Matej Baláž

Matej Baláž is an independent researcher and vice-head of the Department of Mechanochemistry at the Slovak Academy of Sciences. His work focuses on mechanochemistry, particularly high-energy ball milling for synthesizing nanocrystalline materials and repurposing eggshell waste. As a leader in environmentally friendly solid-state chemistry, he has gained national and international recognition.

• Education: Graduated in Chemistry (2011) from Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Slovakia; PhD in Metallurgy (2015) at the Institute of Geotechnics, Slovak Academy of Sciences.

Baláž specializes in solvent-free, one-step production of metal chalcogenides and silver nanoparticles using ball milling. His research aims to replace traditional solution-based chemistry methods with eco-friendly alternatives, eliminating toxic solvents, external heating, or pressure.

His research trends span mechanochemical synthesis, nanomaterials for biomedical and industrial applications, and sustainable waste management. He has delivered invited lectures in the USA, Italy, France, and served as a lecturer at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Kazakhstan.

• Scientific Awards
  • Ranked in 'Top 30 under 30 Slovaks' (Category: Science, 2016)
  • Winner of 'Young Researcher of Slovak Academy of Sciences under 35 years' (2016)
  • Winner of 'Scientist of the Year 2018' (Category: Young Researcher, Slovakia, 2018)
  • 3rd Place in Falling Walls Lab Slovakia (2020)
  • Finalist of ESET Science Award (Category: Exceptional Young Scientist, 2021)
  • Award for Science Popularization by Slovak Academy of Sciences (2021)

Baláž actively engages in international collaborations, serving as Short-term Scientific Missions coordinator and Task Force leader in the COST Action CA18112: Mechanochemistry for Sustainable Industry.