Dr. Anastasiia Novokhatska, CLiCAM ERA talent continues with her internship at the PMG Ouest Coating company in Saint-Nazaire, gaining valuable hands-on experience in advanced thermal spray technologies.

Throughout April-May, working alongside Dr Sébastien Beauvais, she was heavily involved in training and practical work related to HVOF and Atmosphere Plasma Spray processes. She focused on understanding the fundamentals of surface preparation, applying thin and durable coatings, and processing components to meet specified dimensions and quality standards.

She gained practical experience not only on test specimens, but also by actively participating in the deposition of coatings on real industrial components intended for use in the nuclear energy sector and aerospace technologies. She participated in every stage of the workflow, from the initial testing and optimization of spray parameters to the final post-processing of coated parts according to customer requirements. She was also involved in coating quality assessment using standard characterization and inspection methods, gaining further insight into industrial quality control procedures.

A specialized workshop was also held to plan upcoming experiments focused on producing graded porous structures using plasma spray technology. The team discussed the objectives and scope of future experimental work, as well as sample preparation for the next research phase. This experience continues to provide valuable knowledge and practical skills in advanced coating technologies and their industrial applications.

CLiCAM ERA talents Dr. Omid Sharifahmadian and Dr. Rajesh Mundotia from FunGlass Centre for Functional and Surface Functionalized Glass achieved notable advancements in next-generation functional coated textiles deposited using PECVD and PVD technologies.

During their secondment at AGC Interpane, they carried out a comprehensive series of mechanical and environmental durability tests, essential for evaluating the robustness of the coatings under realistic operating conditions. Following the durability assessments, detailed optical measurements were performed to verify that the coatings maintained their emissivity and color stability, both critical indicators of long-term performance.

Color Stability: Using a spectrophotometer, the team captured precise spectral data across the visible range (380–780 nm). By comparing measurements before and after environmental exposure, this analysis identifies even the most subtle shifts in optical appearance, ensuring long-term visual consistency.

Emissivity Analysis: Emissivity measurements were performed to assess the thermal radiation properties of the coated textiles. Emissivity plays a key role in determining a material’s ability to regulate heat transfer, directly influencing both user comfort and safety in practical applications.

We are thrilled that CLiCAM continues to accelerate the transition of high-performance textiles from labs to the market. Our special appreciation goes to Manuela Scholz-Rehling and Dirk Belde from AGC labs for their invaluable support!

CLiCAM ERA talents, Abel W. Ourgessa from FunGlass – Centre for Functional and Surface Functionalized Glass and Tomasz Kielczawa from Wrocław University of Science and Technology, officially started their secondment at Treibacher Industrie AG, where supervised by Dr. Richard Trache, with support from Karl Körner and Christian Hebenstreit, who created the opportunity for CLiCAM ERA Talents to develop practical competencies in an advanced industrial research environment. 

Tomasz Kielczawa (left) and Abel Ourgessa (right) delivering presentations on their research background during their introduction to Treibacher.

After the safety training and the introduction to the company, both ERA talents had the opportunity to present themselves, their research background and collaboration opportunities to the Treibacher's R&D department. The practical training they have started shortly after, focuses on hands-on experience in suspension preparation and processing of thermal spray coating, inorganic waste-based substrates. Both researchers also gained valuable insights into industrial innovation projects development & management, practical research activities' transfer to industrial technology & production, as well as how to coordinate projects across different industrial and academic units.

We wish both of our ERA talents an enriching stay at Treibacher!

In April 2026, CLiCAM ERA Talent, Dr. Anastasiia Novokhatska joined the PMG Ouest Coating team in Saint-Nazaire, France. During her secondment, she works on advanced coating technologies alongside Dr. Sébastien Beauvais, R&D quality manager at Ouest Coating, and actively participates in training activities aimed at plasma spray, cold spray and HVOF coating techniques.

The programme specifically examines how temperature, particle size distribution, and particle velocity of various feedstocks affect the mechanical and corrosion performance of thin coatings deposited by the cold spray process. The training programme aims to enhance coating durability by developing optimized adhesion layers.

