Diamond Electrodes for Pure Hydrogen and Individuals with ADHD in the Workplace – PLN 3 million for research | Gdańsk University of Technology

Unique properties of diamond-based materials

Mattia Pierpaoli, PhD, Gdańsk Tech professor from the Faculty of Electronics, Telecommunications and Informatics, will implement the project "Hybrid diamond electrodes supporting dark fermentation for bioelectrochemical hydrogen production". The funding amounts to PLN 1,980,548.

The scientists' goal will be to develop a new synergistic approach, combining dark fermentation and electrochemical oxidation on diamond electrodes, in order to produce hydrogen from food waste. The project aims to increase the efficiency of hydrogen production and enhance control over the biological process.

- Food waste poses a serious challenge to the environment. Dark fermentation is an attractive solution for processing this waste into high-quality products such as hydrogen. However, the presence of various substances, such as organic acids and ammonia, can inhibit the growth of microorganisms, which ultimately leads to a decrease in the efficiency of the hydrogen generation process - explains Prof. Mattia Pierpaoli. - Our goal is to use small electric currents to better understand what happens to bacteria during hydrogen production. We can achieve this thanks to the unique properties of diamond-based materials that we synthesize in our laboratory at the Department of Metrology and Optoelectronics. Due to the complexity and multidisciplinary nature of the project, the team consists of young scientists with different specializations from several faculties (Faculty od Electronics, Telecommunications and Informatics, Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Faculty of Applied Physics and Mathematics). We also plan to involve PhD and Master students in the project.

Inclusive Work Environment

Joanna Szulc, PhD from the Faculty of Management and Economics will carry out the project titled "Towards a Model of Bilateral ADHD-Neurotypical Relations (DANR): Study of High-Quality Relationships in the Workplace Between Employees with ADHD and Neurotypical Co-workers". The funding amounts to PLN 1,077,912.

- People with ADHD constitute approximately 7 percent of the population, and yet still little is known about how their professional relationships with neurotypical co-workers are shaped. Do they experience them differently? What helps in building effective cooperation and what can lead to misunderstandings? - says Joanna Szulc, PhD, who, as part of the grant, together with her team, will analyze the dynamics of these relationships and check whether traditional management theories take into account the specificity of neurodiverse teams.

The project will employ innovative qualitative research methods that will allow us to capture the perspective of both parties and create a new theoretical model.

- Our results will provide practical tips for organizations that want to better support diversity and build an inclusive work environment. A deeper understanding of these mechanisms can translate into greater job satisfaction for employees with ADHD and better cooperation in teams, emphasizes Joanna Szulc, PhD. – The project is an important step towards creating workplaces where everyone, regardless of their way of thinking and acting, can fully use their potential.