News

Open admissions (2nd run) for PhD study in academic year 2024/2025

Director of the Institute of Geotechnics of the Slovak Academy of Sciences opens the 2nd run of admissions for joint PhD study with the Faculty of Materials, Metallurgy and Recycling at Technical University in Kosice in academic year 2023/2024 in the study program Extraction and Processing of Earth Resources, specialization Metallurgy, and in the study program Mechanical Engineering, specialization Material Science.

Deadline for e-application: August 19, 2024
Interview: August 28, 2024 

Terms and Conditions of PhD study for academic year 2024/2025 (download)

New topics of PhD study in academic year 2024/2025:

Study program “Extraction and Processing of Earth Resources, specialization Metallurgy”

1. Recovery of critical raw materials from primary and secondary resources

(study program Extraction and Processing of Earth Resources , specialization Metallurgy)

Supervisor: MVDr. Daniel Kupka, PhD.
Consultant: Ing. Miroslava Václavíková, PhD.
Extensive metal mining activities performed for centuries in the region of the Spišsko-gemerské Rudohorie (Ore Mountains Range) in Slovakia, have left a legacy of numerous old, closed (poly)metallic mines, after the mining industry started to decline in the 1990s. The abandoned mine sites are mostly flooded deep mines, waste-rock piles, tailing impoundments, waste dumps with many seepages/ leachates and mine drainage effluents. High concentrations of toxic elements in such solid and liquid wastes, represent a potential secondary resource of critical raw materials (CRM), in line with the concepts of the circular economy. PhD study will be focused on investigation of methods for selective recovery of critical raw materials from primary and secondary resources, e.g. ores, mine drainage water and waste.

2. Advanced electrochemical oxidation processes for water treatment

(study program Extraction and Processing of Earth Resources, specialization Metallurgy)

Supervisor: MVDr. Daniel Kupka, PhD.
Consultant: Ing. Miroslava Václavíková, PhD.
Achieving a higher quality environment and supporting the transition to a resource efficient circular economy induces the urgent need for remediation of old environmental burdens belonging to the biggest environmental challenges in both Slovakia and worldwide. Contamination of groundwaters and soils by persistent organic pollutants occurring in Bratislava-Vrakuna, Strážske, Poša, Predajná, etc., will require a feasible technology of elimination of such complex toxic organic contamination. The research of advanced electrochemical oxidation processes covering cleanup of organic contamination from model solutions and real groundwaters/wastewaters, will be the main task of the proposed PhD study topic.

Study program “Mechanical Engineering, specialization Material Science”

1. Synthesis and investigation of transport processes in oxides intended for applications in
modern energy industry using an electron beam

(study program Mechanical Engineering, specialization Material Science)

Supervisor: RNDr. Martin Fabián, PhD.
The present time requires the development and research of new materials with primary use in the energy industry, such as Li-ion batteries, fuel cells based on solid oxides, use of hydrogen as an energy source, etc. Most processes are based on electrochemical reactions, where ion transport plays a significant role. However, this process is largely influenced by the microstructure and chemical composition at the local/atomic level. The dissertation is focused on the synthesis of selected materials based on metal oxides and the investigation of their state before and after the course of electrochemical reactions by methods using the electron beam (electron microscopy SEM, TEM and identification methods at the local level EDX, WDX).

2. Development of highly sensitive and specific sensors based on silica and reduced metal nanoparticles on the surface

(study program Mechanical Engineering, specialization Material Science)

Supervisor: Dr. Inna Melnyk, PhD.
Silica-based supports are used as a basis for sensors due to their stability, porosity, and large surface area, which allows efficient adsorption and interaction with target molecules. Metal nanoparticles are added to SiO2 supports to increase their sensitivity and specificity. Nanoparticles such as gold (Au), silver (Ag), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), and copper (Cu) have unique optical, electronic, and catalytic properties that can be used to recognize specific chemicals. This makes it possible to determine the presence and concentration of various substances with high accuracy and specificity. This technology finds application in many areas, including medical diagnostics, where sensors can detect biomarkers of certain diseases in blood or other biological fluids, environmental monitoring, air and water quality control.

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Open admissions for PhD study in academic year 2024/2025

Director of the Institute of Geotechnics of the Slovak Academy of Sciences opens the admissions for joint PhD study with the Faculty of Materials, Metallurgy and Recycling at Technical University in Kosice in academic year 2023/2024 in the study program Extraction and Processing of Earth Resources, specialization Metallurgy, and in the study program Mechanical Engineering, specialization Material Science.

