Zlín University will build the Center for Polymer Systems

Zlín - Tomáš Baťa University in Zlín will build a Center for Polymer Systems. The main goal of the project, which will be located between Antonín Street and Tomáš Baťa Avenue, is to begin construction at the beginning of next year, focusing on applied research for the needs of industry. The investment will require 896 million crowns, of which the costs for equipment amount to 200 million crowns. The European grant is 754 million crowns, Jan Malý from the university's rectorate informed CTK today.
    "Research in the field of polymers has long reached a high level at our university on a global scale. Therefore, it is no surprise that it has received its largest grant in this area within the projects of the European Union," noted university rector Petr Sáha. The modern research complex is expected to be completed in the academic year 2013 - 2014. Gradually, by 2015, it will be equipped with the necessary instrumentation.
    The project will ensure research and development for 40 selected manufacturing companies from the Zlín region as well as from foreign partners. More than 120 researchers divided into seven research teams will participate. "Knowledge of English will be important for the staff. Research teams will have an international composition. The same applies to doctoral program students," the rector added.
    Experts will investigate advanced polymer systems capable of creating original structures, such as polymer nanofibers, medical applications, biopolymers, or smart polymer materials.