We are pleased to announce that our PhD student, Dominika Czekanowska, together with the international Mission: PFASsible team, won First Prize in the “Restore our Ocean and Waters” Mission Arena at EU TalentOn 2026, held in Brest, France.
The team received a cash prize for its innovative concept addressing PFAS pollution in water systems. The proposed solution focuses on sensing, capturing, and concentrating persistent contaminants, with the aim of supporting verified risk reduction and improving water safety
Dominika was selected as one of 100 finalists from 1,317 applicants. Organised by the European Commission, EU TalentOn brings together young researchers from across Europe to develop innovative solutions to major societal challenges. Ekaterina Zaharieva, European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, also recognised the achievement, congratulating the winners and highlighting the potential of European talent to develop innovative solutions when given the opportunity to think differently.
This achievement highlights the importance of international collaboration and the valuable contribution of young researchers to environmental innovation.
Congratulations to Dominika Czekanowska and the entire Mission: PFASsible team on this outstanding achievement!
More about EU TalentOn 2026 and the winning teams can be found on the European Commission website.
Information also avaiable from the Institute of Low Temperature and Structure Research webiste.