Deadline for e-application: June 16, 2024
Interview: June 28, 2024 

Terms and Conditions of PhD study for academic year 2024/2025 (download)

New topics of PhD study in academic year 2024/2025

1. Recovery of critical raw materials from primary and secondary resources

(study program Extraction and Processing of Earth Resources , specialization Metallurgy)

Supervisor: MVDr. Daniel Kupka, PhD.
Consultant: Ing. Miroslava Václavíková, PhD.
Extensive metal mining activities performed for centuries in the region of the Spišsko-gemerské Rudohorie (Ore Mountains Range) in Slovakia, have left a legacy of numerous old, closed (poly)metallic mines, after the mining industry started to decline in the 1990s. The abandoned mine sites are mostly flooded deep mines, waste-rock piles, tailing impoundments, waste dumps with many seepages/ leachates and mine drainage effluents. High concentrations of toxic elements in such solid and liquid wastes, represent a potential secondary resource of critical raw materials (CRM), in line with the concepts of the circular economy. PhD study will be focused on investigation of methods for selective recovery of critical raw materials from primary and secondary resources, e.g. ores, mine drainage water and waste.

2. Advanced electrochemical oxidation processes for water treatment

(study program Extraction and Processing of Earth Resources, specialization Metallurgy)

Supervisor: MVDr. Daniel Kupka, PhD.
Consultant: Ing. Miroslava Václavíková, PhD.
Achieving a higher quality environment and supporting the transition to a resource efficient circular economy induces the urgent need for remediation of old environmental burdens belonging to the biggest environmental challenges in both Slovakia and worldwide. Contamination of groundwaters and soils by persistent organic pollutants occurring in Bratislava-Vrakuna, Strážske, Poša, Predajná, etc., will require a feasible technology of elimination of such complex toxic organic contamination. The research of advanced electrochemical oxidation processes covering cleanup of organic contamination from model solutions and real groundwaters/wastewaters, will be the main task of the proposed PhD study topic.

3. lntensification of mineral raw materials processing using microwave energy

(study program Extraction and Processing of Earth Resources, specialization Metallurgy)

Supervisor: Ing. Ingrid Znamenáčková, PhD.
The topic is aimed at the study of microwave energy application in recovery strategic metals from mineral raw materials. Microwave pre-treatment will be realised to meet an effective liberation of utility components. Attention will be paid to selective heating of utility minerals. Selectivity of heating and degree of mineral structure failure will be analysed by both optical and scanning electron microscopy. The metals extraction will be performed by extraction techniques before and after the microwave pre-treatment. Microwave-assisted metals extraction enabling more efficient metals leaching will be also realised.

4. Development of highly sensitive and specific sensors based on silica and reduced metal nanoparticles on the surface

(study program Mechanical Engineering, specialization Material Science)

Supervisor: Dr. Inna Melnyk, PhD.
Silica-based supports are used as a basis for sensors due to their stability, porosity, and large surface area, which allows efficient adsorption and interaction with target molecules. Metal nanoparticles are added to SiO2 supports to increase their sensitivity and specificity. Nanoparticles such as gold (Au), silver (Ag), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), and copper (Cu) have unique optical, electronic, and catalytic properties that can be used to recognize specific chemicals. This makes it possible to determine the presence and concentration of various substances with high accuracy and specificity. This technology finds application in many areas, including medical diagnostics, where sensors can detect biomarkers of certain diseases in blood or other biological fluids, environmental monitoring, air and water quality control.

5. Synthesis and investigation of transport processes in oxides intended for applications in
modern energy industry using an electron beam

(study program Mechanical Engineering, specialization Material Science)

Supervisor: RNDr. Martin Fabián, PhD.
The present time requires the development and research of new materials with primary use in the energy industry, such as Li-ion batteries, fuel cells based on solid oxides, use of hydrogen as an energy source, etc. Most processes are based on electrochemical reactions, where ion transport plays a significant role. However, this process is largely influenced by the microstructure and chemical composition at the local/atomic level. The dissertation is focused on the synthesis of selected materials based on metal oxides and the investigation of their state before and after the course of electrochemical reactions by methods using the electron beam (electron microscopy SEM, TEM and identification methods at the local level EDX, WDX).

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Call for excellent researchers R2-R4

Next Generation EU: Slovakia’s Recovery and Resilience Plan opens Call for excellent researchers R2-R4 https://vaia.gov.sk/2023/06/27/stipendia-pre-excelentnych-vyskumnikov-a-vyskumnicky-r2-r4/

Positions are advertised at Euraxess, click here for more information https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/129272

The applicants are expected to submit a short description of project objectives (max. 2 pages, using the template Rx-surname-description.pdf, Rx-surname-description.docx) AND a professional CV (using the template Rx-surname-CV.pdf, Rx-surname-CV.docx).

Applications should be sent before August 6, 2023 via email to jobs.igt@saske.sk with subject “Rx  – Surname Name” (x=category of researcher) to identify the application.

Only complete submissions are considered. The applications will be considered and based on the submitted documents, the promising applicants will be selected and informed within August 11, 2023. After internal preselection the successful candidates will be guided to prepare the full proposal in the required form. The full proposal must be completed before September 14, 2023.

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Admissions for PhD study in academic year 2023/2024

Director of the Institute of Geotechnics of the Slovak Academy of Sciences opens the admission for joint PhD study with the Faculty of Materials, Metallurgy and Recycling at Technical University in Kosice in academic year 2023/2024 in the specialization Extraction and Processing of Earth Resources.

