On 27 March 2026, the Institute of Fundamental Technological Research, Polish Academy of Sciences (IPPT PAN) in Warsaw participated in the fourth edition of National Materials Engineering Day (ODIM2026), a nationwide science outreach initiative held at universities and research institutes across Poland. This year’s event, entitled “Space Materials,” highlighted the importance of advanced materials in the development of cutting-edge technologies, including space technology.
As part of the event, the Laboratory of Polymers and Biomaterials organized two educational sessions showcasing the diverse applications of polymer materials, ranging from more sustainable packaging solutions to materials used in medicine and tissue engineering.
The first session, led by Judyta Dulnik and Beata Niemczyk-Soczyńska, focused on the widespread presence of plastics in our everyday environment and their impact on the environment. Participants were introduced to sustainable packaging materials and recycling. The students learned about biodegradability, discussed the properties of more environmentally friendly packaging, and explored ways to manage waste responsibly.
The second session, conducted by Dorota Kołbuk-Konieczny, Maryla Moczulska-Heljak, and Angelika Zaszczyńska, focused on materials for medical applications and tissue engineering. Participants learned how biodegradable polymers can be used to produce electrospun fibrous mats and how 3D printing can be applied to the design of materials and structures for medical applications.
The sessions provided an opportunity to demonstrate how materials engineering brings together knowledge from chemistry, physics, biology, and engineering. They also highlighted how the design of innovative materials can help address challenges related to both environmental protection and the needs of modern medicine.
