Paulina Copik, DEng, from Łukasiewicz – Upper Silesian Institute of Technology, completed a two-month research fellowship at the German research institute Fraunhofer UMSICHT under the prestigious DAAD scholarship programme for 2026. The research focused on developing carbon-based materials from renewable resources that could support the decarbonisation of metallurgical processes and reduce the use of fossil-based raw materials in the steel industry.
Research on Carbon-Based Materials for the Steel Industry
The research fellowship at Fraunhofer UMSICHT in Sulzbach-Rosenberg, Germany, marked an important stage in the development of Dr Paulina Copik’s research in sustainable technologies for heavy industry.
The main objective of the project was to develop a technological route for producing biochar pellets intended for metallurgical applications. Particular attention was paid to the mechanical strength of the material, a key factor in assessing its potential use in industrial processes.
The use of carbon-based materials derived from renewable resources could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the steel sector and increase the share of renewable raw materials used in production processes.
Collaboration with a German Research Institute
Fraunhofer UMSICHT is a research institute that develops and optimises technologies in environmental, process, materials and energy engineering. Its key research areas include the circular economy, carbon footprint reduction, green hydrogen technologies and local energy systems.
During her fellowship, Paulina Copik, DEng, collaborated with Dr Christopher Graf-Kick, DEng, and Sophie Schönfeld, PhD. Their joint work addressed the production of carbon-based materials, particularly pyrolysis processes, as well as the characterisation of the resulting materials in terms of their potential industrial applications.
The international exchange of knowledge and experience helped develop research skills and broaden expertise in advanced materials technologies, while providing an opportunity to explore potential avenues for further scientific collaboration.
Knowledge and Experience for Polish Industry
The research undertaken during the fellowship was directly related to the research activities carried out at Łukasiewicz – Upper Silesian Institute of Technology (Łukasiewicz – GIT), which focus on developing sustainable industrial technologies, including the use of biomass and waste materials in metallurgical processes.
The experience gained provides valuable input for further research into solutions supporting the energy and environmental transition of industry. The fellowship also helped develop international scientific contacts and establish a basis for potential future research collaboration between Polish and German research institutions.
DAAD Scholarship – Supporting International Research Mobility
The DAAD scholarship awarded to Dr Paulina Copik for 2026 enabled her to conduct research at a renowned German research institute. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) supports international research mobility by funding research stays and fellowships and fostering cooperation between scientific institutions.
Participation in the programme was an important step towards expanding Łukasiewicz – GIT’s international research contacts and strengthening its research capacity in low-carbon industrial technologies.
