This year’s event was organized by the FunGlass Center, the Friends of FunGlass Association, and the Slovak Silicate Society, hosted at the Jasoň Hotel in Vršatské Podhradie.

Over 50 scientists and PhD students from leading research institutions in ceramics and glass participated, including the Institute of Inorganic Chemistry SAS (Bratislava), the Institute of Materials Research SAS (Košice), FunGlass Center (A. Dubček University of Trenčín), CEITEC Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Natural Sciences at Comenius University, the Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology at Slovak University of Technology, and Mendel University in Brno.

The seminar featured more than 40 presentations on key topics, including:

• Development of advanced ceramics, ceramic composites, and glass.
• Functional ceramics and glasses.
• Porous ceramics and glass structures.
• Ceramic and glass coatings.
• Characterization and testing of ceramic and glass materials.
• Surface modification techniques for ceramics and glass.

The recent presentations by CEITEC BUT scientists involved in the GlaCerHub project were truly inspiring. Highlights included exceptional contributions from two of our double-degree students,  Ing. Tereza Havlíková and Ing. Marek Rotter, whose work was outstanding.

Their innovative approaches and dedication are driving impactful advancements in the field, showcasing the strength of collaborative research within the GlaCerHub initiative.

All contributions will be published in the Book of Abstracts, with selected extended abstracts appearing in a special issue of Silikátnik magazine (coming soon).

The joint meeting, chaired by Prof. Pavol Šajgalik, included a review of the Society’s progress and upcoming initiatives.

GlaCerHub project manager, Blahomír Skoupý, described the project general objectives, gave the audience basic information about our research, training and talent support activities.

While the main focus was on scientific presentations and discussions, the program also offered time for recreational activities amidst the beautiful landscapes of Vršatec, fostering new and ongoing collaborations between institutions.