Speakers
Marta Kosior-Kazberuk
Assoc. Prof. Marta Kosior-Kazberuk, DSc, PhD, Eng
Rector of Bialystok University of Technology, Head of Department of Building Structures.
For 25 years has been an employee of the Białystok University of Technology, Poland. Former Vice-Dean for Student Affairs, coordinator of educational projects within the Human Capital Operational Programme (increasing the potential of university as a factor in the development of knowledge-based economy) and participant of different projects within Erasmus+ KA 2. Her scientific achievements include ca. 200 publications.
Her main areas of research interests include topics related to the design of durable concrete and reinforced concrete structures, the effectiveness of material-structural protection for capillary-porous materials, the influence of active mineral additives on concrete properties, including resistance to various environmental factors. In collaboration with AGH University of Science and Technology, she conducted research on historical mortars used in the construction of hydraulic structures of the Augustów Canal. She was the Project Leader of the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBiR) project titled "Innovative Hybrid Composite FRP Reinforcement for Infrastructure with Enhanced Durability."
She is a member of the Polish Association of Civil Engineers and Technicians, the Section of Building Materials Engineering of the Committee of Civil Engineering of the Polish Academy of Sciences, and the Polish Ceramic Society. Since September 2022, she has been serving as the President of the Management Board of the Polish Academic-Industrial Forum.
Andrius Vilkauskas
Andrius Vilkauskas, PhD, Eng.
Dr Andrius Vilkauskas is the Dean at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Desing at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU). He holds a PhD in Technological Sciences, Mechanical engineering. Before serving as a dean Andrius took various positions in Defence technologies industries at Giraite Armament Factory later he was sharing his experience in NATO Industrial Advisory Group representing Lithuanian delegation as a Head of Delegation and Deputy Head. In parallel with academic activities Andrius was working in Power and District heating manufacturing industry (CHP, Combined Heat and Power Plant) taking a part in Waste to Energy plant development from the green field till commercial operations and since 2016 taking a position as a Chairman of the Board at Kaunas Cogeneration Plant. Never less he also represents research and studies competences at Engineering and Technology Industries Association of Lithuania LINPRA taking a part as a board member and since 2020 he holds Vice President position at LINPRA.
Sebastian Rynkiewicz
Sebastian Rynkiewicz, MA
President of the Centre for Promotion of Innovation and Development, Coordinator of Evoluma Industry Cluster.
Graduate of the Faculty of Law at the University of Białystok and Postgraduate Studies in European Integration at the Higher School of Public Administration in Białystok. Scholarship holder at the University of Zurich. Expert in the field of European law, international law, and European integration. Since 2016, together with the KOM team, he has been developing the Smart Super Factory 4.0 concept in a distributed system through the use of Industry 4.0 technologies with domestic and international partners. Since 2015, he has supported industry education in the Podlaskie Voivodeship, promoting industry schools and techniques for the professions and competencies needed for Industry 4.0. He is the direct originator and implementer of Smart Education for Industry 4.0. the project, whose objectives are to support filling the competence gaps of current employees of companies in the machinery industry, as well as to support dual system education of students and pupils of industry schools and techniques. For years, it has been supporting industry education by promoting innovative solutions and drawing attention to the problems of industry education in Poland by participating in symposia, conferences, debates, and discussions in the national and international arena. It also supports the scientific sphere at the tertiary level by implementing several high-tech European projects combining science and business within the Evoluma Industry Cluster.
Andrzej Czulak
Andrzej Czulak, PhD Eng.
Doctor and current Leader of the Polish Cluster of Composite Technology, Andrzej Czulak possesses over 20 years of experience in the composite technology industry. As a scientific researcher at the Technische Universität Dresden, Institute for Lightweight Engineering and Polymer Technology, and as a managing director in both Polish and German composite materials companies, he focused on designing manufacturing technologies for composite structures, including in the areas of hydrogen transportation and storage. In 2016, he founded and became the president of the Polish Composite Technology Cluster, which brings together 100 companies and institutions, and in 2021, it received the status of National Key Cluster. He is a member of the Polish Academy of Sciences Committee in the field of Materials Engineering and Metallurgy, as well as the Małopolska Innovation Council. Since 2023, he has been the President of the Małopolska Center for Innovative Hydrogen Storage and Transportation Technologies Ltd. (MCH2).
Mariusz Wasilewski
Mariusz Wasilewski
General Director of the Polish Construction Cluster.
