The meeting with journalists was divided into two sessions. It started at the BIOCEV centre in Vestec near Prague, where the LasApp project was presented by Assoc. Prof. Pavel Peterka Ph.D. Subsequently, Prof. RNDr. Zdena Palková, CSc. from the Faculty of Science, Charles University (BIOCEV), spoke on the role of microbiologists in biofilm research and their interaction with newly structured surfaces. The online presentation was continued by RNDr. Libor Mrňa, Ph.D. from the Institute of Instrumentation of the CAS.
After the initial presentation and introduction of the first three partners, a guided tour of the BIOCEV laboratories followed with Prof. Palkova. Then the participants moved to the HiLASE Centre in nearby Dolní Břežany, where the second block of presentations took place.
The second part was opened by Ing. Jana De Merlier from STAR Research and Innovation Cluster. She presented the role of the cluster in supporting research and innovation infrastructure in the region. Then Ing. Miroslava Flimelová, Ph.D. presented the activities of the HiLASE Centre in the field of laser micromachining and surface development for biotechnology and industry. The next online presentation belonged to Ing. Jan Kočí from the Institute for Nanomaterials, Advanced Technologies and Innovation of TUL (Technical University of Liberec) and doc. RNDr. Karel Žídek, Ph.D. from the Institute of Plasma Physics of the CAS – TOPTEC Centre.
During a tour of the HiLASE laser laboratories with Dr. Flimelová, the journalists learned about the possibilities of laser micromachining and surface treatment for antibacterial purposes.
The visit to the BIOCEV and HiLASE centres gave guests a glimpse into the scientific development of special surfaces that prevent the adhesion of microorganisms. The results of the unique collaboration between microbiologists and laser technology experts will be used in several sectors – in medicine, industry and space research.
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank all guests of the press meeting – journalists, photographers and our partners for their participation, interest in science and research and dissemination of information about Czech research.
Interdisciplinary project LasApp
The LasApp project develops centres of scientific excellence and competence in laser technology with a focus on fibre and thin-disc lasers and their potential applications for smart manufacturing, space and biotechnology applications. It brings together the excellent laser research centres of the Czech Academy of Sciences with other top centres. The main coordinator is the Institute of Photonics and Electronics of the CAS.
The LasApp project focuses on four key research areas:
- Advanced fiber laser technologies and applications
- Laser applications in space
- Laser applications in biotechnology
- Smart laser manufacturing
Duration: 1 January 2024 – 30 June 2028
Provider: Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MoEYS)
The project was supported by the Operational Programme Jan Amos Komenský (OP JAK) of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MoEYS).
Press releases on the topic (in Czech only):
Photo: M. Thunová (HiLASE)