National

TopoSQ2D – Topological superconductivity in quantum two-dimensional devices
Topologická supravodivosť v kvantových dvojrozmerných zaradieniach
Program:	IMPULZ
Project leader:	RNDr. Gmitra Martin, PhD.
Annotation:	The project aims to explore quantum physics in van der Waals 2D materials focusing on discovery of emergent quantum phenomena induced by the spin-orbit coupling and its interplay with magnetism, topology and superconductivity. For this purpose we establish a new Quantum Materials research laboratory with tightly merged theoretical expertise in spin-orbit coupling and experimental expertise in superconductivity. Research will be focused on investigating electronic properties of the prepared heterostructures in normal and superconducting phases using scanning tunneling microscopy and magnetotransport measurements. The theory will be intended for calculation of electronic structure from first-principles and quasiparticle interference spectra and transport properties in order to interpret experimental results and guide further experiments. The studied systems will be further recast towards proof-of-principle devices utilizing topological aspects of superconductivity relevant for quantum computations.
Duration:	1.4.2022 –

SelfNano – Programmable self-organization of hybrid DNA-protein nanosystems for controlled binding and release of biologicals
Programovateľné samo-usporiadanie hybridných DNA-proteín nanosystémov pre kontrolovateľné viazanie a uvoľnovanie biologicky aktívnych látok
Program:	SRDA
Project leader:	RNDr., Ing. Šipošová Katarína, PhD.
Annotation:	Protein self-assembly is a process based on autonomous, non-covalent interactions between distinct building blocks without requirement of external energy sources. The possibility of chemical appending of functional ligands onto self-assembling peptides or proteins lays the foundation for developing new materials with unprecedented structural and functional features. Especially using sequence addressable DNAs, the synergistic combination into DNA-protein self-assembling systems, may lead to unique and sophisticated functional hybrid nanostructures, which are highly programmable and display remarkable features that create new opportunities to build materials on the nanoscale. Inspired by the unique ability of proteins to self-assemble into amyloid fibrils, we plan to use recombinant spider silk eADF4(C16) protein, insulin, Aβ peptide and lysozyme in order to demonstrate the versatility of the concept of DNA-assisted self-organization of higher-order fibrillar structures. We will explore two dynamic association modes, the temperature-controlled hybridization event of short overlapping DNA sequences and the highly specific DNA-aptamer-to-ligand binding controlled by the ligand affinity. Generally, we foresee the feasibility of the proposed nanofibrillar systems mate of DNA-protein hybrids for the construction of nanostructured materials in biomedical research for binding and release of biologically active agents, formation of multiple protein arrangements for efficient enzymatic cascades or even dyes positioning for efficient light harvesting systems.
Duration:	1.7.2024 – 30.6.2028

STRIPEX – Influence of dynamic charge stripes on quantum magnets and superconductors in extreme conditions
Vplyv dynamických nábojových pásov na kvantové magnety a supravodiče v extrémnych podmienkach
Program:	SRDA
Project leader:	doc. RNDr. Gabáni Slavomír, PhD.
Annotation:	The project is aimed at solving the urgent fundamental problem of the genesis of the so-called of dynamic charge stripes (DCS) – inhomogeneous distribution of conduction electron oscillations – and their influence on the properties of strongly correlated electron systems (SCES). The charge stripes play an important role in the high-temperature superconductivity (HTSC) of cuprates and also underlie the mechanisms responsible for the colossal magnetoresistance in manganites, cobaltites, iron-based HTSCs, etc. Observing directly the effect of DCS on the scattering of charge carriers in the mentioned SCES is very sophisticated due to their complex composition, low symmetry of the crystal structure and high sensitivity to external conditions. Instead, it is suitable to use model SCES. Such model materials are rare earth dodecaborides (RB12) with Jahn-Teller structural instability and electronic phase separation on the nanoscale range, in which the appearance of dynamic charge stripes was reliably determined for the first time both for superconductors (ZrB12, LuB12) and for quantum magnets (R = Ho, Er, Tm). The comprehensive study of DCS will be extended by additional model systems based on hexaborides (RB6) and frustrated quantum magnets based on rare earth tetraborides (RB4), and will includes the influence of external extreme conditions such as very low temperatures, high magnetic fields and pressures.
Duration:	1.7.2024 – 30.6.2028