He graduates and post-graduates of the University of Finance and Management in Bialystok.
M. Wasilewski cooperates with domestic and foreign partners, organizations and diplomatic missions; creating the image of the Polish Construction Cluster in the international arena; planning, organization and participation in trips as part of international trade fairs and economic missions of construction companies (Kazbuild - Kazachstan; BuildTech - Ukraine; BexAsia – Singapore; Bautec, Dach&Holz, Fensterbau Frontale - Germany; AquaTherm, Mosbuild – Russia; Ecobuild, Future Build – Great Britain; Batimat – France; IBS Orlando – USA; Big 5 – Dubai; Swissbau – Switzerland; Bygg Reis Deg, Eliaden – Norway; Batibouw - Belgium).
He participates as an expert in the construction industry at the national stands during the largest industry fairs in the world (on behalf of the Ministry of Development and Technology). In addition he conducts lectures / seminars on the construction sector and the offer of Polish companies on international markets (Polish, English), business meetings, construction presentations during domestic and foreign trade fairs and economic missions; organizes and conducts industry events (conferences, seminars, B2B meetings) - topics including "Foreign expansion of Polish construction companies", "Effective sale of Polish construction products on international markets". He monitors of marketing and promotional activities.
Krzysztof J. Kurzydlowski
Prof. Krzysztof J. Kurzydlowski, DSc, PhD, Eng
Prof. Krzysztof Jan Kurzydłowski is a world-renowned scientist, a pioneer in research on nanomaterials and the degradation of structural and functional materials, academic teacher, advocate of commercialization of scientific research results. Professor K.J. Kurzydłowski is a recognized scientific authority in Poland and abroad, for the next generations of scientists, the founder of scientific schools, an animator of the scientific community and the initiator of many groundbreaking research in the field of materials science and related disciplines.
Albert Langkamp
Albert Langkamp, PhD Eng.
Studies in Mechanical Engineering at the Technische Universität Clausthal
Study focus: Mechanics of materials, fatigue strength theory, design theory
1994 Diploma thesis: Contribution to the determination of the anisotropic material damping and the fatigue strength of glass-fibre reinforced polyamide 6 (PA6-GF) by means of hysteresis tensile tests.
1989 – 1994: Student assistant at the Institute of Mechanics at TU Clausthal, Department of Applied Mechanics and Mechanics of Materials
Since 1994: Research assistant at the Institute of Lightweight Engineering and Polymer Technische Universität Dresden.
2002 PhD thesis: Fracture mode-related failure models for fibre- and textile-reinforced composites with polymeric, ceramic as well as metallic matrices.
Since 2006: Managing Director of the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre for Lightweight Structures and Materials and Robust Design at the TU Dresden
Since 2017: Institute representative for cooperation with Polish research partners
Dariusz Perkowski
Assoc. Prof. Dariusz M. Perkowski, DSc, PhD, Eng.
Associate Professor of Bialystok University of Technology, since 2009 employed at Faculty of Mechanical Engineering with scientific background of mechanical engineering. Former Vice-Dean for Student Affairs. His research interests focus on manufacturing and mechanical properties of lightweight materials, innovative composite materials with various reinforcement (i.e., glass fibers, carbon fibers), also lightweight structures and fluid mechanics as well. His activities include both an experimental approach and a theoretical approach (computer simulations, mathematical calculations). He is always interested in behaviors and processes which occurs during investigations. He is a keen observer and patient teacher. Author of many publications and scientific reports, principal investigator and contractor in projects financed by National Science Center (NCN), Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) and Bialystok University of Technology. Actively cooperated with scientists from abroad. He conducted several international visit stays and internships in France (Université Paris-Sud 11), Ukraine (Pidstryhach Institute for Applied Problems of Mechanics and Mathematics), and Germany (Fraunhofer IKTS, TU Dresden). Member of Polish Society of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, Association of Polish Mechanical Engineers and Technicians and Polish Society of Composite Materials.
