Program Development Professors and Supervisors in Slovakia

Zsuzsanna TóthView profile

Associate Professor

J. Selye UniversitySlovakia

Zsuzsanna Tóth serves as an Associate Professor at the Department of Economics and Management within the Faculty of Economics and Informatics at J. Selye University in Komárno, Slovakia. With a PhD in Economics and Management, she has established herself as a dedicated academic specializing in cross-cultural business behavior and international business ethics. Dr. Tóth earned her undergraduate degree in Hungarian and English Language from Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra (1992-1997), followed by doctoral studies on 'Business Behavior Characteristics in Various Cultures – Exploring Some Specifics of Slovak and Hungarian' (2016-2019). Her academic career began in secondary education before transitioning to higher education at J. Selye University in 2011. Her research focuses on the intersection of cultural contexts and business practices, with particular expertise in Slovak and Hungarian business environments. Dr. Tóth has published extensively on cross-cultural business behavior, organizational management, and the impact of globalization on business ethics. Her recent work has expanded into digital marketing domains, examining social media's influence on consumer behavior and health lifestyle campaigns. Analysis of her publication trends reveals a consistent focus on Central European business contexts with increasing attention to digital platforms and their economic implications. Her work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications in business management, demonstrating relevance to both academic and professional audiences. Dr. Tóth maintains active research collaborations with international scholars, as evidenced by her co-authored publications with researchers from Malaysia and other countries. Her teaching approach incorporates innovative methods, including playful interaction techniques to enhance student engagement in economics and management education.

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Anna PrnováView profile

Researcher

Alexander Dubček University of TrenčínSlovakia

Anna Prnová, PhD is a dedicated researcher at the Joint Glass Centre (Vitrum Laugaricio – VILA) within Alexander Dubček University of Trenčín, Slovakia. Her work focuses on advanced glass and ceramic materials, with particular expertise in glass-ceramics, thermal analysis, and crystallization kinetics. Dr. Prnová actively contributes to both national and international research projects while supervising doctoral students in the field of inorganic technologies and materials science. Dr. Prnová's educational background includes: PhD in Inorganic Technology and Materials Science (2008) from Alexander Dubček University of Trenčín, Faculty of Industrial Technologies Púchov, with research focused on transparent ceramics and glass ceramics materials on the Al 2 O 3 base Master's degree in Analytical Chemistry (1995) from Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Faculty of Technical and Food Technology Her research interests span analytical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and specialized glass science. Dr. Prnová has developed significant expertise in glass, ceramics and glass-ceramics material preparation and characterization, with particular focus on thermal analysis and the study of thermal behavior and kinetics of crystallization of glasses. Her work bridges fundamental materials science with practical applications in lighting, composites, and advanced functional materials. Dr. Prnová's publication record demonstrates consistent contributions to high-impact journals in materials science, with particular emphasis on aluminate-based glass systems, crystallization processes, and structure-property relationships. Her research shows a clear trajectory from fundamental glass science toward applications in functional materials, phosphors, and advanced composites, with recurring themes in thermal behavior analysis and microstructural control of glass-ceramic systems. Her notable scientific recognitions include: Member of the "Scientific Team of the Year" awarded by the President of Slovak Republic (2008) Fulbright Scholarship from the US government (2015) She is also an active member of the Slovak Glass Society, Slovak Sillicate Society, and Fulbright Alumni Association. As a supervisor of PhD students, Dr. Prnová guides doctoral candidates through their research in inorganic technologies and materials. She serves as Study Advisor for Foreign Students and teaches specialized modules including Atom Structure and Chemical Bond Theory, Chemistry, Thermochemistry and Chemical Kinetics, and Thermal Analysis. Her research is supported by multiple significant grants: Principal Investigator for OPEN MOBILITY project on aluminate glasses with optical properties (2023-2024) Principal Investigator for APVV 19-0010 project on advanced eutectic materials (2020-2024) Member of research teams for multiple VEGA projects on glass and glass-ceramic materials (2020-2024) Participant in SAS-MOST project on bioactive surface engineering (2023-2026) Responsible person for Fulbright scholar program on glass structure (2023) Dr. Prnová is integral to the Joint Glass Centre (VILA), which represents a significant collaboration between Alexander Dubček University of Trenčín and international partners including Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, and Università degli Studi di Padova. This center, supported by the European Union's Horizon 2020 program, provides state-of-the-art facilities for glass research and development.

