The third edition of GlaCerHub Melting Days, held on 24–25 June 2026, at Hotel Magnolia in Piešťany, once again demonstrated that innovation begins with people. Bringing together researchers, innovators, research managers and innovation professionals from academia and industry, the event created a vibrant environment for exchanging ideas, building new collaborations and exploring future opportunities within the European research and innovation ecosystem.

More than just a conference, Melting Days offered participants an open, welcoming and inspiring atmosphere where conversations continued beyond the presentations—during networking sessions, coffee breaks and interactive matchmaking activities. The event successfully fostered new connections while strengthening existing partnerships across disciplines and sectors.

Networking at the Heart of the Event

A defining feature of this year's Melting Days was its strong emphasis on networking. Through structured matchmaking activities, short participant presentations and collaborative group sessions, attendees had the opportunity to introduce their expertise, identify complementary interests and initiate discussions that may evolve into future research projects and innovation partnerships.

The informal yet professionally organized setting encouraged active participation, making it easy for newcomers and long-standing collaborators alike to engage in meaningful dialogue.

Inspiring Talks on Innovation and European Collaboration

The second day opened with welcoming remarks by Dušan Galusek, GlaCerHub Principal Investigator and Director of the FunGlass Centre, who highlighted the importance of collaboration in advancing excellence in materials research and innovation.

The programme featured a series of insightful presentations addressing different aspects of research, innovation and technology transfer:

• Andrej Dočár, GlaCerHub Innovation Chair, introduced the Innovation Talk, emphasizing the role of innovation management within research excellence.
• Ronan McHale (CPI, United Kingdom) presented "CPI – Overview and Perspective on the Approach to the Wider EU Innovation Ecosystem from a UK RTO," offering valuable insights into how research and technology organisations contribute to European innovation.
• Marc Domínguez (INVENIAM) shared practical experience in "From Research Idea to an Investor-Ready Startup: Lessons from a Real Case," demonstrating how scientific discoveries can successfully progress toward commercialization.
• Zuzana Reptová, former National Contact Point for Horizon Europe at CVTI SR, delivered an engaging session titled "Network Like a Pro: Matchmaking for Horizon," providing participants with practical strategies for building successful international collaborations.
• Tomáš Michalek, Head of Unit for Research Infrastructures at the Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic, discussed the strategic development of research infrastructures in his presentation "Roadmap of Research Infrastructure – A Strategic Transition Toward European Excellence, Integration, and Sustainable Funding."

The event concluded with a forward-looking session, "What's Next? GlaCerHub Future," presented by Peter Hošták, Head of the GlaCerHub Office at the FunGlass Centre, outlining upcoming initiatives and future opportunities within the GlaCerHub community.

Looking Ahead

The third edition of GlaCerHub Melting Days confirmed that meaningful collaboration thrives when experts from diverse backgrounds come together in an open and supportive environment.

As GlaCerHub continues to strengthen connections between academia, industry and innovation stakeholders across Europe, Melting Days remains an important platform for creating opportunities that extend well beyond the event itself.

We thank all speakers, participants and organizers for making the 3rd GlaCerHub Melting Days another memorable and successful gathering. We look forward to welcoming everyone again next year for new ideas, new collaborations and even more opportunities to shape the future of research and innovation together.

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