Jakub Smoleń is the winner of the prestigious NCBR LIDER program – an innovative project for sustainable composite production
We are pleased to announce that Jakub Smoleń has received funding under the prestigious LIDER program, implemented by the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR). As part of the project "Assessment of Feasibility and Development of Guidelines for Achieving a Closed Material Cycle in the Production of Polymer-Fiber Prepregs," funding of PLN 1,651,267.50 was awarded for a period of 36 months.
The project focuses on developing an innovative technology for the production of polymer-fiber prepregs in a closed material cycle, using shredded composite waste as a valuable secondary raw material. The proposed solution responds to the growing industry needs for waste minimization and increased material efficiency, aligning with the circular economy (CE) strategy.
The research team implementing the project includes renowned specialists from leading research centers:
- Hanna Myalska-Głowacka, PhD, Eng., and Piotr Olesik, PhD, Eng., Silesian University of Technology (Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering).
- Dr. Eng. Marcin Godzierz and Dr. Paweł Chaber – Center of Polymer and Carbon Materials of the Polish Academy of Sciences
- Dr. Joanna Ludwiczak – Wrocław University of Science and Technology
The team combines expertise in materials science, polymer chemistry, composite technology, and application research. This interdisciplinary collaboration enables a comprehensive approach to issues related to materials design, recycling, and assessing the implementation potential of new technologies.
On June 17, 2025, during the LIDER program gala, attended by representatives of government administration and the scientific community, the winners received commemorative diplomas and symbolic checks. The event was honored by the presence of:
- Dr. Marcin Kulasek – Minister of Science and Higher Education
- Prof. Marek Gzik – Deputy Minister of Science
- and Prof. Dr. hab. Eng. Jerzy Małachowski – Director of the National Centre for Research and Development
The project has the potential to become an important step towards the sustainable development of the materials industry, offering real solutions for managing difficult-to-process composite waste and building more ecological value chains.
