Strengthening European Research Collaboration: Polish Colleague from Łukasiewicz Network Joins LSIWC for Sustainable PU Foam Development
The Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry is currently hosting a visiting researcher from Poland, Dr. Rafał Malinowski, an Associate Professor at the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute for Engineering of Polymer Materials and Dyes (IMPiB), located in Toruń, Poland. This visit marks a significant step toward fostering closer scientific cooperation in the development of polyurethane (PU) foams from renewable raw materials.
During his stay, Dr. Malinowski is welcomed and mentored by Dr. Miķelis Kirpļuks, a leading researcher at LSIWC and expert in the development of sustainable PU systems. As one of the key figures in LSIWC’s research on bio-based polymers, Dr. Kirpļuks is actively involved in supervising the internship and guiding the knowledge exchange process. He is also introducing Dr. Malinowski to the infrastructure, key personnel, and current polymer-related projects of the institute.
Dr. Malinowski is gaining hands-on experience at LSIWC’s Polymer Laboratory, where active investigations are underway into the synthesis of bio-based polyurethane foams. These efforts focus on the development of bio-polyols derived from natural oils and lignocellulosic feedstocks – key components in producing more sustainable alternatives to fossil-based PU materials.
This internship is part of a broader strategy to enhance international knowledge exchange, promote green chemistry, and create new opportunities for joint research initiatives. It also reflects the growing emphasis across Europe on reducing dependence on petrochemical inputs and transitioning toward renewable, circular bio-based materials.
About the Łukasiewicz Research Network
The Łukasiewicz Research Network is one of the largest research organizations in Europe, uniting 22 research institutes across Poland. Named after Ignacy Łukasiewicz, the Polish inventor and oil industry pioneer, the network was established in 2019 and is coordinated by the Łukasiewicz Centre in Warsaw. Its mission is to bridge science and industry through demand-driven, innovative R&D solutions.
Key figures:
- More than 7,000 employees, including 4,500+ researchers
- Involved in approx. 1,645 R&D projects annually
- Core areas: smart mobility, digital transformation, health, and sustainable economy
- Offers a “Challenge-Driven Innovation” platform: companies submit technological problems, and the network responds with proposed solutions within 15 business days
The Łukasiewicz – Institute for Engineering of Polymer Materials and Dyes (IMPiB), where Dr. Malinowski is based, is a specialized research institute with expertise in polymer engineering, including paints, adhesives, plastics processing, and polyurethane systems. These focus areas closely align with LSIWC’s applied polymer chemistry research.
Significance of the Collaboration
This partnership strengthens interdisciplinary and cross-border synergies in polymer science and supports the EU Green Deal and Horizon Europe goals. The collaborative efforts between LSIWC and IMPiB contribute to the development of eco-friendly polyurethane foams, used in construction, insulation, packaging, and the automotive sector.
Through this initiative, both institutes advance their expertise in bio-based solutions, moving toward a reduced carbon footprint and more sustainable material economy. Notably, the mentorship of Ph.D. Miķelis Kirpļuks ensures that the visiting researcher is not only integrated into ongoing research but also gains a deeper understanding of LSIWC’s innovation ecosystem in wood chemistry and renewable polymers.
Such international exchanges pave the way for joint project development, scientific mobility, and broader collaboration within the European Research Area.
