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Seminar of Plasma Physics - Asish Kumar (16.10.2025)

Anna.Zahoranova@fmph.uniba.sk — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 21:23:00 +0200

Asish KUMAR:
Temperature-Dependent Detection of Ketones in Ion Mobility Spectrometry with Corona Discharge Ionization

Nature Astronomy: CU scientists analysed a meteorite and contributed to research crucial for planetary defence

pr@uniba.sk — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 09:35:00 +0200

Among the leading Slovak experts involved in the research were Professor Pavel Povinec, Assoc. Professor Ivan Sýkora, and Dr Ivan Kontuľ from the Department of Nuclear Physics and Biophysics of FMPI CU. The Slovak team analysed terrestrial fragments of the asteroid, known as the Saint-Pierre-le-Viger (SPLV) meteorite, using gamma spectrometry to determine the concentrations of cosmogenic radionuclides, i.e. radioactive isotopes produced by the interaction of cosmic rays with the asteroid during its journey through space. These radionuclides provide data on how long the asteroid was exposed to cosmic radiation and help ascertain its pre-atmospheric size. When such an object passes through Earth’s atmosphere, its surviving solid pieces are called meteorites. Analyses of these meteorites enabled Slovak researchers to determine that the pre-atmospheric diameter of the body was about 72 centimetres and its mass approximately 650 kilograms, as well as its cosmic-ray exposure age - the time elapsed since the asteroid was ejected from its parent body - about 30 million years ago within the inner main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. “We received the fragments for analysis only two weeks after the fall, which allowed us to determine key parameters such as its age, size and mass,” explains Dr Kontuľ. Astronomers observed the fall itself as a bright fireball over Normandy, and thanks to the predicted trajectory, fragments were quickly located by both professional and amateur observers. Nearly one hundred fragments were eventually recovered. “The case of 2023 CX1 is unique in that such objects usually fragment gradually in the upper atmosphere, but this one disintegrated suddenly at an altitude of about 28 kilometres,” Kontuľ notes. “It lost 98 percent of its energy within a fraction of a second, producing a strong spherical shock wave. This behaviour has major implications for planetary defence, as such abrupt disruption could cause greater damage if the explosion occurred lower above the ground. It highlights the importance of these findings for future planetary protection strategies.” In their meteorite study, researchers from FMPI CU closely cooperate with astronomers and other specialists from European and overseas institutions engaged in mineralogy, chemical-composition analysis, and optical and seismo-acoustic observations. Tracking asteroids of this kind holds exceptional importance for the academic community as well. “It was fascinating to hold in my hand something that had been flying through space just two weeks earlier - it's an experience one does not have every day,” Dr Kontuľ concludes. The international research team, led by astrophysicist Auriane Egal from the University of Western Ontario, Canada, monitored the asteroid comprehensively - from its discovery in Hungary less than seven hours before impact to laboratory analyses of fragments collected in Normandy. This unprecedented collaboration sets a new standard for asteroid and meteorite research and enhances our understanding of how to protect Earth from extraterrestrial threats. The results of the team’s work were recently published in the international scientific journal Nature Astronomy. A. Egal et al.: Catastrophic disruption of asteroid 2023 CX1 and implications for planetary defence. Nature Astronomy (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41550-025-02659-8

Doctoral colloquium - František Dráček (13.10.2025)

Damas.Gruska@fmph.uniba.sk — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 22:15:00 +0200

František Dráček:
Machine learning enabled maneuver detection from synthetic satellite observations
Abstract:
This work addresses the escalating challenge of satellite manoeuvre detection in Earth's increasingly congested orbital environment by presenting a scalable and reliable machine learning-based approach. Specifically focusing on the Geostationary Orbit (GEO) regime, we generate a comprehensive dataset of synthetic satellite observations that encapsulates various realistic station-keeping strategies and practical observational constraints. Utilizing this synthetic data, we train and evaluate several machine learning model architectures and explore distinct algorithmic methodologies for effectively identifying and characterizing satellite orbital manoeuvres. More information Youtube channel

We Are Bringing Global Morphology Expertise to Our Institute – Don’t Miss This Unique Opportunity!

