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Quantum computing, the energy of the future, and artificial intelligence that is reshaping our world—these were the key research topics presented by scientists from the Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAS) to President Peter Pellegrini. During his visit to the academy, the president toured the quantum communication laboratory and the facilities where new types of batteries are being developed.

"We are very pleased with the president's visit and consider it confirmation that we are an important institution in Slovakia. In recent months, we have launched an innovative development program, which, for the first time, allows us to work based on performance contracts. This means that state investments are directed toward promising research projects that we, as an academy, commit to over the next three years. We can already present the first results that stem from this new approach by the state towards us," said Pavol Šajgalík, President of SAS.

The Institute of Physics SAS is leading a project to build a quantum communication network, which will provide not only secure communication but also advanced communication protocols, such as those related to network anonymity. "With this project, we are developing expertise in Slovakia that we previously lacked. The encryption currently in use can be broken by quantum computers. Quantum cryptography offers a replacement that cannot be compromised by quantum computers and ensures the security of all encrypted communications. Existing devices will be complemented by quantum devices that will facilitate the generation of encryption keys," explains Mário Ziman, Director of the Institute of Physics SAS.

Nuclear security is a key issue for Slovakia, as nuclear fission remains the dominant source of nuclear energy production. The Slovak government has decided to prioritize nuclear energy for the future, with a significant increase in nuclear energy sources planned. "The Slovak Academy of Sciences addresses this not only through top-level fundamental research on atomic nuclei structure and their deformation properties but also by producing highly qualified experts who can have a very positive impact on the Slovak economy," said nuclear physicist Martin Venhart, who is also Vice President of SAS.

The Center for Advanced Materials Research SAS (CEMEA) is demonstrating its added value in battery research, focusing on solid-state electrolyte batteries. "Commonly available batteries contain liquid electrolytes, which have various disadvantages, primarily their high flammability. We are researching solid-state electrolytes using advanced technologies that allow us to precisely analyze their composition, structure, and functionality. We are engaged in this topic through five European projects, which is unique within the research landscape of SAV," said Naďa Mrkývková, a researcher at CEMEA.

Several institutes within the Slovak Academy of Sciences focus on artificial intelligence, including developing AI models, training them, and processing data. "At the Institute of Informatics SAS, we participate in multiple international projects. On one hand, we provide computing infrastructure, and on the other, we contribute to data processing, pre-processing, and model development. These projects cover various application areas, from water data processing and medical data analysis to environmental data management," said informatician Ivana Budinská, who is also a member of the SAS Presidium.

At the start of his visit, the President of Slovakia attended a meeting with the academy's leadership and representatives of the institutes, where he had the opportunity to interact with a robot. This was followed by a visit to the quantum laboratory, which aims to establish quantum communication links between Vienna, Bratislava, and Brno. He concluded his visit in the laboratory developing new battery technologies.

Edited by Monika Tináková

Foto: Matej Pok