CUPOLA project

Members of Prof. Marcin Sajdak’s group from the Silesian University of Technology (SUT), including Agata Wawoczny, Kamil Peckh, Katarzyna Niesyto, and Rafał Gaida, currently are visiting Professor Xue Luo’s research group at Zhejiang University (ZJU) in Hangzhou, China. This journey is a component of the HORIZON MSCA Staff Exchanges programme, which is implemented by the European Union and will continue until November 2025 (HORIZON-MSCA-2021-SE-01).

During the first week of their tour, the SUT delegation and Professor Xue Luo developed a research strategy for planned experiments aiming at transforming marine plastic waste into profitable road construction additives through the use of cutting-edge technology and circular economy concepts.  The research teams also focused on how biomass-based additives might help to create sustainable road-building solutions and promote the use of varied substrate sources.

During their visit, the SUT group conducted a seminar lectures for ZJU  students. They presented international and multidisciplinary research activities, introducing the Silesian University of Technology and its development potential, sharing their scientific experience, and presenting the primary goals of their study under the CUPOLA project. They also acknowledged the contributions of the entire Polish research team.

The visit also provided new collaborative contacts with ZJU, such as discussions with Professor Pingwei Liu from the School of Chemical and Biological Engineering at ZJU about potential future scientific collaboration, executing specific experiments, writing joint publications, and building research alliances.

In their free time, the delegation explored the rich cultural and historical heritage of Hangzhou. They visited local landmarks and historical sites, learnt about the city’s traditions, and enjoyed discovering its renowned culinary scene, which further enriched their international experience.