Giedrius Janušas
Dr. Giedrius Janusas (PhD-mechanical engineering)
Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Head of Mechanical Engineering department in Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Design and a Senate member at Kaunas University of Technology in Lithuania. He is author and coauthor of more than 50 scientific papers, monograph ‘Biomechanical microsystems: design, processing and applications’ published by Springer, 2 patents registered in the European Patent Office and 3 patents registered in the State Patent Bureau of the Republic of Lithuania. He is a member of doctoral studies committee in Mechanical Engineering at Kaunas University of Technology (Lithuania), a member of the program committee of the conference Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (USA), a member of the editorial board of the journal ‘Mechanics’, a member of the International Society for Optics and Photonics (SPIE), a member of the Management Committee of CA22123 - European Materials Acceleration Centre for Energy (EU-MACE) and a member of the Technical Committee of the Lithuanian Department of Standardisation (LST TK 98 Digital Product Passport). His fields of research interest are design and analysis of mechanical, physical, and optical properties of nano/micro structures, vibration analysis of micro and macro objects using interferometric methods, design and analysis of the 2D and 3D periodic microstructures. In 2018, G. Janusas, along with coauthors, received the Lithuanian Science Prize for their work on ‘Development of Micromechanical Systems: Research and Applications (2003-2017).
Guray Yildiz
Dr. Güray YildizWaste-to-energy/materials expert specializing in pyrolysis. He is a chemical engineer holding a PhD in Chemistry and Bioprocess Technology obtained from Ghent University (Belgium) in 2015. With sixteen years of research experience, Dr. Yildiz has been involved in multi-dimensional projects focusing on advanced process technologies for the thermochemical treatment of biomass/waste, waste-to-energy, and the production of alternative fuels. His expertise includes designing, developing, and optimizing processes for transforming (bio-)resources and downstream processing, which results in producing energy carriers, chemical building blocks, and high-value-added products from (bio-)polymeric waste materials. Dr. Yildiz has over 50 academic records, accumulating more than 1700 citations, and holds an h-index of 15. He also serves as an expert evaluator for international funding calls and a reviewer for several journals indexed in the ISI-Web of Science.
Izabela Zgłobicka
Izabela B. Zglobicka, DSc, PhD, Eng.Plenipotentiary for internationalization of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Bialystok University of Technology. She is employed at Bialystok University of Technology since 2018. Previously affiliated by Warsaw University of Technology, Faculty of Materials Science. Her scientific interests focus on bio-materials, biological matter and inspirations from Nature. She strongly believes that plants and animals have answer on every scientific questions. It is only matter of thorough re-search. Nevertheless, all starts with observation techniques, which are apple of her eyes. Expert in microscopy observations with various techniques, scanning, transmission, X-ray computed tomography and even with usage of synchrotron radiations. Holder of international internships in Norway (NIVA, Oslo) and Germany (TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Fraunhofer IKTS, Dresden). Principal investigator in international projects which involves companies and institutions abroad; contractor in several international projects.
She is curious of the world, travel lover, sees bright side of life - glass always full half. For her, impossible is nothing.
Vaiva Patamsytė
Vaiva Patamsytė, DrDr. Vaiva Patamsytė represents Innovation Agency Lithuania, operating under the Ministry of Economy and Innovation of the Republic of Lithuania. With a background in biosciences and experience across multiple industry sectors, she currently coordinates international initiatives at the ManuFuture Lab, fostering collaboration in advanced manufacturing and innovation ecosystems.
Jarosław Kozak
Jarosław Kozak
Founder and CEO of Technology Applied, one of the leading additive manufacturing companies in Poland. Associated with the industry since 2010.
Sigita Urbaitė
Dr. Sigita Urbaitė (PhD-mechanical engineering)
Sigita Urbaitė is an associate professor of mechanical engineering at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Design at Kaunas University of Technology, Lithuania. She is actively involved in research and academic activities, contributing to the advancement of materials engineering and smart technologies. The research interests focus on the design and analysis of mechanical, physical, and functional properties of advanced composites, microsystems and flexible electronics. Dr. Urbaitė is engaged in interdisciplinary and international research collaborations, participating in scientific networks and projects related to engineering materials and novel technologies. She contributes to the academic community through involvement in mechanical engineering studies, as well as participation in scientific committees and editorial activities. She has authored and co-authored over 30 scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings. Her approach is simple: strong engineering is built on careful analysis, teamwork, and a deep understanding of real-life challenges.
Tomasz Charkiewicz
Tomasz Charkiewicz
Deputy Head of Development and International Programs Department – Bialystok University of Technology (BUT). Project / Financial officer of several projects with a total value of over 60 million EUR (co -financed by UE from EFRD and ESF, including: POKL, POWER, POIŚ, POIR, POIG, RPOWP), addressed to over 20,000 participants (POKL, POWER). He is also an Expert in Horizon EU& EU Funds.
