In line with its strategic objectives and pursuant to the provisions of its Organizational Rules, the leadership of CEMEA SAV, v. v. i. convened a meeting of the International Advisory Board on 20 January 2026. The primary role of the Board is to provide regular and continuous evaluation of the institution’s management practices and scientific quality. The meeting was attended in person by three out of the four members of the International Advisory Board of CEMEA SAV, v. v. i., namely Prof. Dr. Ralf Riedel, Prof. Dr. Alexander Michaelis, and Prof. Dr. Frank Schreiber. Prof. Dr. Ing. Dalibor Vojtěch was unable to participate due to health reasons. These individuals are distinguished and highly accomplished experts in scientific fields closely aligned with the research focus of CEMEA SAV. At the same time, they bring extensive long-term managerial experience, which is expected to significantly contribute to the development of CEMEA SAV into a successful institution of a new type.
The meeting was attended by the leadership of CEMEA SAV, v. v. i., together with members of the Scientific Board, the Chairman of the Supervisory Board Assoc. Prof. RNDr. Pavol Hvizdoš, DrSc. (Vice-President of the Slovak Academy of Sciences for the First Department of Sciences), key research staff of the organisation, and guests from partner institutions.
The meeting was opened by the Deputy Director of CEMEA SAV, v. v. i., Ing. Karol Fröhlich, DrSc., who welcomed and introduced the participants and presented the agenda of the meeting.
In the first part, Prof. RNDr. Pavol Šajgalík, DrSc., gave a presentation providing essential information about CEMEA SAV, v. v. i., covering its basic organisational structure, staffing, PhD study programme at CEMEA SAV, project activities, publication and patent outputs, as well as the financial framework supporting research and development.
In the second part, presentations were delivered on the main research directions pursued at CEMEA SAV, v. v. i., and on the projects underpinning this research. The contributions were given successively by RNDr. Naďa Mrkývková, PhD. on novel solar cells, Dr. Peter Šiffalovič on solid-state batteries, Ing. Karol Fröhlich, DrSc. on battery materials with a focus on performance improvement, RNDr. Adriana Hvizdošová Annušová, PhD. on cancer nanoscale targeting and new biocompatible materials, and Assoc. Prof. Mgr. Anna Kityk, PhD. on hydrogen generation. In addition, two ongoing cases from the field of knowledge transfer to practice with strong commercialisation potential were presented: Dr. Anna Kityk introduced electrochemical surface modification of metallic materials in deep-eutectic electrolytes, while Dr. Gianmarco Taveri presented a novel method for the production of nanocellulose.
At the conclusion of the meeting, a discussion took place focused on opportunities for further improving and strengthening the organisation’s performance, particularly in its scientific orientation, over the coming period. The members of the International Advisory Board (IAB) raised numerous questions concerning the current scientific results. A lengthy discussion was also held regarding potential collaboration with industry as well as possibilities for commercialising the achieved outcomes.
The IAB requested additional information and materials; upon their submission, the Board will prepare a brief recommendation report for CEMEA SAV, v. v. i. The institution will analyse this report in detail and subsequently use it as a basis for shaping its long-term strategy in leadership and management.