‘Doing research is an enjoyable job for me’ – interview with He Haijun

 He Haijun, PhD student of BME Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Polymer Engineering, gained the first prize of the BMe research Grant. Most PhD students aspire for the grant, created to support professionally outstanding researchers.

'People always says that PhD studies are the most challenging part of life. But the PhD study at BME makes me not feel that tough, instead, it gives me the calmness and the balance between work and life when doing my research. It teaches me how to make an enjoyable PhD life. And I also have time to do my hobbies, I am a marathon runner.' More

Aiming high-quality education, with empathy towards students

 

Dr Szabolcs Berezvai graduated on PhD level in July 2020, and he is already rated as the most excellent lecturer of BME, out of nearly one thousand lecturers, and gained the honours of the Best Lecturer of BME. Interview with Szabolcs Berezvai, the senior lecturer of BME Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Applied Mechanics. More

'During planning phase, getting to know the future user is essential'

The thesis of our freshly graduated industrial design MSc student, Boglárka Duray, was published on the Hungarian-language architecture and design portal ’Octogon’. 

Her design was about a product family of office lamps, called Glide. She is not only an outstanding designer but also tried herself in various fields of engineering. Interview with Boglárka Duray. More

'I believe in the power of motivation, and the child-like curiosity' - interview with Dr Attila Csobán

 'A man made of gold' 'Absolutely helpful' 'Csobán for president' – and we can read several similar, enthusiastic opinions about him on a popular, lecturer scoring portal. Dr Attila Csobán, senior lecturer of BME Department of Machine and Product Design, who was given the ’Excellent Lecturer of BME’ prize, based on the survey filled by students. 

How did you take this honour? 

Attila Csobán: I became delighted. I am very proud of it. I was having a look at my mailbox, and my eyes fell on a mail sent by Zsombor Pollák, who was the president of the student council at the time, telling me, that I gained this award. It was a warm, pleasant feeling. When lecturers leave academic life without transferring their complete knowledge, it is my most tremendous heartache. It is an honour itself that I can teach. More

’It is an honour, that the students apperciate my work’

Ágnes Urbin, assistant lecturer of BME Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of MOGI (Mechatronics, Optics and Mechanical Engineering Informatics) was given the ’Excellent Lecturer of BME’ prize. This decision was made by EHK (Students’ Union of BME). Interview.

You gained the ’Excellent Lecturer of BME’ prize. How did you take this honour?

It surprised me. It was just a few weeks ago, that I received an email from the students’ union of BME, informing about the prize. I felt delighted and pleased that I got the award based on the students’ assessment of lecturers. However, I did not expect it.

The reason could be, perhaps, that I handle students as equal partners. This prize is, although, not only my honour. I give lab courses, where it is much easier to connect and get feedback. It is less rewarding to speak for an hour and a half in front of hundreds of people. More

Can we use drones as forest fire sensors? How do bullet-proof vests work? Interview with Tamás Kalmár-Nagy

 Tamás Kalmár-Nagy was a researcher of the Ivy League-member Cornell University, also have won a winning a world championship with their robot soccer team. Now, he is an associate professor of the BME Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Aerodynamics. For him, research is a joyful activity. Interview with Tamás Kalmár-Nagy.

'I research diverse topics, and mechanistic turbulence has aerodynamical relevance, moreover, is an exciting model with a great heritage.' More

Startup - Reducing carbon footstep with minimal compromises

The Respray team started to think about creating refillable aerosol cans and their refilling machines. The team is made up of two students: Andor Réti, mechanical engineer student of BME, and Gergely Zámbó, a finance and accounting student of Corvinus University.

In the 2nd semester of the Startup Campus program, gained a 15 million HUF (49000 USD) subsidy, allowing them to create the prototype of the first self-driven machine and can. The objective of Respray is the cooperation with major firms in the deodorant distribution. Interview.

How did you find the idea of the refillable aerosol cans?

Andor Réti: Our common fields of interest are environmental protection and business; this gave birth to this idea. We believe that environmental protection can only be successful if opportunities for reducing carbon footsteps require only a minimal compromise for the consumer. We focused on aerosol cans, as aerosols have adverse health effects, and also produce waste, is caused by petroleum gases, while our solution uses compressed air. Thus the future users will not inhale hydrocarbons. More

'My objective is to do something really relevant for science, having an impact on people's life'

 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do'- says the proverb. Giuesppe Habib attained an Italian top university in Rome, but, because he was mesmerised by Budapest, did his Erasmus scolarship and PhD at BME Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Later, he returned to Hungary as a researcher, and today works as a senior lecturer at the Department of Applied Mechanics of the faculty. Interview.  

