USTAV CHEMICKYCH PROCESU AV CR, v. v. i.

Their core work

The Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals (ICPF) is part of the Czech Academy of Sciences and specializes in chemical engineering, atmospheric chemistry, and materials modelling. Their core work spans aerosol and trace gas research for atmospheric monitoring, catalytic reactor design including 3D-printed reactors, and computational materials science through virtual simulation platforms. They contribute measurement capabilities and chemical process expertise to pan-European research infrastructures, particularly the ACTRIS network for atmospheric observation.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In 2015–2018, the institute balanced atmospheric research (ACTRIS-2) with applied chemical engineering projects — 3D-printed catalytic reactors (PRINTCR3DIT) and shale gas environmental assessment (ShaleXenvironmenT). From 2018 onward, the focus consolidated around two streams: atmospheric research infrastructure (ACTRIS PPP, ACTRIS IMP, ATMO-ACCESS) and computational materials modelling (VIMMP). The shift suggests a deliberate move from one-off applied chemistry projects toward long-term infrastructure and digital simulation platforms.

They are embedding themselves deeper into the ACTRIS ERIC infrastructure while building digital simulation capabilities — expect continued focus on research infrastructure operations and computational chemistry services.

How they like to work

ICPF has never coordinated an H2020 project — they consistently serve as a participant or third-party contributor in larger consortia. With 121 unique partners across 24 countries, they operate in broad European networks rather than tight bilateral collaborations. This profile suggests a reliable specialist that brings specific measurement or modelling capabilities to large infrastructure projects without seeking the administrative burden of coordination.

Extensive European network spanning 121 unique partners across 24 countries, built primarily through large ACTRIS infrastructure consortia. Their geographic reach is truly pan-European with no narrow regional clustering.

What sets them apart

ICPF sits at the intersection of atmospheric chemistry, chemical process engineering, and computational materials science — a combination few European institutes cover under one roof. Their decade-long commitment to the ACTRIS infrastructure (four consecutive projects) makes them a deeply embedded and trusted node in Europe's atmospheric observation network. For consortium builders, they offer a Czech Academy of Sciences partner with strong measurement and simulation capabilities and a proven track record of reliable participation without coordination overhead.

Highlights from their portfolio

• VIMMP
  Their largest funded project (EUR 367k) and a strategic shift into digital materials modelling — building a virtual marketplace for simulation tools and metadata standards.
• ACTRIS IMP
  Implementation phase of the ACTRIS ESFRI infrastructure, showing ICPF's long-term commitment from preparatory phase through to full ERIC establishment.
• PRINTCR3DIT
  Demonstrates their applied engineering side — 3D printing of catalytic reactors for process intensification, a strong industry-relevant capability.