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Monika MichálkováView profile

Researcher

Alexander Dubček University of TrenčínSlovakia

Monika Michálková, PhD, is a Researcher at the Department of Glass Processing within the Joint Glass Centre (Vitrum Laugaricio – VILA) at Alexander Dubček University of Trenčín. Her work focuses on advanced ceramic materials development through European and national projects including Horizon 2020's FunGlass and multiple VEGA/APVV grants. Her research spans transparent ceramics, glass-ceramics, and ceramic composites with emphasis on viscous flow sintering, corrosion mechanisms, and graphene integration. Key projects include Sciex NMS (as project leader for Si3N4/CNF composites) and VEGA 2/0028/21 on ion-exchange strengthened glass-ceramics. Analysis of her publications reveals specialization in YAG systems, alumina processing, and nanocomposite reinforcement, with significant contributions to low-temperature sintering techniques and mechanical property optimization. Her work consistently targets high-impact applications in lighting, structural components, and energy-efficient technologies. Scientific Awards: 2021: Slovak Ministry of Education Award for Science Team of the Year (ceramic-graphene composites) She serves as PhD supervisor in the university's doctoral program for Inorganic Technologies and Materials, with research stays at EMPA Switzerland (2016-2017) and University of Muenster (2011). Her professional activities include secretary of the Slovak Glass Society and membership in the Slovak Silicate Society. Current projects involve Horizon Europe's CLiCAM and EVERGLASS initiatives focusing on sustainable glass-ceramic development.

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Ashokraja ChandrasekarView profile

Researcher

Alexander Dubček University of TrenčínSlovakia

Ashokraja Chandrasekar serves as a Researcher in the Department of Coating Processes at Alexander Dubček University of Trenčín, Slovakia, within the Joint Glass Centre (Vitrum Laugaricio – VILA). His work is integral to the FunGlass Centre for Functional and Surface Functionalized Glass, funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 program. His research focuses on biomedical applications of advanced materials , particularly sol-gel coatings, surface modification of metals, and bioactive glasses. Key areas include: Development of reduced graphene oxide-bioactive glass nanocomposites Electrophoretic deposition techniques for biomedical implants Antimicrobial properties of silver nanoparticles Nanomaterial synthesis for dentistry and orthopedic applications His publication trends reveal a strong emphasis on biocompatible coatings for metallic implants (2014-2022), with recent work advancing hybrid materials for enhanced osseointegration and infection resistance. Key scientific recognition includes: CSIR-Research Associate fellowship (2020) CSIR-Senior Research Fellowship (2018) UGC DAE CSR Project Assistant role (2014) He actively contributes to the Slovak Silicate Society (since 2022) and previously held NACE Student Membership (2015-2018). His collaborative network spans international partners including Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, and Università degli Studi di Padova through Horizon 2020 projects.

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Dušan GalusekView profile

Professor

Alexander Dubček University of TrenčínSlovakia

Professor Dušan Galusek is the Director of FunGlass (Centre for Functional and Surface-Functionalized Glass) and Head of the VILA Department (Joint Glass Centre) at Alexander Dubček University of Trenčín in Slovakia. With a career spanning over three decades, he has established himself as a leading expert in advanced ceramics, glass materials, and biomaterials research. His primary research interests include: Advanced ceramic materials and composites Transparent oxide ceramics Metal-organic preceramic precursors Aluminate glasses Bioactive materials Corrosion and corrosion protection Professor Galusek's recent publication record demonstrates exceptional activity across multiple domains of materials science. His work spans fundamental materials research to practical applications in environmental engineering, biomedical devices, and protective coatings. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on glass-ceramic composites, transparent ceramics, and bioactive materials, with significant contributions to both theoretical understanding and practical implementations. His research shows particularly strong activity in developing advanced glass and ceramic materials for environmental applications, biomedical uses, and high-temperature protection systems. His scientific achievements have been recognized with several prestigious awards: Scientist of the Year of the Slovak Republic (2020) Fellow of the European Ceramic Society (2022) ESET Scientist of the Year finalist (2023) Prize of the Slovak Academy of Sciences for building research infrastructure (2023) As an academic leader, Professor Galusek serves as the head of the doctoral program in 'Inorganic technologies and materials' at Alexander Dubček University of Trenčín. He supervises PhD students and teaches profile subjects including 'Inorganic technologies and materials I and II,' covering fundamentals of inorganic materials technology and engineering ceramics. His extensive grant portfolio demonstrates strong leadership in securing competitive research funding at national and international levels, including multiple Horizon Europe projects. Professor Galusek oversees research facilities at the FunGlass Centre, which includes state-of-the-art equipment for glass and ceramic processing, characterization, and testing. His research group maintains active collaborations with institutions across Europe, including Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, and Università degli Studi di Padova.