You graduated as a mechanical engineer at the La Sapienza University of Rome in 2008. Why did you choose Mechanical Engineering?

Since when I was in high school, I was fascinated by the possibility of predicting the dynamics of physical objects by using mathematics. This made me love physics and in particular mechanics. When I had to choose which university to go to, I was undecided between mechanical engineering and physics, what I knew is that I wanted to deal with mechanics. In the end, I chose mechanical engineering because it gives more job opportunities. More

‘To solve a difficult medtech problem, I used image processing and AI’

 Aline Faria de Lemos, a PhD student from Brazil, has already studied here in Hungary when she met with the opportunity of the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship. Now she is researching about a MedTech topic as a PhD student at BME Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of MOGI. Interview.

'I have lived in Budapest for a year during my bachelor's degree. I won a scholarship for a sandwich degree, which meant a two semester-long period of my bachelor's in Hungary. To tell the truth, I did not know much about Hungary before, but when I got to Budapest, I saw that it is a beautiful city, with classical buildings and friendly people. After this year, which is a fond memory for me, I returned to Brazil, but I kept thinking about Budapest. 

During my masters in Brazil, I got to know about the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship, and that it is available for PhD as well. That time I have already decided to continue my studies in a PhD programme. I started searching for doctoral programmes for mechanical engineering, that is how I have found the BME and especially the Department of MOGI (Mechatronics, Optics and Mechanical Engineering Informatics). I also had a look at the scientific performance of the professors and lecturers here, seeing, that they are highly qualified and are doing serious research, like my supervisor, Balázs Vince Nagy. Besides, I already had some friends who studied here and were satisfied with the education and the research opportunities.' More

Helpful professors and comprehensive equipment at BME Faculty of Mechanical Engineering – interview with Gao Min

 

Gao Min, an alumna of Guangxi University, China, is a PhD student of BME Faculty of Mechanical Engineering researches retina stimulation opportunities at the Department of Mechatronics, Optics and Mechanical Engineering Informatics.

 We talked not only about her research topic, but also her favourite Hungarian dishes and places in Budapest.

'As a master student, I had a dream to study on PhD level abroad. My husband applied and received the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship. Then we decided to come to Hungary together. It was an easy task to choose BME as an optical engineer, as there is a well-known department focusing on optics at the university (BME MOGI). Here I met my supervisor, Dr. Balázs Vince Nagy, researcher of human vision.' More

’We have to be realistic about the social-economical aspects of technological development’

Ákos Gyenge

In the competition organised by BME and the Hungarian National Bank (MNB), the students of our faculty won two of four categories. 

 In the first part of the BME Mechanical Engineering Blog interview series, we talked with Ákos Gyenge, and Donát Takács, students of our faculty, as a team won the big gold of the competition with their work in the category ’Smart cities and sustainable lifestyle’. Interview.

'The whole work was a great professional challenge: although I attended a few university lectures regarding urbanism, I have never delved into the topic this deeply before. However, the most challenging aspect was something else: considering the economic and social effects in the long term of novel, exciting solutions. The results of the current, rapid technological development are undoubtedly impressive, but the last decades have proven that  these developments can have unexpected yet significant social and ecological consequences. Moreover, the development of a city has a much larger inertia, than e.g. the smartphone market does: urban developments are hard to reverse and usually have long-term effects.' More

 

’I projected tech issues on economic processes, covering business and legal aspects as well’

In the competition organised by BME and the Hungarian National Bank (MNB) the students of our faculty won two of four categories.

In the second part of the BME Mechanical Engineering Blog interview series, we talked with Balázs Riskutia, the winner of the category Platform Economy: AI, robotics and green technologies.

 

What was the biggest challenge in this project?

