Events and News

EXPLORING ECO-FRIENDLY SCIENCE AT AGROKOMPLEX IN NITRA 

Thank you to everyone who visited us at Agrokomplex 3-7 September 2025 in Nitra! 🌍 Our exhibition focused on eco-friendly recovery of critical raw materials and on showing how science and biotechnology can contribute to a sustainable future.

Visitors especially enjoyed our interactive activities, which presented science in a playful and hands-on way:

  • pipetting experiments,

  • observing and comparing different minerals,

  • weighing cubes of pure metals and exploring differences in their weight and density. 

We were truly inspired by the curiosity and enthusiasm of our visitors, which sparked many interesting discussions and questions. The energy and feedback we received motivate us to continue our work and to look for new ways to connect science, nature, and technology. 

SCIENCE FAIR 2025

🌍 From June 5 to 7, 2025, I had the honor to present together with my colleagues from the Department of Mineral Biotechnology, 

Institute of Geotechnics SAS at Science Fair 2025 in Prague, one of the largest popular educational events in the Czech Republic, as part of the participation of the Slovak Academy of Sciences.

We shared ideas on eco-friendly ways to source critical raw materials within Europe, as promoted through the Bio4Sb project. These approaches not only reduce environmental impacts but also help strengthen the European supply of critical raw materials, with Slovakia holding significant Sb reserves.

We also demonstrated how electrolysis in electrochemical reactors can effectively purify contaminated water and remove harmful substances from environmental burdens.

 Thank you to everyone who visited us — your interest and questions inspire further efforts for a cleaner, sustainable future.

Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) Europe 35th Annual Meeting

I'm honored to have presented my poster, "Study of Microbial Communities of Mine Drainage from the Mária Mine in Rožňava, Slovakia," at the SETAC Europe 35th Annual Meeting in Vienna (11–15 May 2025) 🌍.

Sharing our findings on non-culturable bacterial communities and exploring potential collaborations was truly inspiring. A heartfelt thanks to everyone who stopped by my session—I enjoyed connecting with so many brilliant scientists and discovering your innovative work. 

Between sessions, Vienna's charm captivated me, and the Strauss Dinner Show in the Prater—complete with gorgeous waltzes and delicious cuisine—was an unforgettable highlight!

New Publication: "Bioleaching of Tetrahedrite by Iron- and Sulfur-Oxidizing Bacteria"

Our article, "Bioleaching of Tetrahedrite by Iron- and Sulfur-Oxidizing Bacteria," is now published in the Journal of Sustainable Metallurgy (DOI: 10.1007/s40831-025-01089-0).

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40831-025-01089-0


International Scientific Conference Biotechnology and Metals

I had the honor not only to present at the 6th International Scientific Conference on 🌍 Biotechnology and Metals 2024 but also to be a member of the organizing team. Held in the scenic High Tatras, Slovakia, this conference brought together researchers and experts to explore sustainable advancements in biotechnology and metals.
In my presentation, Morphological and Elemental Evaluation of Tetrahedrite Grains Before and After Bioleaching, I shared insights into how microbial processes can transform tetrahedrite minerals. By analyzing both the morphological and elemental shifts during bioleaching, we can open new doors for environmentally friendly metal extraction methods.

European Researchers Night Science Festival

The Bio4Sb project was presented  at this year's  🌍 European Researchers Night Science Festival. It was highlighted how bacteria can be used to extract valuable metals from minerals in an eco-friendly way, reducing environmental impact. 

Visitors were introduced to this innovative process and its importance for a sustainable future. It provided a great opportunity to connect, share knowledge, and showcase the positive impact of scientific advancements.

International Biohydrometallurgy Symposium

Another fantastic IBS (25th International Biohydrometallurgy Symposium, 2024) at COM2024 was held this time in Halifax, Canada (19-22.8.2024). I had the opportunity to present on 'Bioleaching of Antimony from Tetrahedrite Concentrate by Iron-Oxidizing Bacteria'. Many thanks to the organizers of IBS2024 and COM2024 for organizing. It was great to catch up with friends and make new connections and we are also looking forward to the next IBS2026 in Orleans.

Project Launch

On August 1, 2024, we proudly launched the Bio4Sb project, an initiative to sustainably recover critical raw materials from Ag-Cu-Sb-tetrahedrite polymetallic concentrates. 

The project, which focuses on optimizing bioleaching processes through the innovative use of acidophilic bacteria, will pave the way for environmentally friendly metal extraction technologies. This marks the beginning of an ambitious journey to drive advancements in biohydrometallurgy and sustainable resource utilization, contributing to a more sustainable future.