Tunable structures in ferromagnetic cholesteric liquid crystals
Laditeľné štruktúry vo feromagnetických cholesterických kvapalných kryštáloch
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	RNDr. Lacková Veronika, PhD.
Duration:	1.1.2024 – 31.12.2027

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Magnetická frustrácia a kvantové oscilácie v kvázi 2D a 3D boridoch
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	RNDr. Orendáč Matúš , PhD.
Annotation:	Borides form a broad class of materials with diverse physical properties. Metallic geometrically frustratedmagnetic tetraborides (REB4), where RE represents an element from the rare earth group, are quasi-2Dfrustrated systems with different anisotropy strength and the same crystal lattice. These systems form an idealenvironment for studying the connections between anisotropy and magnetization processes. With the help of thedeviation of the magnetic field from the easy axis of magnetization, it will be possible to observe thosecomponents of inter-spin interactions that do not appear when the field is oriented in the direction of the easyaxis, which will contribute to the development of more accurate theoretical models. By studying quantumoscillations in SmB6, which is considered to be a representative of strongly correlated topological systems, and in other selected hexaborides, it will be possible to contribute original results to the long-standing debate whetherSmB6 is a topological insulator or not.
Duration:	1.1.2024 – 31.12.2027

Non-centrosymmetric superconductors
Necentrosymetrické supravodiče
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	RNDr. Kačmarčík Jozef, PhD.
Duration:	1.1.2024 – 31.12.2027

LSD – Low-dimensional Superconducting Devices
Nízkorozmerné supravodivé aparáty
Program:	SRDA
Project leader:	Mgr. Szabó Pavol, CSc.
Annotation:	Ultralow temperatures have become an important tool for new research avenues in nanoscience, materials research and particularly in quantum nanotechnologies. Scaling down a physical system towards the sizes when the quantum properties surpass classical physics opens a plethora of new quantum-driven effects, thus giving rise to new classes of quantum materials. Within the proposed project we will focus our study on low-dimensional quantum devices, heterostrucures consisting of atomically thin superconducting slabs and aditional layers with different order (inslulator, metal, ferromagnet). In such systems symmetries can be broken possibly allowing for non trivial topological quantum states relevant for future technologies. Atomically thin layered materials are systems with zero limit bulk-to-surface ratio. Their physical properties are strongly affected by interfacing with other systems. Therefore, they represent an accessible platform for the abundance of quantum effects that can be engineered by combining them into vertical stacks using exfoliation techniques. One identifies two types of layered systems – atomically thin artificially prepared van der Waals heterostructures [Science 353, aac9439 (2016)], and naturally layered three-dimensional crystal systems. A special class of naturally layered materials is misfit structures combining alternating atomic layers of hexagonal transition metal dichalcogenides and slabs of ionic rare-earth monochalcogenides in the same superlattice [APL Mater 10, 100901 (2022)]. They feature new state of quantum matter, the Ising superconductivity resulting from broken inversion symmetry and strong spin-orbit coupling as has been recently shown by us. The misfits are also exfoliative and thus incorporable as units in vertical stacks.
Duration:	1.9.2024 – 31.12.2027

SUSTAIN – Processing and performance of critical-elements-free hard and soft magnetic materials for sustainable development
Príprava a vlastnosti magneticky tvrdých a mäkkých materiálov bez kritických prvkov pre trvalo udržateľný rozvoj
Program:	SRDA
Project leader:	RNDr. Škorvánek Ivan, CSc.
Duration:	1.7.2024 – 31.12.2027

