Dr. Petra Jenuš Belec discusses permanent magnets and their recycling on Radio Slovenia
Dr. Petra Jenuš Belec from the Department for Nanostructured Materials at the Jožef Stefan Institute was a guest on Podobe znanja, a science programme broadcast on ARS, Radio Slovenia. The interview focused on the importance of permanent magnets in modern technologies, challenges related to their production, and opportunities for recycling.
Permanent magnets are essential components of numerous technologies, ranging from electric motors and electric vehicles to wind turbines. With the increasing demand for magnetic materials and growing concerns over the availability of critical raw materials, the development of alternative magnetic materials and efficient recycling strategies is becoming increasingly important.
During the interview, Dr. Jenuš Belec also presented research activities carried out within the European project GENIUS (Greener permanent magnets without or with less critical raw materials), coordinated by Dr. Jenuš Belec. The project focuses on developing more sustainable permanent magnets with reduced or no critical raw material content, with particular emphasis on ferrite-based magnets and their recycling.
These research activities contribute to more efficient resource utilisation, reduced environmental impact, and the transition towards a circular economy in the permanent magnet sector.
Listen to the interview (in Slovenian):
More about the GENIUS project: https://genius-era-min.si/
As part of the ARIS J4-70159 project, our department organized a symposium titled “From Molecular Interactions to Innovative Biomedical Therapies” on October 7, 2026, under the leadership of Asst. Prof. Nina Kostevšek. The event featured outstanding speakers from the fields of cell biology, molecular interactions, molecular simulations, and the synthesis of drug delivery systems. Diverse research perspectives sharing a common goal—namely, the development of new therapies—consistently spark interesting discussions and give rise to new ideas.
# ARIS-J4-50150
# Nanostructured materials
# Jožef Stefan Institute
On Monday, July 13, 2026, as part of the 41st International Conference on Environmental Geochemistry and Health (SEGH 2026), we participated in conducting a workshop titled “Microplastics in sediment, groundwater, and wastewater.” We presented a portion of the research conducted in collaboration with Gorenje d.d., IzVRS, and NIB within the framework of an ARIS applied research project.
We demonstrated the practical procedure for preparing washing machine wastewater samples to the participants, focusing on filtration and the subsequent preparation of filters for microscopic analysis. The first part covered the setup of the filtration apparatus, the filtration process, and sample preparation for observation.
Subsequently, participants examined the samples using an optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The demonstration illustrated how microscopic methods allow for the observation of microfibers released during the washing of synthetic textiles, as well as the assessment of their shape, size, and surface characteristics.
The workshop aimed to demonstrate the entire workflow—from wastewater collection to microscopic analysis—and to discuss the capabilities and limitations of various methods used in microplastics research.
With the final INSPIRES project (EIT RawMaterials) meeting, the members of the Nanostructured Materials Department (Dr. Benjamin Podmiljšak, Dr. Tomaž Tomše, and Prof. Dr. Spomenka Kobe) in the consortium of 11 partners reported on the achieved goals. The INSPIRES project in the RIS Slovenia region has demonstrated a successful example of a circular economy without waste. Through radical eco-innovations in the recycling of permanent magnets, with a focus on the easily accessible resource of motors in household appliances, we have developed new automated processes for dismantling waste appliances and recovering magnets from them. We have established recycling methods and tested new circular economy pathways with key industrial partners within the region (Kolektor, Gorenje, Domel, ZEOS, Surovina). We have analyzed their sustainable performance in terms of economic and environmentally sound life cycles. Knowledge and technologies from non-RIS regions (recycling technology was provided by the German partner University of Pforzheim) contributed to the refinement in the Slovenia region. The Brussels-based partner CEPS (Centre for European Policy Studies) effectively communicated the project’s achievements to decision-makers for further action.
https://dnevi.ijs.si/en/programme-2024/
Researchers’ Night on 29.9.2023, from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the IJS Gallery, main building.
We invite you to an exciting journey into the world of physics and chemistry, where we will explore the behaviour of materials through various experiments. Our adventure will also take us into the enchanting realm of magic sand, magnets and materials at the microscopic level. Additionally, we will have a unique opportunity to visit an electron microscope, which will open the doors to the mysterious world in miniature that is invisible to the eye. Join us on this journey and experience the magic of the microscopic world! 😊
