After briefly introducing the three young Ukrainian scientists that received the CDG crisis support to work in CDG research units for 12 months before, we will now conduct interviews with each of them throughout August: Today Anastasia Kadylnykova talks with us about her research at Abdellah Kharicha's CD Laboratory at Montanuniversität Leoben.

CDG: What are you researching at the moment?
Kadylnykova: Currently, my work deals with researching the interfacial tensions at the electrolyte-metal interface, as well as the dynamic changes occurring due to chemical reactions, which in turn depend on the kinetics of the reactions at the interface, are important. When modelling the electrolyte-metal system, it is necessary to deepen the knowledge of the interfacial properties in order to calculate the similarity criteria between the model fluids and the real system. Modelling will help to better understand this phenomenon and improve scientific knowledge.

CDG: What are your next scientific goals?
Kadylnykova: Development of optimal modes of the electroslag process for producing complex alloys with improved properties-perspective of traditional ESR [note: "Electro-Slag Remelting"]. Improvement of the ESR process, which now is one of the leading for heavy parts manufacturing, will serve to raise and sustain the industrial competitiveness of Austria's heavy machinery in the line of the plan for a European industrial renaissance.

CDG: What do you particularly appreciate about the funding model of CD Laboratories?
Kadylnykova: The war changed my life. Coming to Austria was a new and challenging experience. I must admit that working in CD Laboratory became a fundamental point for me to pursue my career aim. I work with successful people and develop myself every day, with more and more my professional skills increasing. Moreover, I work in an international group, and the exchange of ideas among researchers from different countries generates a new look at the problem and new knowledge, and our joint experiments will combine their efforts to solve the scientific problems.

CDG: Congratulations on your professorship! Do you think your work as Head of a CD Laboratory played a role in the decision in your favour?
Kharicha: Thank you very much! The establishment of the laboratory played a crucial role and provided me with the platform to build a successful research group.
This collaborative environment has not only allowed me to investigate a variety of scientific questions, but has also expanded the scope of my research beyond what I could have achieved alone.
This work has been widely recognized and appreciated by both the academic and industrial communities.
The CD Laboratory has not only accelerated my career path, but also strengthened my professional profile on an international level.

CDG: How does the CD Laboratory, which you have been heading for a good five years at this point, fit into your new role in terms of content?
Kharicha: My laboratory focuses on the use of electromagnetic fields in various applications in the manipulation and control of liquid metals, electrolytes and plasma.
This is a very broad topic. For example, we can manipulate flow patterns in metal casting to reduce errors.
Our findings in the field of high-intensity arc modeling have paved the way for the transition from coal combustion to processes based on electricity and hydrogen, which are not only environmentally friendly but also contribute to a more sustainable and efficient metallurgical industry.

CDG: What do you particularly appreciate about the CD Laboratory funding model?
Kharicha: I particularly appreciated the significant exchange of knowledge between science and industry.
My colleagues and I gained insights into the real-world challenges facing the industry, while industry partners benefited from our latest theoretical advances.
These successes have led to further investments from international industry and collaborations with renowned academic groups.
In my case, setting up a CD Laboratory created a virtuous and positive circle of continued support for research initiatives.