Study of elementary magnetization processes of powder compacted and composite materials.
Štúdium elementárnych magnetizačných procesov v práškových kompaktovaných a kompozitných materiáloch
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	RNDr. Kováč Jozef, CSc.
Annotation:	The project is focused on the experimental study of elementary magnetization processes, especially on domainwalls displacements, in powder compacted and composite materials based on 3d transition metals. In this classof magnetic materials, the influence of individual electrically and magnetically non-insulated or isolated particleson the magnetization processes of surrounding particles significantly affects their magnetic properties. In the caseof using electro-insulating materials with suitable magnetic materials, the mutual interaction of ferromagneticparticles can be significantly affected. The magnetization processes are in some cases different than that in usualmaterials prepared by conventional casting. Considering the class of materials prepared by compaction ofisolated or non-insulated particles is becoming increasingly important, the knowledge of these peculiarities isuseful in developing 3D materials for practical use in electrotechnology.
Duration:	1.1.2024 – 31.12.2027

Enhancement of superconducting parameters in high-entropy alloy thin films
Vylepšenie supravodivých parametrov vysoko-entropických zliatin tenkých filmov
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	RNDr. Pristáš Gabriel, PhD.
Annotation:	Superconducting materials have become an integral part of the latest technologies such as quantum computers,single-photon detectors, magnetic resonance, SQUID, etc. Achieving room-temperature superconductivity is nomore the only goal, but targeted improvement of superconducting parameters (upper critical field, criticaltemperature) for application needs is the key. Extreme conditions in the form of very low temperatures, highpressures and reduction dimensions into quasi-two dimensions are very powerful tools in this endeavor. Inparticular, in case of thin films the superconducting properties can be tuned by several external parameters (e.g.film thickness, substrate, interfaces). The main goal of the project is to improve superconducting parameters ofthe high-entropy alloys and other materials in the form of thin films in purpose for use in future quantumapplications technology.
Duration:	1.1.2024 – 31.12.2027

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Získavanie energie magnetickými kvapalinami
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	RNDr. Rajňák Michal, PhD.
Duration:	1.1.2024 – 31.12.2027

R1-Kareem Abdul – Misfolding proteins in amyloid diseases and their prevention/therapy
Štipendiá pre excelentných PhD. študentov a študentky (R1) – UEF SAV
Program:	Plán obnovy EÚ
Project leader:	MTech. Kareem Hanan Abdul
Duration:	1.9.2023 – 31.8.2027

MAMOTEX – Magnetically modified textiles
Magneticky modifikovaný textil
Program:	SRDA
Project leader:	doc. RNDr. Kopčanský Peter, CSc.
Duration:	1.7.2023 – 30.6.2027

NANOFLIT – Nano-functionalization of liquids for liquid-immersed transformers
Nano-funkcionalizácia kvapalín pre olejové transformátory
Program:	SRDA
Project leader:	RNDr. Rajňák Michal, PhD.
Annotation:	The current increase in electricity consumption and the greening of its distribution, together with the increase in the price of materials for the production of distribution transformers, represent a challenge for applied research in electric power engineering. The intention of the presented project is to respond to this challenge by functionalizing the current liquids used in electrical transformers in order to increase their cooling efficiency while maintaining or improving their dielectric and insulating properties. For this project, the liquids used in the distribution transformers of the manufacturer interested in this research will be selected. These are commercial liquids primarily based on liquefied natural gas, synthetic and natural esters. Based on current state of the art, the liquids will be functionalized by means of nanotechnologies and nanomaterials, which can significantly improve thermal conductivity, natural and thermomagnetic convection, and thus make the overall heat transport in the liquids more efficient. The functionalizing nanoadditives will be mainly made from carbon (fullerene, nanodiamond) and iron oxides or other ferromagnetic elements. The functionalized liquids will undergo laboratory measurements of physico-chemical, electrical, magnetic and thermal properties. Based on the analyzes of laboratory experiments and numerical simulations, nanofluids with the greatest potential for improving the thermal and insulating properties of the transformer will be selected. The selected nanofluids will be tested by the industrial partner (the customer of the research results) and applied in the selected distribution transformer. The transformer will be subjected to electrical and temperature rise tests. One can expect that the nanofunctionalization of the liquids will result in a lower operating temperature of the transformer, which can lead to an extension of the transformer service life and to the production of smaller transformers.
Duration:	1.7.2023 – 30.6.2027

ROTOLES – Optimised growth and the transport and optical properties of thin layers of selected topological semimetals
Optimalizovaný rast a transportné a optické vlastnosti tenkých vrstiev vybraných topologických polokovov
Program:	SRDA
Project leader:	prof. RNDr. Samuely Peter, DrSc., akademik US Slovenska
Annotation:	One of the fundamental results of quantum mechanics in the 1920s was the derivation of relativistic equations for massive fermions (Dirac), massless fermions (Weyl) and fermions that are themselves antiparticles (Majorana). Since those times, particle physics has been searching for particles representing Weyl and Majorana\’s fermions. However, their search has not yet been successful. In the last twenty years, it has been shown that the band structure of some materials has such unique characteristics that the charge carriers in them can behave according to the dynamics satisfying the Dirac or Weyl relativistic equations. Such materials include compounds from the group of transition metals dichalcogenides, which we will focus on in our project. We will work with very thin layers of selected materials from this group, such as PtSe2, MoTe2 and WTe2. The first step in the implementation of the project will be the preparation of such layers by chalcogenisation of thin films of transition metals. Their transport and optical properties will then be thoroughly investigated. Temperature-dependent transport measurements can show us transitions between different structures of the same material. We expect that a metal-insulator transition can be observed when the thickness of such thin films is varied. Some of these materials can go into a superconducting state at very low temperatures. We will also try to induce this state in close proximity, i.e. when the thin layer is in contact with another superconductor. Optical measurements will be correlated with transport measurements. We derive essential frequency-dependent characteristics, such as optical conductivity, from the latter. We will look for characteristics theoretically predicted for Dirac and Weyl fermions in the optical conductivity.
Duration:	1.7.2024 – 30.6.2027

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Viaczložkové ligandy ako modulátory cieľov spojených s patogenézou Alzheimerovej choroby
Program:	SRDA
Project leader:	doc. RNDr. Gažová Zuzana, DrSc.
Duration:	1.7.2023 – 30.6.2027

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Diskrétna gravitácia, kvantové javy a ich aplikácia na rôzne druhy fyzikálnej reality
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	RNDr. Pinčák Richard, PhD.
Duration:	1.1.2023 – 31.12.2026

Functionalized magnetic nanoparticles for MRI imaging of drug distribution in the lungs in experimental acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
Funkcionalizované magnetické nanočastice pre MRI zobrazovanie distribúcie liečiva v pľúcach pri experimentálnom syndróme akútnej respiračnej tiesne (ARDS)
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	Ing. Koneracká Martina, CSc.
Annotation:	The current project is focused on the synthesis and functionalization of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) for MRIimaging of the drug N-acetylcysteine distribution in the lungs in experimental acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS). The first step will be to prepare a conjugate consisting of MNPs modified with functional groups suitablefor drug conjugation. MNPs functionalization and drug conjugation will be optimized and studied byphysicochemical methods such as UV/Vis and IR spectroscopy, microscopy, calorimetry or magneticmeasurements. In the next phase, the conjugate will be analyzed by MRI and compared with the properties ofcommercially available MRI contrast agents. In the third step, the relevant ARDS model will be created, and theconjugate will be applied to the lungs. Finally, the conjugate will be imaged using optimized MRI techniques tostudy the drug distribution in the lungs in ARDS. The output items of the project have a direct application potentialfor clinical practice.
Duration:	1.1.2023 – 31.12.2026

Soft magnetic nanocrystalline materials prepared by unconventional thermal processing techniques
Magneticky mäkké nanokryštalické materiály pripravené nekonvenčnými technikami tepelného spracovania
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	RNDr. Škorvánek Ivan, CSc.
Duration:	1.1.2023 – 31.12.2026

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Mezoškálové javy v systémoch polymérnych a nepolymérnych látok a metodológia skúmania
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	RNDr. Sedlák Marián, DrSc.
Duration:	1.1.2023 – 31.12.2026

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Teoretické štúdium vlastností geometricky a interakčne frustrovaných magnetických systémov
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	RNDr. Jurčišinová Eva, PhD.
Duration:	1.1.2023 – 31.12.2026

2D-MAP – 2D magnetism: probing and controlling magnetic states in 2D layered materials
Štipendiá pre excelentných výskumníkov a výskumníčky R2-R4 (2D magnetizmus: skúmanie a riadenie magnetických stavov v 2D vrstvených materiáloch)
Program:	Plán obnovy EÚ
Project leader:	RNDr. Orendáč Matúš , PhD.
Annotation:	This research project explores the magnetic properties of quasi-2D and 2D layered materials, with a focus on tetraborides and kagome systems. The study aims to uncover the fundamental origins and dynamic behaviors of magnetism in these materials by using experimental investigations and theoretical modeling. Additionally, this research aims to explore the potential applications of these materials in advanced technologies such as recording devices, spintronics, and piezoelectric systems. To achieve these objectives, the project involves mastering the fabrication of novel 2D heterostructures through an innovative stamping technique, enabling precise control over material properties and interfaces. By improving our understanding of 2D materials and their magnetic properties, this research contributes to the fields of frustrated magnetic systems and quantum-2D magnetism.
Duration:	1.9.2024 – 31.8.2026

MagNaFs – Magnetic nanoflowers for biomedical applications
Štipendiá pre excelentných výskumníkov a výskumníčky R2-R4 (Magnetické nanokvety pre biomedicínske aplikácie)
Program:	Plán obnovy EÚ
Project leader:	RNDr. Khmara Iryna, PhD.
Annotation:	Today, nanoscale materials are of great interest for their potential to be used in a wide range of areas, especially in biomedical applications such as detection, early diagnosis and effective treatment of oncological disease. One of the therapies that are actively being developed is magnetic hyperthermia (MH) as an alternative approach for the local treatment of tumours. MH utilizes the heat generated by the magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) when are subjected to an alternating magnetic field. Thus, the better MNPs are heated, the lower concentration of MNPs in the cancer tissue is required resulting in reducing the risk of side effects. Therefore, the heating ability and heating rate of these MNPs is extremely important. In this regard, the clustering of MNPs into nanoflowers, novel systems in terms of morphology showing a structure similar to a flower, can improve their heating rate of these MNPs is extremely important. In this regard, the clustering of MNPs into nanoflowers, novel systems in terms of morphology showing a structure similar to a flower, can improve their heating characteristics compared to their building blocks, i.e. monocrystals of MNPs and thus increase the heating efficiency of MH.
Duration:	1.9.2024 – 31.8.2026

SASiFER-LC – Self-assembled structures in ferromagnetic liquid crystals
Štipendiá pre excelentných výskumníkov a výskumníčky R2-R4 (Samousporiadané štruktúry vo feromagnetických kvapalných kryštáloch)
Program:	Plán obnovy EÚ
Project leader:	RNDr. Lacková Veronika, PhD.
Duration:	1.9.2024 – 31.8.2026

EXGRAV – Exploring discrete gravity, muon magnetic moment anomaly, and the black hole information paradox
Štipendiá pre excelentných výskumníkov a výskumníčky R2-R4 (Skúmanie diskrétnej gravitácie, anomálneho magnetického momentu miónu a informačného paradoxu čiernych dier)
Program:	Plán obnovy EÚ
Project leader:	RNDr. Pinčák Richard, PhD.
Duration:	1.11.2024 – 31.8.2026

BEAST – Influence of synthesis parameters on the structure and properties of bulk high-temperature EuBCO-Ag superconductors applied in medical technologies
Štipendiá pre excelentných výskumníkov a výskumníčky R2-R4 (Vplyv parametrov syntézy na štruktúru a vlastnosti masívnych vysokoteplotných EuBCO-Ag supravodičov využiteľných v medicínskych technológiách)
Program:	Plán obnovy EÚ
Project leader:	Mgr. Kuchárová Veronika , PhD.
Duration:	1.9.2024 – 31.8.2026

