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.

Aluminium solid-state rechargeable batteries are promising candidate for post-lithium ion batteries. The electrolyte system of rechargeable aluminium batteries is an urgent research problem that is preventing its widespread implementation. The prime aim of the research proposal is electrochemical interfacial engineering of metal organic frame work (MOFs) based electrolyte towards aluminium solid-state battery applications. Study of MOFs are key topic in materials science sector over the past decade for facilitating next generation nano-electronic devices. Tuning the porosity of MOF can provide controllable functionality - an ideal platform for investigating the underlying mechanism of solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) and their ion conduction and the structure property relationships. This research proposal will address the challenges in the conventional liquid electrolytes and existing SSEs. The potential impact of the project proposal are traditional liquid electrolytes and conventional inorganic SSEs can be replaced by flexible, cost-effective and high porous MOF based SSEs for high performance and environment friendly aluminium batteries. The specific research objective of the project are, O1. Facile synthesis of cost-effective and high-performance nanostructured MOFs O2. Encapsulating an infinitesimal ionic liquid (IL) into MOFs to construct an IL@MOF solid electrolyte O3. Understanding the inherent electrochemical interface and studying the underlying structure-property relationship of IL@MOF based SSEs O4. Demonstrating a cost effective and environment friendly aluminium solid state battery with high specific power density using synthesized solid electrolyte Research results will be published in reputed high impact open access international journals and conferences. This project is in line with the EU strategy for ‘the energy storage devices for the transition to a low carbon economy based on renewable energy source’

The use of hydrogen and other alternative energy sources as a clean and sustainable source have been gaining momentum worldwide due to their potential of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy. To map, analyze and understand the safety risks of the widespread deployment of hydrogen and other alternative energy technologies, a new multidisciplinary research group has been established at the Faculty of Safety Engineering (FSE), VSB-Technical University of Ostrava (VSB-TUO) to reflect the requirements and needs of industry, public authorities, and other stakeholders, to help them establish a safe environment, promote public acceptance of these technologies, and build a critical mass of knowledge for their further development. SafeEnergy project will use scientific potential in the field of hydrogen and alternative energy sources safety, and support FSE in international networking, projects, and other initiatives on an international level. This will be achieved through the leadership of the ERA Chair holder – experienced researcher and manager Prof. Salzano from the University of Bologna, creation of a “pocket of excellence” – Centre for Research on the Safety of Alternative Energy Sources and through building capacity in the field of research management and administration at the Faculty of Safety Engineering, VSB-Technical University of Ostrava. Scientific collaboration will be established and developed through networking activities and joint research with industrial partners and international partners from Europe and worldwide to increase excellence in energy safety with a focus on hydrogen cities and valleys. The project will especially support young scientists - postdocs and PhD students. To step up and stimulate scientific excellence and innovation capacity in hydrogen and alternative energy infrastructure safety, the project proposes a comprehensive set of activities.

SCIENCzEch 2021: Time for Change is a proposal of The European Researchers? Night in the Czech Republic in 2021. The common main objective of the European Researchers' Night is to give public and local communities the opportunity to meet with researchers, learn about their passion for science, the motivation that inspires them, the methods they use, and the results they achieve. It opens doors to the places where scientists work and also brings research to unusual places. At this event children, young people and adults can get insights into research work, careers and what kind of cutting-edge technology is used in modern research. The specific objective of the event is to show research careers as interesting, enriching and useful job that might entail a career path for everyone and to motivate and inspire the youth to enjoy, understand and pursue science and technology. One of the political priorities of the European Commission is the European Green Deal for the European Union and its citizens, with an aim to tackle climate and environmental-related challenges. This strategy and series of initiatives that will protect the environment, boost the green economy and improve the well-being of people under the European Green Deal for the European Union and its citizens will be promoted by a wide range of activities during the ERN 2021. . "The TIME" with subtitle ?TIME for Change? is going to be the main topic for the Researchers' Night in 2021. The topic refers to the to time in many ways. We are in a time of change, the situation with COVID-19 has shown us how vulnerable a global society is. At the same time, we are facing problems linked to climate change and environmental crises. We question how much time is left for our planet and how to deal with this time responsibly. We perceive that right now is the time for change and science is an important ally and condition for sustainable development.