Tomas Šalkus

Tomas Šalkus is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Applied Electrodynamics and Telecommunications within Vilnius University's Faculty of Physics. His research focuses on solid-state ionics and advanced ceramics for energy applications, particularly fuel cells and batteries. He leads the bachelor's program in Electronics and Telecommunication Technologies and serves on the Faculty Council.

His core research investigates ionic transport mechanisms in ceramic materials using impedance spectroscopy. Key interests include developing novel solid electrolytes for sodium-ion batteries, optimizing proton-conducting ceramics for fuel cells, and characterizing structural changes in energy materials under operational conditions. Recent work explores manganese-based phosphates and silver-doped chalcogenides for improved electrochemical performance.

Dr. Šalkus has led several international research collaborations, including projects with Belarus and France focusing on lithium/oxygen conducting ceramics and solid electrolytes. His group studies grain boundary effects and degradation mechanisms in energy materials using advanced characterization techniques.

Honors include:

• Young Scientist Fellowship, Lithuanian Academy of Sciences (2011-2012, 2014-2015)
• Young Scientist Award, Lithuanian Academy of Sciences (2014)

He has supervised 1 PhD candidate (Saulius Daugėla), 1 postdoc (Vilma Kavaliukė), and 12+ bachelor/master students. Current research infrastructure includes ceramic processing facilities and impedance spectroscopy systems for broadband electrical characterization.