Education:
- (in progress): Master of Business and Administration: Innovation and Data Analysis;
SWPS University, Institute of Computer Science of the Polish Academy of Sciences and Woodbury School of Business UVU (USA);
- postgraduate studies: Organization and Management; Bialystok University of Technology;
- Master’s Degree: Faculty of Law – Master of Laws; University of Bialystok
Certificates:
- Prince2 Foundation Certificate in Project Management;
- AGILE PM Foundation;
- TELC Certificate in English (B1)
Giedrius Valuckas
Giedrius Valuckas
Giedrius Valuckas is an entrepreneur specializing in the fields of manufacturing, business development and business consulting. During his career Giedrius has already accumulated more than 20 years of practical experience in working with world-class corporations in the engineering industry. Many years of work in cooperation with TOP companies allowed Giedrius to master business management and business development competencies and let him form a large circle of contacts.
Eliza Biala
Eliza Biala
Eliza Biala, MSc. Arch. is a Research Associate at the Institute of Building Construction, Building Technology, and Design, Chair 2 (IBK2) at the University of Stuttgart. She manages MycoLab, (part of FuMaLab, University of Stuttgart), a unique facility, conceived from the beginning as a space that merges microbiology laboratory infrastructure with (digital) fabrication infrastructure, enabling work with mycelium-based composites at the scale of building components and easy production of building demonstrators. She is also a Workgroup Leader at CA24126 DESIGNAE - Fostering Nature-Centred BioDESIGN to Explore regenerative futures.
Before joining academia, she practised as an architect in Poland, China, South Korea and Romania. She founded Winkle Design Collective, an architectural practice with multiple built projects of cultural institutions, public spaces, and transportation infrastructure in Poland.
Agnieszka Galarowicz
Agnieszka Galarowicz
PhD candidate at AGH University of Krakow and Junior Educational Partnerships Specialist atSOLIDEXPERT, focused on cooperation with universities, research institutions, and student scientific organizations. Her PhD research explores innovation creation within the academic ecosystem and relationships between academia and its external environment. The aim of her thesis is to identify the factors influencing innovation development by students within the academic environment. She is also a graduate of the “Energy Transition Ambassadors” program conducted at AGH University of Krakow, where she expanded her knowledge in the field of renewable energy sources, energy transition, and climate change challenges.
At SOLIDEXPERT, she is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with educational partners, actively engaging new clients and supporting the development of educational initiatives. She is also actively involved in supporting the student movement and promoting science communication. With strong commitment and organizational skills, she effectively connects the needs of academia, students, and external partners.
Bogdan Dąbrowski
Bogdan Dąbrowski
As Sales Manager, I’m responsible in AMAZEMET for ultrasonic powder atomizers, compact vacuum furnace and metallic 3D printers’ sale and cooperation with international distributor’s network. My industrial experience consists of over 12 years of work as sales, product and project manager for manufacturers and distributors of metallic & plastic 3D printers, like Renishaw and EOS.
I successfully defended my PhD thesis in 2012 within area of Materials Science & Engineering at Warsaw University of Technology focusing on properties and applications of titanium-based materials for 3D porous structures.
Monika Petraite
Prof. Monika Petraite
Prof. Monika Petraite is a Full Professor and Principal Investigator of the Research Group on Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the School of Economics and Business, Kaunas University of Technology. She also serves as Director of the Global R&D Research Centre for Central Eastern Europe, where she leads initiatives at the forefront of innovation ecosystems and organizational transformation.
Her international academic engagement includes a Visiting Fellowship at UCL SSEES in innovation studies. Prof. Petraite is a founding member of the International Association of Knowledge Management and an active member of leading global networks, including International Society for Professional Innovation Management, R&D Management Society, BMDA, Globelics, and the Knowledge Economy Forum Lithuania. She also serves on the International Advisory Board of Sheffield Hallam University Business School.
Prof. Petraite acts as a national and international expert in innovation policy and entrepreneurship, contributing to strategic policy development and institutional transformation. She is the author of over 100 academic publications, including journal articles, books, and book chapters.
Bridging academia and practice, she advances innovation and organizational development through research, international consulting, and executive training. A sought-after keynote speaker, she delivers insights on innovation leadership and entrepreneurship at global platforms, including TEDx and international leadership forums.
She is particularly committed to fostering inclusive innovation ecosystems, with a strong focus on empowering youth and advancing women in leadership and entrepreneurship.
