INSTYTUT KATALIZY I FIZYKOCHEMII POWIERZCHNI IM. JERZEGO HABERA POLSKA AKADEMIA NAUK

Their core work

The Jerzy Haber Institute of Catalysis and Surface Chemistry is a research institute within the Polish Academy of Sciences, based in Krakow. Their core competence lies in surface chemistry, catalysis, and the physical chemistry of interfaces — skills they apply across domains from cultural heritage conservation to advanced nanomaterials. In H2020, they contributed expertise in multi-material surface analysis, nanoparticle suspension dynamics, and sensor-based monitoring for preventive conservation. Their work bridges fundamental physical chemistry with practical applications in manufacturing (3D printing with nanosuspensions) and heritage science (IoT-based artefact monitoring).

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Their earlier H2020 work (2019-2020) centred on applied monitoring systems — IoT sensors, multi-material analysis, and decision support for cultural heritage conservation, alongside sustainable energy chemistry. By 2020-2021, the focus shifted toward fundamental materials science: nanoparticle rheology, capillary suspensions, and 3D printing applications. This suggests a move from applied sensor/monitoring work back toward their core strength in physical chemistry of materials, but now with a clear pathway to manufacturing applications.

Moving toward functional nanomaterials with direct manufacturing applications (3D printing, coatings), making them increasingly relevant for advanced materials companies.

How they like to work

IKIFP PAN operates exclusively as a participant or third party — they have not coordinated any H2020 projects, preferring to contribute specialist expertise to larger consortia. With 104 unique partners across 26 countries from just 4 projects, they join broad European networks rather than leading small focused teams. This profile suggests a reliable specialist contributor: they bring deep surface chemistry and materials knowledge without the overhead of project management expectations.

Despite only 4 projects, they have connected with 104 unique partners across 26 countries — largely because they participate in large-scale infrastructure and innovation actions. Their network spans most of the EU, with no narrow geographic cluster.

What sets them apart

IKIFP PAN sits at a rare intersection: deep fundamental expertise in catalysis and surface chemistry (Polish Academy of Sciences pedigree) combined with practical applications in both heritage conservation and advanced manufacturing. Few institutes can credibly contribute to both IoT-based artefact monitoring and nanoparticle-based 3D printing — this versatility comes from their core surface chemistry competence being applicable across very different domains. For consortium builders, they offer a respected Polish Academy research partner with strong materials characterization capabilities and no competing commercial interests.

Highlights from their portfolio

• nanoPaInt
  Their largest funded project (EUR 227k) and a Marie Skłodowska-Curie training network on nanosuspension dynamics — signals strong PhD-level research capacity in functional nanomaterials.
• CollectionCare
  Demonstrates unusual versatility: a catalysis institute contributing surface analysis and multi-material expertise to an IoT-based cultural heritage conservation system.
• IPERION HS
  Participation as third party in a major heritage science research infrastructure project shows their analytical facilities are valued by the broader European heritage science community.