National

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Laditeľné štruktúry vo feromagnetických cholesterických kvapalných kryštáloch
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	RNDr. Lacková Veronika, PhD.
Duration:	1.1.2024 –

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 –

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

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

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Magnetická frustrácia a kvantové oscilácie v kvázi 2D a 3D boridoch
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	doc. RNDr. Gabáni Slavomír, 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

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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

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

R1-Kareem Abdul – Misfolding proteins in amyloid diseases and their prevention/therapy
Misfolding proteins in amyloid diseases and their prevention/therapy
Program:	Other projects
Project leader:	MTech. Kareem Hanan Abdul
Duration:	1.9.2023 – 31.8.2027

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

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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

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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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

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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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

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

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

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

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Topologicky netriviálne magnetické a supravodivé nanoštruktúry
Program:	SRDA
Project leader:	prof., RNDr. Samuely Peter, DrSc., akademik US Slovenska
Duration:	1.7.2021 – 30.6.2025

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Analýza obrazových sekvencií metódami hlbokého učenia vo vybraných biofyzikálnych experimentoch
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	doc. Ing. Tomori Zoltán, CSc.
Duration:	1.1.2022 – 31.12.2024

Anomalous scaling in turbulent systems with symmetry breaking
Anomálne škálovanie v turbulentných systémoch s narušenou symetriou
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	RNDr. Jurčišin Marián, PhD.
Annotation:	Turbulent behavior belongs among basic properties of various macroscopic physical, chemical, biological,social-economical, financial, as well as environmental systems. Typical well-known examples of turbulent motionsare various atmospheric phenomena (tornadoes, hurricanes, cyclones, etc.), turbulent streams in rivers andoceans, and turbulent motions in electrically conductive environments (motion of the outer earth core, solar wind,etc.) . The main task of theoretical investigations of turbulent systems is, first of all, the understanding offundamental physical properties of turbulent flows that are common for all turbulent systems and which couldpotentially be applied in technical praxis in the future. In this respect, the main aim of the project is theinvestigation of the influence of breaking of various symmetries of developed turbulent environments on theproperties of the anomalous scaling of correlation functions of fluctuating fields as well as on universalcharacteristics of turbulent systems.
Duration:	1.1.2021 – 31.12.2024

Functional magnetic materials with perovskite structure based on rare earth and transition metal oxides
Funkčné magnetické materiály s perovskitovou štruktúrou na báze oxidov vzácnych zemín a prechodných kovov
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	RNDr. Mihalik Marián, CSc.
Annotation:	Part of our project deals with multiferroic materials and another with functionality of materials with perovskitestructure in respect to hydrogen storage or application of colloid with nanoparticles for hyperthermia. The projectis targeted to substitutional solid solutions and construction of magnetic phase diagrams in RTO3 system (R = Nd, Pr, Sm, Tb, Dy and T = Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe). Oxygen content affects physical properties of this system. The defect structure can be used for hydrogen storage. Experimental techniques like crystal growth of single crystals, synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles and study of various physical properties are complemented by theoretical approach using Density functional theory. Our project serves as starting point for re-examining the effect of oxygen content on physical properties of RMnO3 multiferroic compounds. The concept of storing hydrogen in the vacancies in these compounds is novel as well smart hyperthermia based on colloid containing magnetic nanoparticles of manganites.
Duration:	1.1.2022 – 31.12.2024

Interdisciplinary applications of cosmic rays observation and research in the laboratory of Institute of Experimental Physics of SAS at the Lomnicky stit observatory
Interdisciplinárne aplikácie pozorovania a výskumu kozmického žiarenia na pracovisku ÚEF SAV na Lomnickom štíte
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	Ing. Kubančák Ján, PhD.
Annotation:	The goal of the project is to create conditions for the further development of interdisciplinary applications of cosmic radiation research at the ÚEF SAS workplace on Lomnické štít, mainly through: a) maintaining continuity in the field of cosmic radiation observation, b) innovation and workplace development a c) intensive scientific cooperation and promotion of the workplace.The project will focus on the analysis and evaluation of data recorded by the neutron monitor and the SEVAN device during the 24th and the first third of the 25th solar cycle. Scientific work will be intensified in the field of cooperation in the field of radiation protection against cosmic rays and in the field of development and testing of detectors in mixed radiation fields occurring at high-altitude observatories.One of the results of the project will be a retrospective analysis of the increased or decreased intensity of secondary cosmic radiation in the atmosphere during periods with significant fluctuations in solar activity that occurred in the years 2014-2024.
Duration:	1.1.2022 – 31.12.2024

Unraveling the early events of protein amyloid aggregation – from mechanism to therapy
Objasnenie počiatočných štádií amyloidnej agregácie proteínov – od mechanizmu k terapii
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	doc. RNDr. Gažová Zuzana, DrSc.
Annotation:	Structural changes of poly/peptides leading to the formation of amyloid aggregates are associated with incurablediseases, like Alzheimer\’s disease or diabetes. While the general mechanisms of fibril formation and theircharacterization are well reported, the early events during poly/peptide fibrillation are still unclear. The project isfocused on understanding the early events mechanisms leading to the formation of pre-fibrillar (partially un/foldedintermediates, nuclei, oligomers) and fibrillar amyloid aggregates of selected globular and intrinsically disorderedproteins. Our focus will be the study of the kinetics of pre-fibrillar structures formation, their morphology, andcytotoxicity, under various experimental conditions, and in the presence of selected interacting partners (smallmolecules, nanoparticles). The obtained results will contribute to understanding the early events of amyloidaggregation and identifying the inhibitors with therapeutic potential for amyloid diseases.
Duration:	1.1.2021 – 31.12.2024

Self-organization processes in soft hybrid mixtures of liquid crystals and nanoparticles
Procesy samousporiadania v mäkkých hybridných zmesiach kvapalných kryštálov a nanočastíc
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	RNDr. Tomašovičová Natália, CSc.
Annotation:	The proposal aims to approach the research of liquid crystals doped with nanoparticles of different kind from anovel perspective of the self-organization that has an indisputable importance covering all fields of naturalsciences, and has also a deep impact in social sciences. In such composite systems a subtle interplay amongthe nanoparticles, the self-assembling matrix and the topological defects commands the self-organizationprocess. We will focus on the electric/magnetic field induced self-organization in such systems experimentally on different length scales by investigating the processes in different phases, isotropic, nematic, cholesteric with the anticipation that our results can be exploited in applications such as guided material transport, magnetic/electric switches/sensors, chemical/biosensors, in microfluidic/lab-on-a-chip devices, etc. We are convinced that systematic studies in this topic may change fundamentally current knowledge.
Duration:	1.1.2021 – 31.12.2024

BULKREBCO – Structure, superconducting and mechanical properties ov bulk REBCO superconductors
Štruktúra, supravodivé a mechanické vlastnosti masívnych REBCO supravodičov
Program:	VEGA
Project leader:	Ing. Diko Pavel, DrSc., akademik US Slovenska
Annotation:	The project is focused on the research of the influence of the structure on the superconducting and mechanical properties of the REBCO bulksingle grain superconductors (BSS). The effect of the bimodal particle size distribution of RE211 particles in the REBCO single crystal will be studied, as well as the effect of alloying. Acquiredthe knowledge will serve to optimize the preparation parameters and structure of REBCO BSS so that they are achievedthe combination of a high value of the trapped magnetic field and levitation force with increased mechanicalstrength. We will use experimental methods of powder metallurgy, bulk single crystal growth, X-ray diffraction, light and electron microstructure analysis, magnetization measurements, measurementsof trapped magnetic field and strength measurement. The project will be solved in cooperation withleading foreign laboratories within the formal (SIT Tokyo, JTU Shanghai, CAN Superconductors) andinformal (University of Cambridge, CRISTMAT Caen, FzÚ Praha, ) cooperation.
Project webpage:	https://websrv.saske.sk/uef/oddelenia-a-laboratoria/laboratorium-materialovej-fyziky/
Duration:	1.1.2022 – 31.12.2024