Dye penetration testing to detect coating defects (left); Adhesion test (right)

The researchers are also addressing the technical challenge of depositing uniform, adherent thin coatings onto prototype rollers. To support this work, a series of experiments involving adhesion, penetration, corrosion and metallographic analysis is currently underway.

We wish Anastasiia a successful training full of practical skills acquired!

CLiCAM ERA talent, Assoc. Prof. Ladislav Čelko from the HPMC4I Research Group at CEITEC has started a 3-month secondment at Castolin Eutectic in Poland, as part of the CLiCAM project. After completing a mandatory safety training and an introduction to the company, he had the opportunity to participate in a welding workshop, where he learned how to work with Plasma Transfer Arc technology, he also improved his welding and hardfacing skills, and gained valuable practical tips from experienced professionals.

Through this internship, he is not only expanding his technical and practical knowledge but also strengthening his skills in project management and collaboration within an international industrial environment. This secondment represents a significant step in bridging the gap between state-of-the-art research and industrial practice, and also supports knowledge transfer between academia and industry within the CLiCAM project.

Special thanks go to Mateusz Gierek, Stefan Pławecki, Piotr Lesiak, and the whole CASTOLIN team for their warm welcome and for the opportunity to gain valuable experience in an industrial environment.

Introduction to Intellectual Property Rights for Future Innovation Leaders & Technology Transfer Awareness,” a workshop within the second cycle of the CLiCAM Innovation Leadership Programme, held on April 22–24, 2026, at Wrocław University of Science and Technology, brought together aspiring innovation leaders for an intensive, hands-on experience focused on intellectual property rights (IPR) and technology transfer.

Over three dynamic days, participants explored key topics such as patents, trademarks, and copyrights, learning how to protect and manage research outputs effectively. Interactive sessions and practical exercises covered patent drafting, ethical aspects of IP, and the use of AI tools to support innovation.

The programme also emphasized commercialization, guiding attendees through market analysis, innovation readiness levels, and real-world technology transfer strategies. Financial and legal aspects—including valuation, ROI, funding, and licensing agreements—were addressed through case studies and group activities.

The workshop concluded with sessions on design thinking and customer-focused product development, equipping participants with practical tools to turn ideas into market-ready solutions. Overall, the event fostered collaboration, knowledge exchange, and networking, inspiring participants to become future leaders in innovation.

In April, PhD. student Ewa Filipkowska from the Wrocław University of Science and Technology (dept. of Metal Forming, Welding and Metrology) where she works under supervision of Prof. Marzena Lachowicz and CLiCAM ERA talent Dr. Paweł Sokołowski, joined FunGlass team to collaborate on her research project. We had the pleasure to support turning this hosting into a productive research stay. During the two-week secondment at FunGlass - Centre for Functional and Surface Functionalized Glass, Ewa quickly integrated into the research environment, working closely with Assoc. Prof. Amirhossein Pakseresht and Dr. Milan Parchoviansky.

The primary focus of this collaboration was a research project centered on self-healing Thermal Barrier Coatings (TBCs). These coatings are designed to autonomously repair structural damage and withstand extreme thermal environment. Key highlights of Ewa's work included mainly Material Synthesis - Ewa specialized in the preparation of composite powders utilizing advanced spray-drying techniques.

Beyond the technical milestones, the visit highlighted the importance of global scientific exchange. Reflecting on her time with FunGlass, Ewa shared: "working in such an international and collaborative setting was both inspiring and motivating."

We express our gratitude to Ewa for her dedication and we are confident that this stay may mean a lot for further cooperation.

CLiCAM ERA Talents, Dr. Rajesh Mundotia and Dr. Omid Sharifahmadian together with Dr. Rebeca Correia (Process engineer, AGC Interpane) visited AGC Technovation Centre, Charleroi, Belgium for the development of advanced multifunctional coatings (like Low-E, Self-Cleaning, wash and environment resistant) for the technical textiles. These trials were conducted in Hybrid PVD and PECVD in-line Pilot coater (manufactured by AGC Plasma) with wide range of materials and plasma process parameters. This campaign aims to gain comprehensive understanding of the coating materials and optimal process parameters for different textiles.

A very productive discussion was organized to incorporate innovative ideas towards improving the functionality of the textiles for potential applications. This specialized campaign added in-depth technical insights into next-generation thin-film coatings for technical textiles at pilot-scale operations.

