FunGlass Researchers Participate in EMERGE EU Advanced Materials Networking Visit

FunGlass proudly announces the participation of Ali Talimian and Rana Surjyakanta in the  EMERGE‑EU Networking Visit for Emerging Researchers in Advanced Materials, held in Brussels and Ghent from 21 to 23 January 2026. This international programme brought together early-career researchers from across Europe to strengthen connections with the EU research and innovation ecosystem and to explore new frontiers in advanced materials research. FunGlass warmly acknowledges and appreciates the Slovak Liaison Office for Research and Development (SLORD) for facilitating and supporting our researchers’ participation.

The Brussels-based sessions offered a comprehensive overview of Horizon Europe funding opportunities, including ERC, COST, and EIC programmes. Expert presentations addressed scientific career development, proposal preparation, and strategic research pathways. Participants also engaged in matchmaking and peer‑exchange activities designed to foster collaboration across institutions and disciplines. These discussions supported FunGlass’s ongoing work by providing valuable insights that will further enable activities within the AI-assisted material discovery efforts of the GlaScratchResistance project. The programme also opened new avenues for partnerships, reinforcing FunGlass’s commitment to expanding its international research network and enhancing the impact of its scientific activities.

The study visit concluded at Ghent University, where participants met with the Research Coordination Office and toured state-of-the-art advanced materials laboratories at the Department of Chemistry. The visit offered firsthand exposure to cutting-edge research infrastructure and enabled technical exchanges with experts in materials chemistry and synthesis. FunGlass extends its appreciation to the Ghent University teams for their warm reception, insightful discussions, and the guided laboratory tour.

Through this engagement, Ali Talimian and Rana Surjyakanta return with strengthened networks, new perspectives on European funding opportunities, and concrete ideas for future collaborative initiatives that will contribute to impactful research outcomes within the European advanced materials.