Let me introduce you to the University Science Park (USP) at the Slovak University of Technology (STU), a major research and innovation hub disposing of the most modern infrastructure for scientific research in Slovakia next to the largest Slovak technology university. As an integral part of the University, USP provides a strong foundation for science and research and enables the integration of a large number of the STU labs and partners in the European Research Area (particularly Comenius University and Slovak Academy of Sciences).
Extensive recent investments helped to improve the quality of lab equipment and scientific instruments for various centres and research departments required by the professional research community. New centres include the uniquely equiped Centre for Nanodiagnostics of Materials (high-resolution nanodiagnostics) in Bratislava and SlovakION centre specialising in ion beams and plasma, based in Trnava. We are pleased to have significantly improved the spatial conditions also for international research and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by removing previous faults in our buildings.
The intention to build a science park at STU arose first in 2007. The concept became clearer after 2011 with the preparation and implementation of investment projects co-financed by EU Structural Funds.
One of the most significant milestones was the decision to integrate three separate STU campuses (one in the centre of Bratislava, one in Mlynská Dolina in Bratislava, and one in Bottova Street in Trnava) and create two University Science Parks in Bratislava and Trnava. Implementation of this phase was completed in 2015.
Focusing its research on the needs of the industry, the Slovak University of Technology has taken forward the pioneering concept of the Mining Academy in Banská Štiavnica (Schemnitz, Selmecbánya, established in 1735), which successfully combined theoretical higher education in technical fields with practical teaching methods utilizing well-equipped laboratories.
The STU University Science Park presently provides the latest research infrastructure to fulfil the mission of a modern technology university and is well-positioned to succeed in its integration in the European Research Area and meet the common European objectives.
Miroslav Fikar
Rector
Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava
