Meet Tihana — a passionate electrochemist from Serbia whose research brought her to Košice, Slovakia. Through the National Scholarship Programme, Tihana spent three months collaborating with Slovak scientists on developing affordable, eco-friendly materials for hydrogen production.

Could you tell us where you’re from, what your field of research is, and how long you have been (or were) in Slovakia
My name is Tihana Mudrinić, and I’m from Belgrade, Serbia. I am working as a senior research associate at the Institute for Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy. My research focuses on electrochemistry, particularly on developing materials for electroanalytical applications as well as energy storage and conversion.

During my three-month research stay at the Institute of Geotechnics, Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAS) (host institute) and the Institute of Materials Research SAS in Košice, I worked on developing electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).

Hydrogen is widely recognized as a promising energy carrier of the future, but since it is not readily available on Earth, it needs to be produced in some way. Water electrolysis — a process that uses electricity to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen — is one of the simplest and cleanest methods for hydrogen production. The biggest challenge in this process is the need for electrocatalysts — materials that enhance the efficiency of electrolysis. The most effective HER electrocatalysts today are noble metals, particularly platinum, but their high cost and scarcity make them impractical for large-scale hydrogen production.

Together with colleagues from Košice, we focused on developing alternative electrocatalysts for the HER, using more affordable and abundant metals such as cobalt and nickel. We applied a method called mechanically induced self-propagating reactions (MSR), which allows the synthesis of these materials in just a few seconds, without the use of toxic solvents or complex procedures. The materials we developed showed stable and promising performance in hydrogen production. This makes them promising, more affordable alternatives to expensive noble metal catalysts. In addition, our work demonstrated that MSR can be a green and efficient way to create advanced materials for sustainable energy application.

Could you describe your experience working with your research team in Slovakia?
I had the privilege of working with an excellent research team during my stay in Košice. My closest collaborators were Dr. Matej Baláž, a leading expert in mechanochemistry, and Dr. Magdaléna Strečková, a highly respected specialist in electrochemistry. From the very beginning, they welcomed me with openness and professionalism. Their willingness to selflessly share knowledge, constant interaction, and encouragement made a significant impact on both the success of our project and my personal growth as a researcher. They were always available to help — whether through discussions, lab work, or simply providing moral support when things didn’t go as planned.

Alongside them, I also had the chance to collaborate with Dr. Alexandra Guboová and PhD. student Akbar Hussain, whose contributions were equally valuable. Our discussions — whether about interpreting electrochemical results, solving practical challenges, or refining experiments — helped me deepen my understanding of electrochemical testing and data interpretation for HER.

What made the whole experience even more special was the chance to meet and collaborate with researchers from different countries and cultures, including Indonesia, Japan, Pakistan, and Ukraine. This diversity made the lab environment open and friendly. Talking with colleagues about their backgrounds and perspectives enriched me both professionally and personally.

In the end, this experience was about more than just research results — it was about learning, sharing ideas, and building meaningful connections. The kindness, teamwork, and positive energy I found in this group made my time in Slovakia truly memorable.

How has your time in Slovakia supported your research?
First of all, I had the privilege to work at the Institute of Geotechnics, Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAS) and the Institute of Materials Research SAS in Košice. These institutes provided access to excellent laboratory facilities and all the equipment necessary for our experiments. Having the opportunity to work in such well-equipped laboratories allowed us to carry out synthesis procedures and electrochemical testing with great efficiency and precision.

I am also deeply grateful to my home institution, the Institute for Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy in Belgrade, for supporting my stay in Slovakia and encouraging international collaboration. Without their openness and understanding, this research experience would not have been possible.

Equally important was the support I received from my Slovak colleagues, whose expertise and willingness to share knowledge made a huge difference. Working with them allowed me to learn new experimental techniques, gain deeper insight into mechanochemistry and electrochemical testing for HER, and approach my research questions from new perspectives.

In addition to scientific growth, this stay helped me develop soft skills such as working in an international environment, adapting to new lab cultures, and communicating across disciplines and backgrounds. Overall, this experience greatly contributed not only to my current research but also to my professional development and future scientific collaborations.

Which scholarship programme brought you to Slovakia?
I came to Slovakia through the National Scholarship Programme (NSP), financed and coordinated by the Slovak Academic Information Agency (SAIA , n. o.). I’d like to highlight the excellent support I received throughout the entire process. Whenever I needed assistance, I could reach out to the SAIA team and always received kind, clear, and helpful responses. This level of support made a significant difference and contributed to a smooth and positive overall experience.

I am also deeply grateful for the financial support provided through this scholarship, which made my participation and research stay in Slovakia possible.

In addition to the professional and financial assistance, I truly appreciated the efforts SAIA made to connect scholarship holders. They organized a Christmas networking event in Bratislava, where I had the opportunity to meet other researchers from different countries, exchange experiences, and enjoy Slovak traditions in the beautiful setting of Bratislava Castle. That event was a wonderful personal and professional experience and made me feel part of a larger international community.

What motivated you to choose Slovakia for your research stay?
First, my journey began when I met Dr. Matej Baláž at a COST – Mechanochemistry for Sustainable Industry meeting. As a leading expert in mechanochemistry, he introduced me not only to the latest developments in the field but also to the opportunities offered by SAIA and the possibility of visiting the Institute of Geotechnics, SAS in Košice. His expertise and the friendly, collaborative atmosphere he created encouraged me to undertake this research stay.

Second, the project we planned combined Matej’s expertise in mechanochemistry with my background in electrochemistry, allowing us to address hydrogen production from a unique, interdisciplinary perspective. The relevance of this topic in today’s scientific community, and the chance to contribute to it, was a strong motivation for me.

Finally, I was motivated by the opportunity to expand my expertise in electrochemistry within an international research environment, gain experience working in well-equipped laboratories, and collaborate with scientists from different disciplines and cultural backgrounds. This combination of professional growth, interdisciplinary collaboration, and international experience made Slovakia the perfect choice for my research stay.

What has this scholarship experience provided for you, both professionally and personally?
Professionally, it allowed me to work in excellent research institutions in Košice, gain access to state-of-the-art equipment, and collaborate with leading experts in mechanochemistry and electrochemistry. I was able to deepen my knowledge, learn new techniques, and contribute to a project that is highly relevant in the field of sustainable hydrogen production. This experience has also helped me build international connections and opened doors for future collaborations.

On a personal level, it allowed me to step out of my comfort zone, adapt to a new environment, and meet wonderful people from different cultures and backgrounds.

Are there any activities or places in Slovakia that you would recommend to others?
Yes, absolutely! I spent three months in Slovakia, and during that time, I truly felt at home.  Slovakia is not just one place or one experience — it offers so much to explore.

Košice is a charming and colorful city with beautiful architecture and a rich history. People in Košice are incredibly warm and generous, making you feel right at home. I also spent a few days in Bratislava, and this short trip gave me the opportunity to observe the cultural and lifestyle differences between eastern and western Slovakia. While Bratislava, as the capital, is more fast-paced and cosmopolitan, Košice has a more relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Another unforgettable experience was traveling by train from Košice to Bratislava, passing through the heart of Slovakia and enjoying the diverse landscapes along the way.

Slovakia also has stunning nature and excellent hiking trails. I highly recommend visiting the Tatra Mountains, the Ružín reservoir, and the beautiful natural surroundings of Košice and Prešov. I was in Slovakia during winter time, and I was amazed by how popular and accessible skiing and cross-country skiing are in Slovakia. It’s a part of life here, making winter truly enjoyable.

How have you found Slovak people? Are they welcoming and helpful to you as an international researcher, or did you face any challenges?
Slovak people have been incredibly welcoming and kind to me throughout my stay. Whether at the institutes, on the street, or in the dormitory where I was accommodated, I always felt surrounded by generosity and warmth.

My colleague, Matej Baláž, and his family truly made my experience in Slovakia unforgettable. They welcomed me into their lives and included me in various activities — I went skiing, ice skating, to the theater, and even celebrated Christmas Eve with them. Their kindness and openness made me feel like I wasn’t just a colleague but part of their family.

The staff at my dormitory (ŠD Němcovej 1) went above and beyond to make me feel at home. Whatever I needed, they provided without hesitation. We often had warm and friendly conversations, and their kindness made every interaction feel personal. Since my stay coincided with the holiday season, they even gave me small gifts, which was incredibly touching and made me feel truly welcomed.

I also met amazing people on hiking tours, on trains, and during my everyday life, many of whom I remain in contact with. Some of them even taught me Slovak, introduced me to cross-country skiing, and lent me all the necessary equipment so I could fully enjoy the experience.

What struck me the most was the unmatched generosity of the people in eastern Slovakia. I have never experienced such selflessness before — people were always willing to help, share, and include me in their traditions and daily lives. My time in Slovakia was not just about research; it was a deeply human and heartwarming experience that I will always remember.

Do you think you’ll return to Slovakia someday?
Without a doubt, I will return — for the research, for the wonderful people I met, and for the stunning nature that I look forward to discovering even more.

Since I love hiking and outdoor sports, I want to explore places such as Veľká and Malá Fatra, Slovak Karst, and Slovak Paradise National Parks. Beyond nature, I would also love to visit more Slovak cities, especially Banská Štiavnica, Banská Bystrica, Bardejov, and Komárno, each of which has its own unique charm and history.

More importantly, I want to return to see my colleagues, who have become much more than just colleagues — they are now my friends. I also look forward to reconnecting with all the wonderful people I met during my stay.

I was fortunate that my colleagues invited me to join another research project related to hydrogen production, which means I will definitely be coming back. Slovakia has become a special place for me, and I know this won’t be my last visit.