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 20:28:00 +0200

We are internationalizing education at the Institute of Histology and Embryology – and we are proud to present a world-renowned American anatomist! Come and experience a live lecture by Professor Sebastian Cotofana, a globally recognized expert in facial anatomy. Take this opportunity to ask your questions about head & neck development directly from one of the top specialists in the field! Professor Cotofana will be giving a lecture for 2nd-year General Medicine students – but everyone is welcome to attend, whether you’re a student, faculty member, or simply interested in experiencing what a lecture at a top U.S. university feels like! About the Lecturer: Professor Sebastian Cotofana, M.D., Ph.D., Ph.D., is internationally acclaimed as one of the leading anatomists in facial aesthetics. After earning his medical degree in Munich, Germany, he trained in Trauma Surgery before turning his focus to anatomical sciences, completing two Ph.D. degrees in Medical Sciences and Anatomy. He has authored over 300 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, he was a Professor of Anatomy at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science in Rochester (USA) and in 2023, he was appointed Clinical Professor at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, USA. In 2025, he became a Visiting Professor at the Institute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava. Don’t miss this exceptional chance to learn from a top-tier expert in person!

Nuclear Seminar - Jozef Mišt (15.10.2025)

Jaroslav.Stanicek@fmph.uniba.sk — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 12:03:00 +0200

Mgr. Jozef Mišt, PhD.:
Decay spectroscopy of neutron-deficient isotope ¹⁸²Au
Abstract:
Neutron-deficient isotopes in the lead region near the N=104 mid-shell are well-known to exhibit shape coexistence. One such nucleus is ¹⁸²Pt, daughter nucleus after electron capture or β⁺decay of ¹⁸²Au, where a prolate and weakly oblate configurations coexist. Gamma-ray spectroscopy after β decay allows us to identify and study levels in the daughter nucleus up to relatively high excitation energy. Since β decay is sensitive to changes in nuclear structure, β-decay feeding patterns and log ft values can be used to probe shape coexistence and configuration mixing in the daughter nucleus. These isotopes were studied at the ISOLDE facility at CERN during the IS665 experiment. During the seminar, the results of the detailed γ-γ coincidence analysis of data from this experiment will be presented. An unusually high β-decay feeding intensity to 4^{+ l}evels was observed and possible explanations will be discussed.

Seminar on Qualitative Theory of Differential Equations - Katarína Boďová (16.10.2025)

Pavol.Quittner@fmph.uniba.sk — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 09:17:00 +0200

Katarína Boďová:
Estimation of stochastic dynamics from tracked data
Abstract:
Advances in experimental biology now provide exceptionally rich datasets, offering new opportunities to uncover the complex dynamics driving biological systems. Yet, identifying how the underlying components interact remains a challenging inverse problem - one that requires separating systematic dynamical behavior from intrinsic stochasticity and measurement noise. While many inverse methods exist, they often share a key drawback: they demand large, high-resolution datasets. The approach introduced by Brückner et al. (2020) offers a way to relax the first requirement. However, applying this method to settings such as population genetics - where data are typically sparse - calls for further development. In this talk, I will present our ongoing work to refine and extend this method, addressing gaps in its original reasoning and identifying the correct small parameters that govern its validity. Our rigorous analysis not only clarifies the conditions under which the method applies but also improves its efficiency and removes the need for ad hoc assumptions - making it suitable for sparsely sampled data and a broader range of applications. This is a joint work with Richard Kollár.

Seminar of Department of Theoretical Physics - Juraj Tekel (14.10.2025)

Peter.Matak@fmph.uniba.sk — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 09:06:00 +0200

Juraj Tekel:
Matrix ensembles from fuzzy physics
Abstract:
Fuzzy spaces are matrix geometries and as such, they give rise to a multitude of random matrix models describing physics they host. We will look into various matrix ensembles which appear when one describes physics on and physics of the fuzzy spaces. We will collect different known results, with emphasis on some new developments, and present the plethora of challenges and questions that remain to be answered.