MikroFlex – –
Pružné mikroštruktúry a mikroroboty pre biomedicínske labon-chip aplikácie
Program:	SRDA
Project leader:	doc. Ing. Tomori Zoltán, CSc.
Annotation:	The development boom of biomedical lab-on-chip (LOC) applications during the last two decades brought the need for the miniaturization of conventional mechanical actuators, sensors, and manipulators. Light-driven mechanical microstructures, trapped and moved by optical tweezers, can be easily integrated into the microfluidic LOC environment. The vast majority of light-driven microstructures is prepared by two-photon polymerization. It is the main objective of the present project to exploit the possibilities of working with flexible (deformable) microstructures, which were not used in biomedical applications, yet. Two well-defined LOC application areas are targeted: micro-rheology and single-cell manipulation. Micro-viscometers utilizing the effect of the surrounding fluid medium on the deformation (deflection) of flexible micro-cantilevers will be developed. The novel viscometer devices will be either anchored to the bottom glass surface or kept mobile and optically transportable inside the micro-fluidic system. Light-driven elastic micro-robots will be designed and tested for capture, transport, and release of single live cells. The operation of the developed micro-manipulators will be automated to build multicellular systems, mimicking the tissue conditions, in an autonomous way. To facilitate the flexible microstructure development and optimization, the material properties of the photo-polymers will be determined by comparing experimental deformation data with the results of numerical simulations.
Duration:	1.7.2022 – 30.6.2026

REBCOAPL – –
REBCO masívne supravodiče na báze Y, Gd, Sm a Eu pre praktické aplikácie
Program:	SRDA
Project leader:	Ing. Diko Pavel, DrSc., akademik US Slovenska
Annotation:	The project is focused on research and development of selected REBCO bulk singlegrain superconductors (BSS).We will examine YBCO, GdBCO, SmBCO and EUBCO systems, which are currently preferred in terms ofmastering their production technology and specific applications. Based on our latest results, we will focus on thealloying of LREBCO (LRE- light rare earths) with elements that suppress Ba/LRE substitution in the crystal lattice,the addition of nanocrystalline BaCeO3, the bimodal size distribution of pining centres and the configuration ofholes in REBCO BSS. We will apply the research results in the development of BSS production technology withoptimized superconducting and mechanical properties. The use of the research and development results achievedwithin the project is expected by the manufacturer BSS CAN Superconductors s.r.o.
Project webpage:	https://websrv.saske.sk/uef/oddelenia-a-laboratoria/laboratorium-materialovej-fyziky/
Duration:	1.7.2022 – 30.6.2026

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„Matching“ granty ku zdrojom získaným od súkromného sektora v rámci výskumnej spolupráce  – ÚEF SAV
Program:	Plán obnovy EÚ
Project leader:	RNDr. Škorvánek Ivan, CSc.
Duration:	1.10.2024 – 31.3.2026

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CURAsoft – kontinuálne rýchle žíhanie pre vývoj nových magneticky mäkkých zliatin s nanokryštalickou štruktúrou
Program:	PostdokGrant
Project leader:	Ing. Kunca Branislav, PhD.
Duration:	1.1.2024 – 31.12.2025

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Dekoherencia v mechanických rezonátoroch pri nízkych teplotách
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	RNDr. Človečko Marcel, PhD.
Duration:	1.1.2022 – 31.12.2025

Functional nano- and microwires with outstanding properties
Funkčné nano- a mikrodrôty s význačnými vlastnosťami.
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	RNDr. Kováč Jozef, CSc.
Annotation:	The project is focused on the development and characterization of functional nano and microwires, which are characterized by distinctive features physical properties in the form of shape memory phenomenon, magnetocaloric phenomenon, magnetic bistability, etc. These properties can be used with advantages in the construction of miniature sensors and actuators for temperature, elongationetc. Scalable methods will be used to produce these materials (electrodeposition, Taylor Ulitovski method), which enable the preparation of a large number of samples and thus an easy transition to applications. The goal is to examine the most important parameters determining the functional properties, which enables the following phenomenamodify from the point of view of working scope and amplitude. The shape of the wire brings shape to the mentioned phenomena anisotropy, which can highlight the functional properties in the selected direction and facilitates the subsequent application of the listed materials.
Duration:	1.1.2023 – 31.12.2025