 

Undoubtedly, the biggest challenge was the research through the various types of literature. Platform economy as a topic is discussable from several points of view. I got to the result with the help of legal, technological, IT, economy and business review articles. To be satisfied by an abstract, general platform model is definitely tempting. But we can only see the big picture of the platform economy if we get to know the technological processes that led to its emergence, if recognise its integration in the institutionalised society and if we can follow how the platform economy creates novel business models for companies. On the whole, the challenge was to collect a set of articles with appropriately diverse approaches from which one can still construct a unified view for the reader.  More

Startup of BME energy engineering students makes a revolution in the e-mobility

Four of BME Faculty of Mechanical Engineering students, launched a startup for developing an application for e-mobility navigation. This startup was born as a project not only winning the MVM Edison energy startup contest but also receiving investment from a subsidiary. Interview with Kornél Kálmán, co-founder of Volteum.

 What has inspired you to develop the application?

  

Kornél Kálmán: In the current Volteum team, four of the founders are contributing, and all started at BME on Energy Engineering BSc programme. We have got to know each other at the Student Association of Energy on BME, where we participated in various projects and also the management of the association. Besides our studies, we were also curious about the challenges and current development directions. We always have wanted to be part of these, so we got into the rapidly growing e-mobility sector. More

Robot sound research to be tested with a waiter robot

Emotional expression of robots was examined in a recent study participated by BME Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Mechatronics, Optics, and Mechanical Engineering Informatics (BME-GPK MOGI). The result was made in international cooperation of researchers, institutes and research groups on robotics and ethology. The examination is going to be tested with a waiter robot. The first author of the paper, published in Scientific Reports, published by the prestigious Nature, was Beáta Korcsok (left), assistant lecturer of the BME-GPK MOGI Department. Interview with professor Péter Korondi (right), a member of the project. More

A forgotten XX. century mechanical engineer from BME, with world sucess

Béla Karlovitz, born in 1904 in Pápa, Hungary, graduated as a mechanical engineer at BME. His brilliance is surpassed by other Hungarian minds, such as Theodor von Kármán , and our nuclear scientists. Nevertheless, he was a prominent figure in combustion science; also, he invented the magnetohydrodynamic generator.

Despite, only a little could be found about him, even in the archives. More

Not a pioneer, but a humble, sensible woman - portrait of the first Hungarian female mechanical engineer, Vilma Mahrer

The first Hungarian female mechanical engineer, Vilma Mahrer graduated ninety-five years ago at the BME Faculty (or as it was called that time: Department) of Mechanical Engineering. She was the third woman, who graduated from BME (the first one was a civil engineer, while the second one was an architect). Some newspapers interviewed her, but this humble, young woman did not seek the spotlights. Even the archives tell a very little.

The time, when the contemporary newspaper-reading public got to know her, was when the daily newspaper Az Ujság interviewed with her in the apartment of her parents, one day after her graduation.

Why did you decide to be an engineer? – asked the Az Ujság. Her childhood friends were ambitious girls, ’all of them planned to be a professional’, Mahrer replied, ’to study to be a teacher, a doctor, an industrial artist, or a painter.’ Although her parents would have liked her rather stay at home, Vilma had a passionate interest in science, technology and engineering, and she did not imagine herself as a girl ’waiting for the fianceé at home.’ The fact that she would be the first female mechanical engineer inspired her even more. More

'Studying at BME was one of the best decisions ever made in my life'

Viktor Zichó, energy engineer, alumni of our faculty, rode a recumbent (a bicycle, which places the rider in a laid-back reclining position) to the tomb in Darjeeling of Sándor Csoma de Kőrös, early-19th century Hungarian orientalist. Viktor Zichó rode his bike following the path of Csoma.

'Attending BME was one of the best things that ever happened in my life. I made good friends in the dorm, I could live a vibrant social life, and I could study, which attracted me the most: energetics. The university taught me autonomy and opened my eyes. I realised my attitude towards work and career. On a ’Building services systems’ lesson, the lecturer advertised a project: the measurement of the heating system of the Széchenyi Spa in Budapest. That was the first time when I had the opportunity to work independently, without external pressure. Afterwards, I participated in several measurement projects brought by the industrial relations of the university. There I could implement the knowledge gained at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. I was outstandingly well-paid, with a part-time commitment. Primarily, I could finance my bike tours and equipment.' More

Advanced tools and software serving research and education at the Department of Applied Mechanics

Advanced software and tools serve research on human balancing and on machine tool vibrations at the BME Department of Applied Mechanics.

