Balance of results and quick exchange of information. This was the REFRESH workshop

The first joint workshop of research programme leaders from VŠB-TUO and the University of Ostrava, as well as other members of the research team or representatives of the partner Moravian-Silesian Innovation Centre, was organised by the REFRESH project on Tuesday. Apart from the need to acquaint researchers with the project's track record, which became the content of the recently sent first implementation report, the aim of the meeting was also to exchange information across live laboratories and research programmes.

The REFRESH team, the largest project in the history of the VŠB-TUO, already consists of more than 400 people. There are 23 research programmes operating within the so-called living labs. Therefore, the workshop organisers chose a speed dating format for building mutual contacts and exchanging information.

"The decision to choose speed dating was a bit of a challenge, but the only way to connect over 40 participants. Everyone was great to work with and stopping the discussions to swap the nine tables was more challenging than I expected. I have a very good feeling about the meeting, thank you all for your cooperation," commented REFRESH Director Igor Ivan.

As it was mentioned at the meeting, REFRESH is one of the first projects to report on the implementation of the Operational Programme for Equitable Transformation and is now waiting for the opinion of the State Fund for the Environment. One of the highly monitored indicators, which is considered key, is the recruitment of new excellent scientists, including top foreign workers. To date, 19 of these have joined, across research programmes. Overall, however, more than 80 new scientists have been recruited so far and this number is growing steadily thanks to a number of ongoing calls for applications. Information on, for example, ensuring effective communication, project presentation, as well as sanctions in case of failure to meet promised commitments were an integral part of the meeting.