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Iónové kvapaliny a hlboko eutektické zmesi ako modulátory stability a agregácie proteínov
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	RNDr. Fedunová Diana, PhD.
Duration:	1.1.2022 – 31.12.2025

Low-molecular-weight compounds targeting amyloid-related diseases
Low-molecular-weight compounds targeting amyloid-related diseases
Program:	PostdokGrant
Project leader:	RNDr. Gančár Miroslav, PhD.
Duration:	1.1.2024 – 31.12.2025

Iron oxide nanoflowers for magnetic resonance imaging and hyperthermia
Nanokvety na báze oxidov železa pre magnetickú rezonanciu a hypertermiu
Program:	PostdokGrant
Project leader:	RNDr. Khmara Iryna, PhD.
Duration:	1.1.2024 – 31.12.2025

Heavy quark production as a probe of Quantum Chromodynamics
Produkcia ťažkých kvarkov ako sonda kvantovej chromodynamiky
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	doc. RNDr. Nemčík Ján, CSc.
Annotation:	The present project is focused on further development and testing of theoretical descriptions of various phenomena inherent in quantum chromodynamics (QCD) in close connections to recent phenomenological models of particle physics. The main emphasize is devoted to investigation of several fundamental aspects of QCD dynamics in production of heavy quarks, mainly in diffractive quarkonium electroproduction on proton and nuclear targets at large energies highly relevant for ongoing measurements at the Large Hadron Collider and with the preparation of physics program for newly approved Electron-Ion Collider.
Duration:	1.1.2022 – 31.12.2025

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Štipendiá pre excelentných výskumníkov ohrozených vojnovým konfliktom na Ukrajine
Program:	Plán obnovy EÚ
Project leader:	prof. Oganesyan Koryun, DrSc.
Duration:	1.1.2023 – 31.12.2025

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Štúdium a modifikácia vlastností pavúčieho proteínu nadprodukovaného v Escherichia coli
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	RNDr., Ing. Šipošová Katarína, PhD.
Duration:	1.1.2022 – 31.12.2025

Theoretical study of cooperative phenomena in strongly correlated electron and spin systems
Teoretické štúdium kooperatívnych javov v silne korelovaných elektrónových a spinových systémoch
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	RNDr. Farkašovský Pavol, DrSc.
Annotation:	The proposed project is devoted to the theoretical study of cooperative phenomena in strongly correlated electron and spin systems. The special attention will be paid to specifying the key mechanisms which lead to formation and stabilization of inhomogeneous charge and spin ordering, superconductivity, itinerant ferromagnetism, ferroelectric and magnetocaloric phenomenon due to the big application potential of these phenomena and their possible coexistence. The study will be performed on comprehensive model, which will take into account all relevant interactions in rare-earth and transition metal compounds, where besides the spin-independent Coulomb interaction in d and f band also the spin dependent (double exchange) interaction between both bands will be included. For a solution of this model we plan to elaborate new numerical methods, which will be subsequently used in combination with standard methods of quantum statistical physics (DMRG and QMC) to study the above mentioned phenomena.
Duration:	1.1.2022 – 31.12.2025

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Štipendiá pre excelentných výskumníkov ohrozených vojnovým konfliktom na Ukrajine
Program:	Plán obnovy EÚ
Project leader:	doc. Vitushkina Svitlana, PhD.
Duration:	1.9.2022 – 31.8.2025