The Department of Applied Mechanics purchased such a high-performance high-speed camera, which can record even 750 000 frames per second. The camera has been being used for machine tool vibrations at cutting processes, but several theses and publications were written thanks to the camera’s recordings. More

'A prestigious university with talented lecturers in a fascinating destination'

Alper Uzun, who studied at the Trakya University in Turkey, chose BME as a location of his master studies. In Budapest, he loves not only the historical background, but also the view from the Gellert hill.  But you have to perform, no easy grades, he adds. Interview. 

'I have heard a lot about Budapest from my friends came here for their Erasmus semesters. I knew that it is a fascinating city with lots of possibilities for culture and fun.  However, it is really different to experience something from first hand and I was also afraid of what was waiting for me since I was in a different country with its different language. I was so lucky, due to my Hungarian mentor Balazs Bokor was there to pick me up from the airport, and he showed me around the city. When I was on top of the Gellert hill for the first time, I was truly impressed! I felt suddenly so excited to spend two full years in this city.' More

'I enjoyed every single moment of FameLab' – interview with Lilla Asztalos, domestic winner of the 2019 contest

Lilla Asztalos, Ph.D. student of BME Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Material Science and Technology, won the Hungarian final of FameLab, science communication contest, having an opportunity to appear on the Cheltenham world final.

'On FameLab, you need to perform with two different speeches in the final and the semi-final. The international final is held in a British town, Cheltenham, at the Science Festival, where you also have two speeches. The audience is usually local, including many school classes – this event aims, that young people should meet science and researchers. The reason, why a finalist should prepare with two speeches because the as many faces of science should be shown as we can – repeating is disliked just as on tv. A lot of attitudes on science can be found at the event, which is another virtue. Visionary innovators, and researchers peeling off clickbait, are also included.' More

'When I'll return to my country, I would like to implement the research tradition, scientific knowledge, and skills I gained at BME'

 After his bachelors made in Turkey, Yahya Kara graduated on BME as an MSc mechanical engineer.  He pursued his studies on PhD level, at the Department of Polymer Technology. Interview about education quality, Budapest life, and his experiences as an international student.

'Both in MSc and PhD studies, I was able to enhance my skills with engineering courses taught by distinguished professors in the field. Balancing practical implementation and theory-based education is the key to improve the skills of engineering candidates. BME professors provide valuable learning tools that meet the highest standards in teaching a blend of laboratory, workshop, and lecture. Besides, students can take active participation in the research projects no matter the level of study. Up to now, I had the chance to participate actively in various domestic and international research projects with a multidisciplinary working group. As an MSc alumnus and current PhD fellow, I can say the candidate can either contribute high quality and internationally recognizable science work by using research infrastructures in BME.' More

'Our hemodynamic research promote avoiding brain haemorrhages'

Benjamin Csippa, PhD student of the Department of Hydrodynamic Systems, works in a research group supported by the National Brain Research Program 2.0.

'What we can assume based on our current understanding, and can be valid for all types of aneurysm, is that irregular time-dependent flow patterns can come into existence, which modifies the structure of the vessel wall, initiating and eventually growing an aneurysm. In the process, this local irregular flow mechanically disproportionately stresses the endothelium. The endothelium – in effect – translates this mechanical signal into a biochemical one, which promotes a set of biological processes, to form an aneurysm.

The study of aneurysm formation mechanisms is a bit closer to what we can call basic research. Its clinical significance is, probably, that the doctors can have more in-depth knowledge with such information, about the natural course of the illness. Yet, our research findings can have practical impacts as well.' More

‘An excellent environment for education and research’

The renovation of our faculty’s 150 square meter lab hall in Building G was finished in the middle of April 2020. For this occasion, we had a review of the investments of the last few years. About the lab renovation, we interviewed Márton Takács, associate professor, deputy head of the Department of Manufacturing Science and Engineering. More

Three cathegories were won by BME-GPK teams in pneumobile competition

Contest of 2019

BME's mechanical engineering students won three from four cathegories at Emerson XIII. International Aventics Pneumobile 2020 contest. In the contest, participants had to design and develop a pneumatic vehicle. 

The first prize in the 'Most innovative vehicle' and 'Best technical documentation' cathegories were gained by the team BME Műszakik AiR-115, of our faculty. The team's tutor was Dr. Zsolt Farkas, the senior lecturer of BME-GPK (Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering), Department of Machine and Product Design.

