023; HE Projects presentation at LIMACON conference in Bialy Stok 2023; Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic – Company Day in January 2024; meeting of the President of the EIC, Mr. Michiel Scheffer with the representatives of Slovak public and private sector at the Slovak Government Office in October 2024.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The FunGlass team shares a common goal: to push the boundaries of knowledge. Examples of recent research topics include the development of key enabling technologies for photocatalysis, hydrogen-powered glass melting, composite implants, antibacterial treatments, waste glass recovery, and corrosion-resistant coatings. In its pursuit of scientific excellence, the Centre has increased its publication output, producing over 70 high-impact publications annually, including more than 10 in collaboration with advanced partners. The majority (over 90%) of its research papers are published in peer-reviewed journals with impact factors above the median IF in their respective fields.
To ensure long-term sustainability, the Centre has developed and implemented a financial model that reinforces its credibility and attractiveness. This is reflected in its success in securing competitive funding, with 30 national research projects (€19M) and 10 transnational projects (€9.5M including 4 Horizon Europe and 6 Interreg projects). Additionally, to build a strong technological assets base for future commercial applications, the Centre has filed six patent applications and one utility model.
Today, the Centre boasts a talented international research team, state-of-the-art facilities, a globally connected and intersectoral doctoral program, modern management processes tailored to its needs, and a dedicated administrative department that actively supports researchers. Additionally, its financial model has already secured funding for the next three years, ensuring the long-term sustainability of its core activities. Looking ahead, the Centre’s strategic goal is to build on this strong foundation by further advancing research excellence, stabilizing its research team, expanding support staff and spatial capacities, continuously upgrading research infrastructure, and translating fundamental research into commercial innovations.

Dr. Akansha Mehta won 1st place in the 2023 L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science project.

Junior FunGlass School organized within the International Year of Glass 2022.

Grand Opening of the renovated FunGlass facilities with new scientific research infrastructure.

Prof. Dušan Galusek welcomed Third Age University students.

FunGlass project team during the final Review meeting in February 2025..

FunGlass team at the FunGlass School 2025.