An important element of mathematics are definitions. Definitions are created predominantly by formalising our experiences or describing abstract objects. On the example of various definitions of distance, we may observe what may happen when we change a definition. Every single one of us knows how a circle looks like in terms of the Euclidean distance. But how will it look like if we accept a different definition of distance?
Dr Tomasz Zabawa
Employee of the Faculty of Applied Mathematics at the AGH University and his main scientific interests are partial differential equations. He teaches in engineering and mathematic fields of study. Dr Zabawa is also engaged in projects for the purpose of the popularisation of sciences, particularly of mathematics.
The topic of using mineral resources in engineering and environmental protection is gaining more and more traction when it comes to scientific research and the development of the national economy. It addresses the growing interest in clean production technologies based on the use of natural and waste materials.
The price for the 20th-century technological progress and economic development is environmental pollution. In 21st century, innovative technologies based on geomaterials constitute an opportunity for the economic development of the country, an increase in the competitiveness of Polish industry on global markets, and an improvement of the state of the environment. This subject matter addresses the challenges our country is aiming to face in terms of environmental protection as well as the rational use of natural resources in the creation of a modern economy and industrial development. From the point of view of the national economy, the creation of own innovative production technologies is important as they will contribute to the increase of the competitiveness of the Polish industry on global markets. That is why the research on properties and applications of mineral resources is so significant.
Professor Tomasz Bajda
Employee of the Faculty of Geology, Geophysics, and Environmental Protection, where he is the Vice-Dean for Cooperation and Science. He is occupied with research on the application of geological materials (rocks, minerals) in industrial practice but also in engineering and environmental protection. His research interests focus on the use of industrial waste to produce new full-fledged products. He is engaged in the rehabilitation of degraded areas with the use of mineral functionalised materials, that is, materials modified to match their properties to a given application. The selection of such a research problem is justified – innovative technologies based on geomaterials are an opportunity for the economic development of the country, an increase in the competitiveness of Polish industry on global markets, and an improvement in the state of the environment.