Deadline for e-application: June 16, 2023
Interview: June 30, 2023 

Admissions for PhD study – Terms and Conditions for academic year 2023/2024 (download)

New topics of PhD study in academic year 2023/2024

Assessment of the application suitability of TG/DTA/DSC methods to obtain comprehensive information about soil environmental risks in Slovakia

Supervisor: RNDr. Lenka Findoráková, PhD.
The TG/DTA/DSC method application is generally widely used in many scientific disciplines. The acquirement of comprehensive information about the physico-chemical soil condition as well as about added organic materials is a prerequisite for ensuring proper soil management and subsequently reducing the negative impact on the environment due to anthropogenic activity. Based on the green chemistry principle, the simultaneous methods of thermal analysis, should be used to assess in addition to composition also the thermodynamic and kinetic characteristics of the analysed soils.

Processing of aluminosilicate minerals to create adsorbents with organofunctional groups for water purification from inorganic and organic pollutants

Supervisor: Dr. Inna Melnyk
Industrial activity has led to the emergence of various types of toxic wastes, including solid, liquid, and gaseous wastes containing organic substances, heavy metals, radionuclides, petroleum products, and other dangerous compounds. The goal of this doctoral thesis is to create and study new nanomaterials with adsorption properties to remove these wastes from the environment. SiO2-based materials with different types of ligands will be developed for selective removal of mixed contaminants. These materials will be derived from natural raw materials, such as aluminosilicates. Their ability to adsorb metal ions and organic contaminants will be investigated.

Mechanochemical synthesis of nanocrystalline metal chalcogenides for efficient energy conversion

Supervisor: RNDr. Matej Baláž, PhD.
Metal chalcogenides (sulfides, selenides, and tellurides) are currently being intensively researched for their broad-spectrum application in materials science. The most important is their application for energy conversion, especially in electrocatalysis (e.g. production of hydrogen by splitting water), in photocatalysis (decomposition of organic pollutants using light), or as thermoelectric materials (transformation of waste heat into electricity). Nanocrystalline metal chalcogenides are usually prepared via complicated, cost-intensive and environmentally burdensome processes. Mechanochemical synthesis using ball milling represents an environmentally acceptable alternative, as nanocrystalline products can be obtained very quickly (sometimes in seconds) in one step from powdered reactants, without the use of solvents, external heating or elevated pressures. Within the proposed PhD. study, selected metal chalcogenides will be mechanochemically prepared and tested in cooperation with institutions at home and abroad for possible use in the processes mentioned above.

Investigation of transport processes in modern energy materials using the electron beam technique

Supervisor: RNDr. Martin Fabián, PhD.
The present time requires the development and research of new materials with primary use in the energy industry, such as Li-ion batteries, fuel cells based on solid oxides, use of hydrogen as an energy source, etc. Most processes are based on electrochemical reactions, where ion transport plays a significant role. However, this process is largely influenced by the microstructure and local chemical composition, often at the atomic level. Grain boundaries, homogeneity of the chemical composition of materials and others play an important role in transport events in the given materials. Based on this, the proposed topic is focused on the investigation of the state of materials before and after the course of electrochemical reactions by applying methods based on the principles of the electron beam (electron microscopy SEM, TEM and identification methods at the local level EDX, WDX). Process research will help to understand and model the composition and structure of smart materials for their potential use in current electrotechnical practice.

Admissions for PhD study in academic year 2022/2023

Director of the Institute of Geotechnics of the Slovak Academy of Sciences opens the 2nd round of admission for joint PhD study with the Faculty of Materials, Metallurgy and Recycling at Technical University in Kosice in academic year 2022/2023 in the specialization Extraction and Processing of Earth Resources.

Deadline for e-application: August 17, 2022
Interview: August 24, 2022 (IGT SAS or via SKYPE)

Admissions for PhD study – Terms and Conditions for academic year 2022/2023 (download)

New topic of PhD study in academic year 2022/2023

Functional Materials for the Removal and Catalytic Oxidation of Organic Pollutants from Wastewater

Supervisor: Dr. Inna Melnyk
Consultant: Ing. Miroslava Václavíková, PhD.
The intensive industrial activity results in more organic pollutants, heavy metals, radionuclides, petroleum products, and other highly toxic substances enter to the environment in the form of solid, liquid, and gaseous wastes. In this PhD research, new adsorptive and catalytic nanomaterials will be developed for the removal of inorganic and organic wastes from the environment. The adsorbent part will be composed of one-pot synthesized SiO2 materials with different types of functional ligands both hydrophobic and hydrophilic moieties in order to interact with pollutants via hydrogen bonds, electrostatic interactions, coordination, and other interactions. These materials will be studied for Fe, Cu, Ni, Co ions adsorption. Metal-loaded silica particles will play a catalyst role to decompose the organic contaminants via advanced oxidation processes.

Video: 4:34 (122MB)