On 30 October 2026, FunGlass hosted a specialised seminar and webinar entitled "Application of AI Techniques in Refractory Common Ceramics Study: A Progress in I-D-E-M – Webinar Series", featuring Prof. Shengli Jin, an internationally recognised researcher in refractory materials, digital engineering, and the application of artificial intelligence in high-temperature industries.

The programme included an on-site seminar for FunGlass PhD students and researchers, complemented by an online webinar open to the wider GlaCerHub consortium and members of the Slovak and Czech Local Chapters. This hybrid format enabled participants from different institutions and organisations to benefit from the speaker's expertise.

Exploring the Potential of Artificial Intelligence in Materials Science

Artificial intelligence is increasingly transforming materials science by accelerating research, improving manufacturing efficiency, and enabling predictive design. During his presentation, Prof. Jin introduced recent developments at the Institute of Digital and Ecological High Temperature Materials (I-D-E-M) and demonstrated how AI-based technologies are being applied to refractory and ceramic materials research.

The webinar addressed several important topics, including:

·   AI-based materials design and optimisation;

·   Digitalisation of refractory manufacturing;

·   Intelligent process monitoring;

·   Data-driven materials engineering;

·   Digital twin technologies for industrial furnaces; and

·   Future perspectives and opportunities for AI in refractory science.

The presentation highlighted how combining materials science, artificial intelligence, numerical simulation, and digital engineering can contribute to more efficient research and innovative solutions for high-temperature industrial applications.

Supporting Research Excellence and Knowledge Exchange

By bringing internationally recognised experts to the FunGlass research community and extending learning opportunities to the wider consortium, GlaCerHub contributes to strengthening research competencies, fostering international cooperation, and promoting the uptake of innovative technologies across the Slovak and Czech glass and ceramics sectors.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Prof. Shengli Jin for sharing his expertise and insights, and to all participants for their interest and active engagement.