The other team of our faculty, Löködönc Green Thunder gained prize for the best control system, with the tutorship of András Czmerk, senior lecturer of BME-GPK MOGI (Department of Mechatronics, Optics, and Mechanical Engineering Informatics). Both teams gain podiums since years, certain teams of Műszakik gained the prize for the 'best pneumobile' in 2019, 2016 and 2015. But BME-GPK student teams won the contest in 2011, 2013, and 2014, and gained podium in several categories.

Due to the emergent situation, this year, for the first time, the event was organized online, without a live round, only with the judgement of technical documentation and CAD designs. The founders of the contest, firstly organized in 2008 was, to create an engineering event, where future engineers have the opportunity to get glimpse into pneumatics. The teamworks were helped by Tibor Szabó, the master lecturer of MOGI.

LB/TSZ/IO   Photo: Emerson

'The mathematic models we use enable us to analyse various complex networks'

Tamás Huzsvár and Richárd Wéber, PhD students of BME Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Hydrodynamic Systems examine the network theory and energy emission aspects of potable water networks. Their lecture was awarded a special award and a Public Choice Award on the potable water- and sewage system technology-related Dulovics Junior Symposium. Interview. 

What do you study in your PhD researches? 

Richárd Wéber: We both would like to build up and precise mathematical models of potable water networks, and draw overall conclusions about their operation. Our aim is that potable water should be transferred in proper quantity, most efficiently and inexpensively, to the consumers. We work based on the 1D hydraulic model of potable water networks, using mathematical tools of network theory.

What challenges can reduce the efficiency of these networks?

Richárd Wéber: For instance, there are vast quantities of leakages, due to the erosion of the pipes. It is pumped into the network, but no one pays for it, it is called non-invoiced water. There are methods to estimate the locations and how to reduce this loss. It is otherwise not necessarily secure, because these elements are located 1-2 meters underground, so it is costly and uncomfortable. More

Former GPK MOGI student researched the navigation of jumping robots on asteroids in Japan

Interview with Gábor Kovács who made his master degree in mechatronics engineering at BME Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (GPK). They received his PhD degree at Chuo University in Japan, with his study focusing on image processing.

'My research was in connection with small exploration rovers, to be sent on foreign celestial bodies. These rovers have to be controlled in various ways. For instance, with remote control, the Moon is easily reachable in a few seconds. But between Earth and Mars, it takes some minutes, so they are out of reach in real-time. Thus, the robot can navigate itself with computer vision.  From the image, it has to recognize obstacles, for instance, if there is a rock: the rover has to realize that it cannot cope with the rock and evade.' More

Researchers of our faculty are testing renewable fuels for aviation

Members of the Combustion Research Group at the Department of Energy Engineering focus on low emission combustion research. Interview with Viktor Józsa, senior lecturer, and Gyöngyvér Hidegh, PhD student.

What does the phrase ’combustion’ exactly mean? It is related to fire, flames, certain technologies...

Viktor Józsa: The phrase ‘combustion’ covers multiple fields, including combustion theory, combustion technology, combustion-related numerical simulations, and in a general context, the use of fire by mankind. Even cooking can be classified here, however, instead of stoves, we focus on industrial and power plant applications.

What made you pursue research in this field? Why combustion?

Gyöngyvér Hidegh: This topic grabbed my attention in the spring of 2015. I was impressed by that Viktor, and another colleague, Attila Kun-Balog, are how enthusiastic about their research to find explanations for various interesting phenomena and challenges in this field.

Viktor Józsa: When I was a child, I wanted to be a pilot. I never liked cars but jet aircraft. Following that, my goal was to work with jet engines and gas turbines; thus I applied to the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of BME. Firstly, I turned to mechanics then fluid dynamics, because I was the only applicant for heat engineering specialization in 2011. The current research thread dates back to the scientific student conference (TDK) in 2010; my topic of bioethanol utilization in gas turbines, supervised by Dr. Krisztián Sztankó. Then we turned to heavier alternative fuels like crude rapeseed oil, which is highly viscous.  More

Conquered not only space, but international science

After the successful launch, the SMOG-P PocketQube satellite, developed by BME, has reached orbit and still operating perfectly. An interview with Viktor Józsa and Róbert Kovács, assistant professors of BME, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Energy Engineering, who are lead mechanical engineers of the satellite project.

What was your role in the development of the SMOG-P PocketQube satellite?

Róbert Kovács (RK): The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering joined the project in the fields of structural design, thermal analyses, and other mechanical-vibrational investigations.

