Honouring Two Scientists Who Helped Shape FunGlass
Professor Enrico Bernardo and Professor Lothar Wondraczek, two internationally recognised scientists who have been closely connected with FunGlass since its beginnings, were awarded the honorary title Doctor honoris causa by Alexander Dubček University of Trenčín on 5 October 2026.
The honorary degrees recognise their scientific achievements and, above all, their long-standing contribution to the establishment and development of the Centre for Functional and Surface Functionalized Glass (FunGlass). Over the years, both professors have contributed to the Centre through their scientific expertise, international collaborations and involvement in the education of young researchers.
Enrico Bernardo: advancing research and doctoral education
Prof. Dr. Enrico Bernardo from the Department of Industrial Engineering at the University of Padova has been involved with FunGlass since its establishment.
His research focuses on industrial glass, glass recycling and geopolymer materials. Through his cooperation with FunGlass, these areas have become part of the Centre’s research activities and its links with the University of Padova.
A particularly important part of Professor Bernardo’s contribution has been the development of joint doctoral education. He played a key role in establishing a doctoral study programme under dual supervision between Alexander Dubček University of Trenčín and the University of Padova, creating opportunities for doctoral students to work within both research environments and develop international experience.
His long-standing involvement in the education and mentoring of young researchers has further strengthened the academic and research links between the two institutions.
His contribution was recognised through the honorary degree for his personal involvement in the establishment of FunGlass, his role in creating the joint doctoral programme, his contribution to the education of doctoral students and young researchers, and his exceptional contribution to research and development in industrial glass, glass recycling and geopolymer materials, including the development of these fields at Alexander Dubček University of Trenčín.
Lothar Wondraczek: shaping the scientific direction of FunGlass
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Lothar Wondraczek from the Otto Schott Institute of Materials Research at Friedrich Schiller University Jena has likewise been associated with FunGlass since its beginnings.
His expertise lies in the structure of glasses and their mechanical, optical and functional properties, as well as in hybrid materials. His scientific experience has contributed to the development of FunGlass’s research profile and to its cooperation with leading European research institutions.
Professor Wondraczek also contributed to strengthening the Centre’s doctoral education. He was involved in establishing a joint doctoral study programme under dual supervision between Alexander Dubček University of Trenčín and Friedrich Schiller University Jena and has supported the education and mentoring of doctoral students and young researchers.
His honorary degree recognises his personal contribution to the establishment of FunGlass, his role in creating the joint doctoral programme, his involvement in the development of young researchers, and his longstanding and exceptional contribution to research and development in the structure and mechanical, optical and functional properties of glasses and hybrid materials, including the development of these research fields at Alexander Dubček University of Trenčín.
A lasting international foundation
The recognition of Professors Bernardo and Wondraczek reflects the importance of the international scientific cooperation that has been part of FunGlass from the outset. Their collaboration has helped connect the Centre with established European research institutions while creating opportunities for joint research and doctoral training.
Their honorary doctorates also form part of a broader recognition of the international scientists who contributed to the creation and development of FunGlass. Professor Aldo R. Boccaccini and Professor Alicia Durán, who were also closely involved in the establishment of the Centre, received honorary doctorates from Alexander Dubček University of Trenčín in previous years.
Together, these long-standing collaborations have helped FunGlass build an international research environment in which scientific excellence, international cooperation and the development of young researchers remain closely connected.
The laudations for both honorary degree recipients were delivered during the ceremony by Prof. Dušan Galusek, Director of the FunGlass Centre.
Read the laudations:
Laudatio for Professor Enrico Bernardo
Laudatio for Professor Lothar Wondraczek
