On 29 and 30 October 2026, two scientific webinars took place at the FunGlass Centre of Alexander Dubček University of Trenčín and online, with support from the CLiCAM project. The webinars explored how ellipsometry is used to characterise thin films and coatings and how artificial intelligence can support research and manufacturing in refractory ceramics.
Ellipsometry for thin films and coatings
On 29 October, Dr. Yolanda Castro Martín from the Institute of Ceramics and Glass (ICV-CSIC, Spain) introduced the principles of ellipsometry and explained how it can be used to measure thin-film thickness and determine the optical properties of coatings. The webinar followed a two-day hands-on training course at FunGlass, where participants worked with ellipsometry measurements and learned how to model and interpret the data.
Artificial intelligence in refractory ceramics
On 30 October, Prof. Shengli Jin from the Institute of Digital and Ecological High Temperature Materials (I-D-E-M) at Wuhan University of Science and Technology, China, presented applications of AI in refractory ceramics research. The webinar covered how AI can help researchers design and optimise materials, monitor manufacturing processes and use digital twins to model industrial furnaces.
CLiCAM thanks both speakers for sharing their expertise and everyone who joined the webinars in Trenčín and online.