Viktor Józsa (VJ): The MaSat-1, the first Hungarian satellite, got to orbit in 2012 and had operated excellently until its return to Earth’s atmosphere in 2015. The most important function of small satellites is the ability to communicate. Thus, mostly electrical engineers, radio amateurs, smaller hobby groups, and university study groups build them. However, reliable operation also requires mechanical engineering knowledge. The 2.7 Kelvin (minus 270 ˚C) background temperature of space is the most important from thermal engineering point of view. Also, the rocket’s vibrations and the acceleration are important since the launching procedure exposes the satellite to the highest load which must be withstood. The role of vibrations and acceleration are highlighted because the majority of rockets are unmanned so they are not limited to 2-3 g. Instead, the payload is exposed to 10 g or even beyond to minimize the launch cost besides the hammer blow-like 100 g acceleration when the first stage is separated. Only then we get to the point to see if the spacecraft is still able to communicate or not. More

Not only the recyclable materials can make a boat environmentally more friendly – interview with Zoltán Mezey, senior lecturer of BME Department of Polymer Technology

Flaar Kft, the enterprise of Zoltán Mezey,  senior lecturer of Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Polymer Technology, gained awards at the Budapest Boat Show. With their sport sailboat, they gained not only the first prize, the greenest product award, and the most innovative Hungarian product award, but also their power-driven workboat gained the third prize at the competition. Interview with Zoltán Mezey about innovation, basalt reinforcements and reaction injection molding.

'Ideas just keep coming and coming to our mind, but now, we should rather not expand our product line, but we should increase the number of our current types. Since we have launched our company, we developed an almost unrealistic number of models. Fortunately, we can see the results as well: our model ‘37’ was the first Hungarian boat nominated for the prize ‘European Yacht of the Year’.

We also like doing experiments. At the Department of Polymer Technology, there were robust researches about basalt fibre. Although, this is an excellent reinforcing fibre, is still not widespread in boat building. because the reason is that boat building standards does not include basalt fibre, and it might not be used in analogy with the standards for glass fibres. I am currently looking for those aspects, where basalt can be implemented in the current regulative system. Reaction injection moulding also grabbed my attention, it is a technology with a significant potential, and we do a lot of experiments with it.' More

'I wanted to create useful tools, even as a teenager' - interview with Klára Wenzel, private professor of BME MOGI

She contributed in several industrial projects including developing a volumetric tool for the oil tanks of the Hungarian oil company or working on safety components at the Paks nuclear power plant, or colourimetric observer for tinned tomato pulp. Still, Klára Wenzel, with her fellow BME professor György Ábrahám, made her masterpiece, for end-consumer usage, a glasses for people with dichromacy. 

Interview with Klára Wenzel, private professor of BME Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Mechatronics, Optics, and Mechanical Engineering Informatics (MOGI) about childhood memories, legendary professors with a good sense of humour, and in the end, we will get to know, that does she still paint nowadays.

Let us start with the most trivial question. Why mechanical engineering? More

What can a designer and a researcher create together? Turning a pub free of waste! Interview with Tibor Gungl and Ákos Kmetty

Ákos Kmetty (left),Tibor Gungl (right)

A popular open-air pub’s orange peel and PLA plastic glass waste were turned into a design material by Tibor Gungl, designer of UPLUX lamps and other recycled home interior equipment. His mentor was Ákos Kmetty, senior lecturer of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at BME, in a two-week internship of the Start Programme of the Hungarian Fashion and Design Agency. Interview with Ákos Kmetty, senior lecturer of BME Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Polymer Technology, and Tibor Gungl, designer.

 Why did you choose the Department of Polymer Technology at BME?

Tibor Gungl: It was a real detective job. My starting point was to upcycle waste, and I was seeking for an organisation dealing with polymers. I contacted Ákos Kmetty after 15–20 failed attempts. It is difficult to find someone in Hungary in this sector, and ask them to help me create a new material. Most of the interns of the mentoring programmes had a design perspective instead, so they had an internship at concrete designer workshops, in the furniture industry, or the Hollóházi Porcelain Manufactory.

One of the two raw materials is PLA. What features does PLA have?

Ákos Kmetty: PLA (poly-lactic-acid) is a thermoplastic material, which is also renewable resource-based, compostable, and even recyclable. The compostability of this material does not mean that it is needed to be composted at the end of its lifetime; we can recycle it by producing something new. More