HERO – –
Elektrokatalyzátory pre efektívnu produkciu vodíka pre budúce elektrolyzéry a palivové články
Program:	SRDA
Project leader:	RNDr. Baťková Marianna, PhD.
Annotation:	The development of activities in the field of hydrogen technologies was also supported by the EuropeanCommission in the strategic document "Hydrogen Strategy for a Climate Neutral Europe". Today, Slovakia hassuggested own national hydrogen strategy. Already in 2015, the National Hydrogen Association has founded tosupport research, implementation and use of hydrogen technologies. The Hydrogen Technology Center is beingestablished in Košice with the main "Power-to-Gas" concept using renewable power energy sources with nonegative impact on human life and without dependence on fossil fuels. A significant source of hydrogen is waterand the electrolysis of water is the most promising technology for hydrogen production. However, before it can berecognized as an economically significant resource for large scale application with an exceptional energy potential,the simple, efficient, and secure methods of hydrogen retrieval have to be developed. For the time being, the mostefficient electrocatalysts in terms of overpotential for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are noble metals.Unfortunately the high cost and scarcity of noble metals motivate the scientists to find the rival low-cost alternatives. Intrinsic structures of TMP meet the criteria of outstanding electrocatalysts that could further improvetheir HER performance in membrane electrode assembly. Excellent dispersity of electrocatalysts allows full use ofactive sites on catalysts to participate in electrode reaction to improve the electrocatalytic efficiency. Therefore, themain challenge in this project is to reduce the production cost of HER and at the same time to maintain the highefficiency of polymer electrode water electrolysis. Substantial aim of the project will be devoted to improve the PEMwater electrolysis components mainly electrode materials based on modified carbon fibers electrocatalysts result inthe technology which should be more approached to commercial markets.
Duration:	1.7.2021 – 30.6.2025

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Kapitálový booster pre schémy na podporu výskumu a vývoja (Magneticky modifikované textílie)
Program:	Plán obnovy EÚ
Project leader:	doc. RNDr. Kopčanský Peter, CSc.
Duration:	1.7.2024 – 30.6.2025

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Kapitálový booster pre schémy na podporu výskumu a vývoja (Nano-funkcionalizácia kvapalín pre olejové transformátory)
Program:	Plán obnovy EÚ
Project leader:	RNDr. Rajňák Michal, PhD.
Duration:	1.7.2024 – 30.6.2025

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Kapitálový booster pre schémy na podporu výskumu a vývoja (Viaczložkové ligandy ako modulátory cieľov spojených s patogenézou Alzheimerovej choroby)
Program:	Plán obnovy EÚ
Project leader:	doc. RNDr. Gažová Zuzana, DrSc.
Duration:	1.7.2024 – 30.6.2025

PRESPEED – Perspective electronic spin systems for future quantum technologies
Perspektívne elektrónové spinové systémy pre budúce kvantové technológie
Program:	SRDA
Project leader:	RNDr. Vargová Hana, PhD.
Annotation:	The project is aimed at a comprehensive understanding of possibilities and limiting factors of electron spin systems for a quantum computation and quantum information processing, which will be investigated by the combination of advanced analytical and numerical methods including among others exact mapping transformations, localized-magnon theory, exact diagonalization, tensor-network methods, density functional theory, Monte Carlo simulations and density-matrix renormalization group method. In particular, we will examine the possibility to stabilize a bipartite and multipartite entanglement as a genuine quantum phenomenon needed for a quantum computation and quantum information processing at least up to temperature of liquid nitrogen or preferably room temperature. We will also explore the capability of the pulsed electron spin resonance for the spin-qubit manipulation. Quantum spin systems with topologically protected edge states eligible for a topological quantum computation will be investigated in detail together with a few selected quantum spin chains studied in connection with the implementation of a quantum teleportation. Frustrated Heisenberg spin systems supporting either the presence of a nontrivial skyrmion phase or magnon-crystal phases will be investigated in connection with the possibility to store a quantum information or to implement more complex quantum circuits. Heterostructures composed of atomically thin layers coupled by van der Waals forces will be examined with respect to a superconducting pairing and topological quantum computation. The studied electron spin systems will be either motivated by the effort to understand unconventional behavior of existing real magnetic materials or will be supplemented by the respective proposals for their experimental realization.
Duration:	1.7.2021 – 30.6.2025

skQCI – skQCI
skQCI
Program:	Plán obnovy EÚ
Project leader:	RNDr. Skyba Peter, DrSc.
Duration:	1.1.2023 – 30.6.2025

Theoretical study of frustrated magnetic systems
Teoretické štúdium frustrovaných magnetických systémov
Program:	SRDA
Project leader:	RNDr. Jurčišin Marián, PhD.
Duration:	1.7.2021 – 30.6.2025