Shaping the Future Through Interdisciplinary Science We are a large international and interdisciplinary research group based at CEITEC VUT, working at the intersection of advanced functional nanomaterials, engineering, and device design. Our team brings together people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and disciplines. With researchers from more than 10 countries—including chemists, microbiologists, and engineers—we foster a dynamic work environment that supports young scientists in launching their careers while continuously bringing fresh ideas into the group. Our work connects materials science with practical technologies for clean energy, environmental remediation, biomedical healthcare, and future-oriented fields such as space technologies, with a strong emphasis on translating fundamental research into functional devices and prototypes
We are currently exploring several interconnected areas, including nano- and microrobots for biomedical and environmental applications; advanced energy conversion and storage systems such as zinc-ion and sodium-ion batteries; flexible supercapacitors; nanogenerators that harvest electricity from noise and vibrations; and electrocatalysts for converting pollutants into fuels of the future—ammonia and hydrogen. We also develop integrated, flexible wearable sensors for monitoring human, plant, and crop health, and investigate in-situ resource utilization for space missions. Across these topics, we combine advanced nanomaterials, electrochemistry, additive manufacturing, and smart device integration to build next-generation functional systems
We contribute to real life by developing human-centered technologies that address urgent societal challenges in health, energy, and the environment. Our wearable electronics enable real-time health monitoring, our nanorobots are being developed for applications such as artificial dialysis and the removal of nano- and microplastics from water, and our energy research advances cleaner power generation, energy storage, water and soil cleanup, and the production of sustainable, carbon-free fuels. Together, these efforts help bring practical clean technologies closer to everyday use. We collaborate with companies around the world to translate our cutting-edge research into real-life applications, bridging the gap from benchtop to consumer-ready designs
Our greatest accomplishment is not only the science published in nearly 1,000 articles, but also the people and scientific culture we have built, grounded in our core values: Integrity, Clarity, and Energy. Prof. Martin Pumera often says, “It’s not about money. It’s about the people you have, how you’re led, and how much you get it.” Over the years, the Pumera group has trained more than 150 postdoctoral researchers and 40 PhD students, with 32 alumni now holding leading positions in academia from Spain to Australia. We have secured more than CZK 890 million (EUR 37 million) in external funding, including CZK 390 million for the CEITEC laboratory. The Pumera lab has also successfully attracted 20 MSCA fellows, reflecting both scientific excellence and global competitiveness. What starts here changes the world
