Recognising the continuing need for high-quality research in composite materials, the European Union (EU)-funded project CEMCAST sought to advance the research potential of Lublin University of Technology's Centre for Modern Composite Materials (CMCM) in Poland, and place Europe firmly on the map as a pioneer in this field.

The CEMCAST project has yielded significant results. It has propelled the CMCM into becoming a leading research centre in Eastern Europe in the fields of aviation and transport, by upgrading the quality of research, modernising its research equipment and facilitating the development and testing of the very latest in composite materials.   

In addition, the project team helped strengthen the Centre’s international visibility and competitiveness in the modelling and experimental testing of composite materials and their application to means of transport, pavements and airfields.

“The CEMCAST researchers increased the research potential of the Lublin area and provided well-trained staff for the regional industry. As a result, the region is now more competitive in applying for EU structural funds”, says project coordinator Tomasz Sadowski, Head of the Solid Mechanics Department at Lublin University of Technology.

Another key aspect of the project was its international nature. Young scientists were trained by partners and researchers of the participating institutions in order to become leading figures in the field of composite materials. Cooperation with foreign researchers and participation in international conferences provided the young staff with a global understanding of the field and with the ability to propose and materialise new projects. “The training of such highly qualified staff is an important result of the project,” adds Sadowski.  

Unlocking the full research potential of Lublin University of Technology's CMCM holds great benefits for European citizens. The application of the project research results to engineering problems in aerospace and surface transport infrastructure is essential to developing a safer and smarter European transport system.  

The European support was crucial not only for Lublin University of Technology, but also for the entire Lublin region. “The middle-eastern part of Poland – where Lublin is located – is a less favoured region compared to middle and western parts of Poland and the work of the CEMCAST project created a good base for reducing these differences,” concludes Sadowski