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Zuzana NeščákováView profile

Researcher

Alexander Dubček University of TrenčínSlovakia

Zuzana Neščáková is a Researcher at the Department of Biomaterials within the FunGlass Centre (Centre for Functional and Surface Functionalized Glass) at Alexander Dubček University of Trenčín, Slovakia. Her work bridges biomaterials science and biomedical applications through interdisciplinary collaboration. Education: PhD (2015): Comenius University in Bratislava, Faculty of Natural Sciences (Slovak Academy of Sciences Institute of Chemistry), thesis on immune response to Candida albicans glycoconjugates RNDr. (2011): Comenius University in Bratislava, Faculty of Natural Sciences, thesis on Candida albicans mannan characterization MSc (2008): Comenius University in Bratislava, Faculty of Natural Sciences, thesis on CR3-RP protein in Candida adherence Bc (2006): Comenius University in Bratislava, Faculty of Natural Sciences, thesis on Candida virulence factors Research Interests: Dr. Neščáková specializes in biomaterials development for regenerative medicine and drug delivery systems , with core expertise in biocompatibility , biodegradability , and bioactivity assessment. Her work integrates immunology and microbiology to evaluate cell-material interactions including cytocompatibility, antibacterial properties, and tissue-specific responses (osteogenic/angiogenic activity). Current focus includes surface-functionalized glasses for hard/soft tissue regeneration. Research Trends: Analysis of her publications reveals consistent focus on Candida-derived mannans for therapeutic applications, spanning immunomodulation, lipid metabolism, and vaccine development. Her work demonstrates strong translational potential in medical mycology and biomaterials science, with methodology emphasizing in vivo models and polymer characterization. Scientific Recognition: Member of Czechoslovak Society for Microbiology (ČSSM) Member of Slovak Immunological Society (SIMS) within European Federation of Immunological Societies (EFIS) Mentorship and Funding: As PhD supervisor in the 'Inorganic technologies and materials' program, she guides doctoral candidates in biomaterials research. She serves as investigator for Horizon 2020 FunGlass project (2017-2024) and VEGA national grant 1/0431/18, with international collaborations spanning Erlangen-Nuremberg, Barcelona, and Novosibirsk institutions. Research Environment: Works within the Department of Biomaterials at FunGlass Centre, leveraging advanced characterization facilities for biomaterial development. Collaborates with European partners including Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, and Università degli Studi di Padova through the Horizon 2020 network.