We express our sincere gratitude to Dr. Hugues Wiame (Director of AGC Plasma), Dr. Philippe Roquiny (Strategic project manager AGC Plasma), Daniel Longhi and their team for organizing this valuable opportunity at AGC Technovation Centre, for their warm hospitality and exceptional technical guidance.

This advanced exposure further strengthens CLiCAM ERA Talents’ expertise in thin-film deposition technologies, supporting ongoing R&D initiatives within the CLiCAM project.

From left, Dr. Xavier Laloyaux, Dr. Hugues Wiame, Dr. Rajesh Mundotia, Dr. Philippe Roquiny, Dr. Omid Sharifahmadian and Dr. Rebeca Correia after a very productive discussion at AGC Technovation Centre, Charleroi, Belgium.

Our ERA talent Dr. Omid Sharifahmadian recently presented his study on the development of durable superhydrophobic thin films for textile surfaces, highlighting innovative approaches to achieving long-lasting water repellency for technical textiles.

During the presentation, given in the presence of Dr. Rebeca Falcao and Dr. Rajesh Mundotia, he discussed the challenges associated with creating hydrophobic coatings that maintain their performance after repeated washing and mechanical stress.

By carefully engineering the surface structure and chemistry, the coatings aim to provide strong water repellency while remaining stable during real-world applications. To enable future industrial implementation, the project also explores the use of Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) as a scalable method for coating deposition. PECVD offers precise control over thin-film formation and allows uniform coatings to be applied to complex textile substrates while preserving their flexibility and structural integrity.

The ongoing training aims to bridge the gap between laboratory-scale development and industrial application by designing robust, scalable superhydrophobic coatings suitable for next-generation functional textiles, including protective clothing, outdoor fabrics, and self-cleaning materials.

Join us in the upcoming workshop titled: “CLiCAM ILP Research Projects Development & Building Capacities”

Date: March 18–20, 2026 
Location: CEITEC BUT, Purkyňova 123, Brno, 612 00, Czechia

Tailored for researchers and innovation leaders, this event focuses on refining essential skills in grant development, project management as well as improvement of professional talent.

Programme Overview

Day No.1 – Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Research Projects Development and Management
Delivered by Zuzana Reptová

• 14:00 - 14:20 Welcome, Introduction and Objectives

• 14:20 - 16:25 Grant Proposal Development - Research Grant Application Fundamentals

• 16:35 - 18:00 Academic/Technical Writing for Creating a Competitive Proposal

Day No.2 – Thursday, March 19, 2026

Research Projects Development and Management (morning session)
Delivered by Zuzana Reptová

• 08:30 - 10:00 Project Planning

• 10:10 - 11:20 Planning for Impact

• 11:30 - 12:45 Fundamentals of Research Project Management

Building Capacities for Sustainable Innovation (afternoon session)
Delivered by Gabriela Čičmancová

• 14:00 - 14:15 Introduction of the instructor, event overview. Objectives and expected outcomes

• 14:15 - 15:15 Engaging Employees: Talent Management for Innovation I (Recruiting People for Research)

• 15:25 - 16:25 Engaging Employees: Talent Management for Innovation II (Development and Retention of People)

• 16:35 - 18:00 Engaging Employees: Talent Management for Innovation III (Learning, Diversity, Intercultural Collaboration)

Day No.3 – Friday, March 20, 2026

Building Capacities for Sustainable Innovation
Delivered by Zuzana Reptová

• 08:30 - 10:30 R&I Policy Landscape

• 10:40 - 11:30 Transnational Funding Scheme

Meet the Lecturers

• Zuzana Reptová – Project consultant at Addsen with expertise in Horizon Europe, ERC, and MSCA funding. Former NCP and national expert in R&I programme committees.

• Gabriela Čičmancová – HR leader and consultant with 20+ years of international experience, specializing in HR transformation, talent development, and people strategy.

‍This training programme offers a unique opportunity to strengthen your research and innovation skills while networking with experts in the field.

Target Audience:

ERA Talents, researchers, industry professionals, entrepreneurs, and anybody who is interested in provided topics

Download the agenda here!

See you in Brno from March 18–20, 2026!

REGISTER HERE