How can the Institute further develop its research, strengthen international cooperation and attract young scientists? These questions were at the heart of the first meeting of the International Advisory Board (IAB), held on 10 November 2026 at the Institute of Materials and Machine Mechanics SAS, p.r.i., in Bratislava.
The International Advisory Board comprises Prof. Francisco García-Moreno (Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie, Germany), Prof. Dalibor Vojtěch (Department of Metals and Corrosion Engineering, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Czech Republic), Prof. Kim Verbeken (Ghent University, Belgium) and Dr Anna Nikodym Bilská (PIAP Space, Poland). Their experience and independent expert perspectives help shape the Institute’s research priorities and strengthen its international cooperation.
The meeting was opened by Director Naďa Beronská, who presented the Board members with their certificates of appointment. She outlined the Institute’s research focus, evaluation results and development vision for 2027–2031. This was followed by presentations from the research teams on their current projects, results and cooperation with industry.
The discussion focused on research priorities, participation in international projects, attracting early-career researchers and translating research results into practical applications. Drawing on their own institutions’ experience, the Board members offered recommendations to strengthen international partnerships and develop cooperation with industry. They highlighted areas with potential for further development and collaboration, as well as opportunities to use research capacities more effectively. They also shared their perspectives on the future direction of science and research within the broader European context.
The Board’s recommendations will inform the Institute’s future research and development. We will continue these discussions and develop specific proposals for improvement.
We thank the IAB members for their time, open discussion and willingness to share their experience. We look forward to continued cooperation and future meetings.
Photo and text: S. Múčková