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Ali NajafzadehView profile

Researcher

Alexander Dubček University of TrenčínSlovakia

Dr. Ali Najafzadeh is a Researcher at the Joint Glass Centre (Vitrum Laugaricio – VILA), affiliated with Alexander Dubček University of Trenčín in Slovakia. His work focuses on advanced ceramic materials, composites, and high-temperature applications. He actively participates in multiple national and international research projects and has established collaborations with institutions across Europe. Dr. Najafzadeh's educational background includes: PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from Semnan University, Iran (2015) MSc in Composite Materials Engineering from MUT, Tehran, Iran (2009) His primary research interests center around layered ceramics, eutectic materials, mechanical characterization, and advanced processing techniques. Dr. Najafzadeh specializes in developing innovative ceramic composites with enhanced mechanical properties for high-temperature applications. His work bridges fundamental materials science with practical engineering solutions, particularly in the areas of gel-casting processes and nanoindentation-induced deformation analysis. He applies finite element simulation to understand complex mechanical behaviors in brittle materials. Dr. Najafzadeh's publication record demonstrates consistent contributions to the field of advanced ceramics, with a focus on transparent ceramics, eutectic systems, and refractory composites. His research shows an evolution from fundamental studies of W-ZrC composites toward more sophisticated multi-layer ceramic designs and high-temperature applications. Recent work emphasizes translucency, mechanical robustness, and novel fabrication techniques like spark plasma sintering. His scientific achievements include: JECS TRUST programme at Montanuniversität Leoben, Austria (2023) Short-term training at Universidad de Sevilla, Spain (2022) Research Fellow at Institute of Materials Research, Slovak Academy of Sciences (2019-2020) National Scholarship Program of the Slovak Republic (2019) Top Ph.D. student at Semnan University, Iran (2015) Dr. Najafzadeh serves as Principal Investigator for the NextGenerationEU project "Design, analysis and mechanical characterization of laminar ceramics" (2024-2026) and has contributed to numerous other significant grants including Horizon 2020, APVV, and VEGA projects. His teaching responsibilities include doctoral courses in colloidal chemistry and colloidal systems. He is an active member of several professional societies including the European Ceramic Society, American Ceramic Society, Slovak Silicate Society, and Slovak Glass Society. Dr. Najafzadeh collaborates with research teams across Europe through the FunGlass Centre, which includes partners from Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, and Università degli Studi di Padova. His work contributes to the Centre's mission of advancing functional and surface functionalized glass technologies.

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Alfredo Daniel SanchezView profile

Researcher

Alexander Dubček University of TrenčínSlovakia

Alfredo Daniel Sanchez, PhD, is a Researcher at the Joint Glass Centre (Vitrum Laugaricio – VILA) within the FunGlass Centre for Functional and Surface Functionalized Glass at Alexander Dubček University of Trenčín, Slovakia. He joined in January 2025 after serving as a Researcher at ICFO – The Institute of Photonic Sciences from January 2021 to December 2024. Education Sc. and M.Sc. in Physics from Universidad de Buenos Aires and CIBION, Argentina (2015). Thesis: Synthesis and Modeling of the Optical Properties of Gold Nanorods. PhD in Engineering from Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina. Thesis: Nonlinear effect in waveguides in the infrared region. Research Interests Dr. Sanchez's work spans Physics , Optics , and Nanomaterials , with core expertise in nonlinear optics , plasmonics , and computational modeling . His research focuses on waveguide nonlinearities, metal nanoparticle interactions, and GPU-accelerated simulations of electromagnetic phenomena. He develops theoretical frameworks for ultrafast optical processes and applies parallel computing to solve complex photonics problems. Publication Trends His 15 most recent publications (2020-2024) reveal a cohesive research program centered on nonlinear optical phenomena in waveguides and nanomaterials. Key themes include modulation instability mechanisms, optical parametric oscillator dynamics, and computational tools for second-harmonic generation. The work bridges theoretical modeling (e.g., photon-conserving nonlinear Schrödinger equations) with practical applications in nuclear waste immobilization and plasmonic biosensing, demonstrating interdisciplinary impact across photonics, materials science, and nuclear engineering. Scientific Awards PhD Scholarship by CONICET (April 2016) Best Poster at NANOINTI Conference (June 2013) Advising and Grants Dr. Sanchez has served as a reviewer for Optica Publishing Group (8 articles) and Physical Review (2 articles). His research is supported by the Horizon 2020 FunGlass project (grant agreement Nº739566), indicating significant European funding. While specific grant leadership isn't detailed, his involvement in multi-institutional projects demonstrates collaborative grant execution capabilities. Labs and Teams He operates within the Joint Glass Centre at Alexander Dubček University, a hub for glass science research under the FunGlass Centre. This unit maintains strategic partnerships with Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, and Università degli Studi di Padova, facilitating cross-border research in functional glass materials.