Brigita Abakevičienė
Assoc. prof. dr.Brigita Abakevičienė
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Brigita Abakevičienė holds a PhD in Applied Physics and Materials Science from Kaunas University of Technology (Lithuania) and Poitiers University (France). She works as a Senior Researcher at the Institute of Materials Science, focusing on the hydrogen fuel cells and preparation of nanocomposite coatings for antimicrobial/antiviral application. As University representative, she was elected a Deputy Chairwomen of the CERN Baltic Group in April 2022 and Chairwomen of the CERN Baltic Group in 2024. Scientific research is carried out in the fields of Materials Engineering and Physics. The research conducted in these areas falls under the R&D&I activity direction “Technologies
for a Sustainable Future”, related to Functional Materials and Technologies, and focuses on nanotechnology and alternative hydrogen energy topics. Research in this area includes the development of new technological processes, the creation of new materials, the application of research methodologies, and the use of nanotechnology in hydrogen
production, storage, and transfer processes to improve the efficiency of hydrogen energy systems.
Rafał Stanik
Rafał Stanik
Rafał Stanik is a research associate and member of the Thermoset Processing and Preforming Group at the Institute of Lightweight Engineering and Polymer Technology (ILK), Technische Universität Dresden, Germany. He studied Automatics and Robotics at the Silesian University of Technology in Gliwice, Poland. Since 2016, he has been working at ILK, focusing on manufacturing processes of thermoset FRP composites — particularly coupled field problems — as well as circular technologies including mechanical comminution and thermochemical decomposition of polymers. His approach combines experimental investigation with process modelling across both primary manufacturing and end-of-life treatment pathways. Rafal Stanik has authored and co-authored over 30 academic records, including peer-reviewed journal articles and conference contributions. He has coordinated more than 10 projects within German and international consortia, including frameworks such as M-ERA.NET, CORNET, and Horizon Europe, demonstrating strong competence in managing interdisciplinary and cross-border collaborations. His commitment lies in bridging fundamental process understanding with industrially relevant and sustainable lightweight solutions.
Bogdan Dovgyy
Benedykt Karczewski
Benedykt Karczewski
CEO of Astra Technologia Betonu, a company specializing in modern technologies for concrete construction. For years, he has been involved in the development of solutions that improve the durability, quality, and technical properties of concrete. He combines practical market experience with expertise in innovative materials used in flooring, precast concrete, and concrete structures.
Marek Jurkowski
Marek Jurkowski
Graduate of the Silesian University of Technology and a practicing civil engineer with full qualifications to design and supervise construction projects. For over 20 years, he has been associated with Schoeck, a company specializing in the implementation of innovative products and modern solutions for the construction industry. He combines design and construction experience with practical knowledge of new technologies in the construction industry.
Justas Janickas
Justas Janickas
Software Engineer at MB "Vilantis", IT consulting company specialising in AI solutions. MSc in Mathematics at Kaunas University of Technology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. Master's Thesis topic: "Development of a Neural Network for Optimal Train Power Control Using Reinforcement Learning"
Julita Krassowska
Julita Krassowska, PhD, Eng.
Julita Krassowska works as an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences at Bialystok University of Technology. Her research interests include reinforced concrete structures and alternative possibilities for replacing steel reinforcement i.e., via application of basalt fibers aNotably, her studies extended to continuous beams, where shear behavior is complex due to the interplay of both transverse forces and bending moments. She is/was a contractor in projects related to her research interest (mineral additives, non-metalic reinforcement in concrete) financed by National Science Center (NCN) and National Center for Research and Development (NCBR). She also provided expertise of basalt fiber-reinforced concrete applied in a road viaduct in Bydgoszcz. Dr. Julita Krassowska is the author of numerous structural and construction projects and has experience in construction management. She is an expert at the Institute of Innovation and Technology of Bialystok University of Technology. Strong organizational skills, precision, teamwork abilities, and communication skills are required in her line of work. She understands the importance of merging scientific work with industry, as scientific endeavors are born through close collaboration with industry and attentive consideration of issues in the composite reinforcement sector.
Łukasz Borgul
Łukasz Borgul
A graduate of the Silesian University of Technology and the University of Economics in Katowice. He is developing his expertise in the field of advanced engineering analysis, supporting technical universities and research institutes in the use of simulation technologies for the design and optimisation of products and industrial processes. With MESco since 2023, responsible for sales activities in the academic market.