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July 9, 2024
Arkadiusz Bernaczyk, visiting researcher at InnoRenew CoE; Main area of research: Wood adhesives
As a child, I lived in Poznan, Poland. After graduating from high school, I moved to Dresden, Germany, for my studies. Since then, I’ve been living there, working on my Ph.D. at the Technical University of Dresden.
I studied Wood and Engineered Wood Technology, which beautifully combines my favourite subjects: chemistry, mathematics, and physics. I was driven by a fascination for these subjects and the desire to understand the intricacies of materials we often take for granted.
I research wood adhesives to better understand them and produce better products for the industry. Simply put, my work involves finding ways to make glue for wood stronger and more reliable.
There is quite a lot of variety in my workday. I spend a considerable amount of time in the laboratory, in the workshop, as well as in the office. It’s a mix of hands-on experimental work and analysis.
I find it very exciting when the topics I’m researching are then applied and improve finished products. It’s rewarding to see my work having a real-world impact.
Planning complex investigations is one of the biggest challenges I face. It’s crucial to have a solid experimental plan to avoid errors and problems in the future. This requires careful brainstorming and leveraging experience.
I’m very fascinated by artificial intelligence. It’s a revolutionary field that’s growing rapidly. It has the potential to be a useful tool for scientists, for example, to perform better literature research and analyse large datasets, finding correlations that might not be immediately apparent.
I have a deep appreciation for music, especially the soundtracks composed by Hans Zimmer. His music, filled with emotion and complexity, often serves as the perfect background score during my research or relaxation time.
Recently, I have been reading “The Hidden Life of Trees” by Peter Wohlleben. It provides an intriguing perspective on the complex life of trees, underscoring their resilience and interconnectedness. This book has deepened my admiration for wood and the life it once was a part of.
Slovenia struck me as a beautiful, relaxing, and calming place, especially the coast and the natural landscapes. I definitely plan on visiting again in the future.
I appreciate the friendly and open people in Slovenia. What I miss most from my homeland, Poland, is primarily the food.
I find Strunjan very relaxing. It’s a great spot to unwind, with beautiful bathing areas and the chance to rest under pine trees. I’ve spent a few peaceful weekends there.
I am most enthusiastic when I make a breakthrough in my research or when an experiment yields promising results. These moments of discovery and progress provide a sense of accomplishment that fuels my passion for my work.
One important realization I’ve had is the importance of patience and perseverance in research. Not all experiments yield immediate or expected results, and it’s crucial to remain patient and persistent. This understanding has guided my approach towards both my professional and personal life.
Wood is a living and unique material. The variation in wood species and their growing locations ensures that working with wood is never monotonous. It’s like each piece of wood tells a different story, and I get to be a part of it.