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Ondrej LukáčView profile

Associate Professor

Slovak University of Agriculture in NitraSlovakia

Assoc. Prof. Ondrej Lukáč, PhD. serves as Associate Professor at the Department of Electrical Engineering, Automation, Informatics and Physics within the Faculty of Engineering at Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra (SUA). His academic profile demonstrates active engagement in both teaching and research within engineering disciplines. Research Interests: Dr. Lukáč specializes in control systems engineering with particular expertise in modeling and simulation of dynamic systems , fuzzy logic control applications , and measurement technology . His work bridges theoretical control algorithms with practical agricultural and industrial applications, focusing on technological process optimization through advanced control methodologies. Teaching Portfolio: For the upcoming 2025/2026 academic year, he teaches five courses including Automation (T15-0036-B), Electrical Regulations (T15-0041-I), and Innovative Methods for Setting Control Circuits for doctoral students (PHD_M101_N). His teaching spans undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels, emphasizing practical implementation of control systems. Current Research Projects: Development of new composite materials and diagnostics (2024-2026) Implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies into engineering education (2021-2023) Multimedia support for engineering study programs (2014-2016, as guarantor) Multiple Erasmus+ initiatives focusing on digital farming and virtual reality applications Habilitation Thesis: Successfully defended work titled "Modeling and Simulation of Control Circuits" which integrates research on measurement systems, control algorithms, and dynamic system modeling. The thesis presents experimental results including laser navigation for mobile robots, DC motor simulation, heat exchanger modeling, and universal digital controller design.

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Zuzana KapsdorferováView profile

Professor

Slovak University of Agriculture in NitraSlovakia

Professor Zuzana Kapsdorferová serves as Professor and Head of the Department of Economics and Management at the Faculty of Economics and Management, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra. With identification number 1517, she maintains an active academic presence with office AS_2_204 and consulting hours on Fridays from 8:00-10:00. Her university email is zuzana.kapsdorferova@uniag.sk and office phone number is +421 37 641 4131. Her research portfolio demonstrates significant expertise in sustainable economic practices with particular focus on Quality Management Systems , Food Quality Management , Corporate Social Responsibility , and Food Waste Reduction . Professor Kapsdorferová's work addresses critical contemporary challenges in agri-food systems, including crisis management, circular economy transitions, and sustainable business practices across Visegrad countries. Current Research Focus Areas: Sustainable food systems and agricultural innovation Quality management implementation in food production Corporate social responsibility frameworks Food waste reduction strategies Crisis management in business environments Circular economy transitions Professor Kapsdorferová leads numerous international research initiatives with substantial funding from European programs. Her supervision of over 150 theses demonstrates her significant contribution to academic development across bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. She actively teaches courses including Environmental Management, Quality Management, Food Quality Management, and Project Management for the 2025/2026 academic year across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.

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Teun J DekkerView profile

Professor

Bratislava International School of Liberal ArtsSlovakia

Teun J Dekker serves as Professor of Liberal Arts and Sciences Education at University College Maastricht, where he previously held the position of Vice-Dean of Academic Affairs from 2011 to 2018. His professional trajectory includes a Senior Policy Advisor role at the Dutch Ministry of Education (2016-17) and research continuity at Yale University following his Oxford doctorate. Academic credentials include: Bachelors' degree in Social Sciences and Humanities (double major) from University College Utrecht Master’s and Doctorate in Political Theory from St Antony’s College, Oxford University His research program critically examines the structural foundations of European liberal arts and sciences education, emphasizing its socioeconomic impact and civic dimensions. This builds upon his foundational work in desert-based distributive justice theories developed during graduate studies, reflecting an interdisciplinary bridge between political philosophy and educational policy. Key professional recognition: Karl M. Loewenstein Fellow of Political Science and Jurisprudence at Amherst College (2012) Dekker actively advances European liberal education through policy consultancy, leveraging his governmental advisory experience to influence higher education quality frameworks. His work integrates theoretical political philosophy with practical institutional development, positioning him at the nexus of academic research and educational reform.

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Bert van den BrinkView profile

Professor

Bratislava International School of Liberal ArtsSlovakia

Bert van den Brink serves as Dean of University College Roosevelt (UCR) in Middelburg, Netherlands since 2016 and holds a professorship in Political and Social Philosophy at Utrecht University, where UCR operates as its international honors college offering Liberal Arts and Sciences curriculum. His research spans Political and Social Philosophy with concentrated work on liberalism's normative foundations, social justice frameworks, democratic theory, and pluralism's ethical dimensions. In Higher Education , he pioneers integrative approaches linking Liberal Arts education to societal challenges, student personal development, engaged global citizenship, and interdisciplinary collaboration across natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. Van den Brink possesses extensive expertise in academic quality assurance and program accreditation across all higher education levels. His scholarly contributions include numerous journal articles alongside seminal books such as Recognition and Power (co-edited with David Owen, Oxford University Press 2007/2010) and The Tragedy of Liberalism (SUNY Press 2000).

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