Dean’s Day Off for 1st-Year Students

milos.hrabovsky@uniba.sk — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 15:07:00 +0200

On the occasion of the matriculation ceremony, the Dean, Prof. MUDr. Andrea Čalkovská, DrSc.,...

Slovak-Czech Days of Social Pathology in the Rule of Law.

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 20:55:00 +0200

On 1–2 October 2025, the Faculty of Law of Comenius University in Bratislava hosted the scientific conference “Slovak-Czech Days of Social Pathology in the Rule of Law.” The event was held within the framework of the research project VEGA 1/0722/24 – “Principles of the Rule of Law in Criminal Law”, and under the auspices of the Slovak Sociological Society at the Slovak Academy of Sciences, the Faculty of Law of Comenius University, the Faculty of Arts of Comenius University, and the Institute of Sociology of the Slovak Academy of Sciences. The conference was organized in close cooperation with Czech partners – the Institute of Criminology and Social Prevention in Prague, the Czech Criminological Society, and the Czech Sociological Society. Representing the Faculty of Law of Comenius University were Prof. JUDr. Jozef Čentéš, DrSc., Prof. JUDr. Tomáš Strémy, PhD., Assoc. Prof. JUDr. Ondrej Laciak, PhD., JUDr. Lukáš Turay, PhD., JUDr. Maximilián Kiko, JUDr. Roland Hochmann, and Mgr. Sára Zsemlyová.
From the Faculty of Arts of Comenius University, participants included Prof. PhDr. Gabriela Lubelcová, PhD., Hugo Gloss, Dott., Mgr. Simona Krakovská, PhD., Martin Kovanič, M.A., PhD., Assoc. Prof. Mgr. Roman Džambazovič, PhD., and Jakub Popík, E.MA.
Representing the Institute of Sociology of the Slovak Academy of Sciences were Mgr. Robert Klobucký, PhD., and Prof. Monika Čambáliková. The conference ranked among the most significant academic events in Slovakia and the Czech Republic in the fields of law, sociology, criminology, and psychology. Over the course of two days, it provided a platform for interdisciplinary discussion on current challenges related to social-pathological phenomena and on appropriate societal responses to these issues. Reflecting on social-pathological phenomena through an interdisciplinary lens represents not only a scientific challenge, but also an essential condition for strengthening the principles of the rule of law and ensuring its long-term legitimacy. Particular attention was devoted to the rule of law, criminal policy, and the social dimensions of legal regulation.

SUMMER SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND CLIMATE LAW - 4TH YEAR

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 11:06:00 +0200

The Faculty of Law of Comenius University in Bratislava, in cooperation with SPEK o.z., organized the fourth edition of the Summer School of Environmental and Climate Law, attended by 24 members of the faculty’s academic community. Over the course of four days, participants took part in lectures, interactive workshops, and field-based learning, with the main goal of connecting theory and practice in the areas of environmental protection and the fight against climate change. Program highlights included topics such as:
· Precision agriculture
· The Ministry of Agriculture and the Slovak Land Fund: functioning and challenges
· Regenerative agriculture – protection of agricultural land
· Nature-based forest management
· Educational forest walk
· Large carnivores in Slovakia
· Environmental responsibility
· Myths and facts about forests – knowledge quiz
· Family farming in southern Slovakia The organizers were pleased to announce that LESY SR, state enterprise, once again joined the project. During the program, they provided students with practical demonstrations of forestry management, participated in discussions on sustainability, and emphasized that “young people, like young forests, are our future.” The Summer School proved to be an exceptional event that successfully combined academic knowledge with practical experience, creating a space for open dialogue on current environmental and climate law challenges. Participants left enriched not only with new knowledge and skills but also with valuable contacts and inspiration for their future studies and professional development. The organizers highlighted that the event has become an integral part of the faculty’s academic traditions, growing in importance with each passing year. They firmly believe that this successful format will continue to develop and that the Summer School of Environmental and Climate Law will remain a prestigious platform for education, knowledge exchange, and shaping a new generation of experts in environmental and climate law.