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VSB – Technical University of Ostrava | Faculty of Safety Engineering | Centre of Excellence for Safety Research

The Centre of Excellence for Safety Research (CESAR)

CESAR was established under the prestigious ERA Chairs scheme and is led by Prof. Ernesto Salzano at the Faculty of Safety Engineering of VSB – Technical University of Ostrava. It is envisioned as a regional hub dedicated to advancing safety in alternative energy systems.

With a strong focus on hydrogen technologies, CESAR is committed to addressing the safety challenges posed by emerging energy solutions. The Centre’s mission is to lead in the understanding, mitigation, and management of risks across the entire hydrogen value chain — from production and storage to distribution and end use.

CESAR strives to pioneer innovative safety strategies and shape a resilient, secure energy future. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and stakeholder engagement, the Centre also aims to become a vibrant platform for knowledge exchange, bringing together experts, researchers, and industry partners across the region and beyond.

Green hydrogen production facility

Key Goals

Enhance research capacity and international competitiveness in safety research.

Support systemic changes by fostering internationalization and a strong research culture.

Connect with European research networks and projects to strengthen collaborations and innovations.

Objectives

CESAR aims to achieve excellence in both research and management by focusing on:
  1. 01Building top-tier research in hydrogen safety and alternative energy sources.
  2. 02Strengthening international collaborations with academic and industrial partners.
  3. 03Improving research management processes at the Faculty.
  4. 04Establishing support systems for young researchers, including training and career development.
  5. 05Promoting a culture of openness and internationalization.

Research Areas

CESAR focuses on research in:

Hydrogen Safety

Developing innovative solutions to ensure the safe use and storage of hydrogen.

Alternative Energy Sources

Exploring the safety challenges of emerging energy technologies.

Risk Analysis and Management

Creating advanced methodologies for risk identification, assessment, and mitigation.

Activities

CESAR’s work is divided into key activities and work packages:
  1. 01Recruitment of five top-tier scientists in 2025, with plans to expand the team further.
  2. 02Conducting large-scale laboratory experiments, mathematical modeling, and risk analysis.
  3. 03Training in research management for administrative staff and project support for researchers.
  4. 04Establishing an attractive research environment with community activities for international scientists.
  5. 05Effective project management, monitoring, and reporting.
  6. 06Dissemination and exploitation activities, including publications, conferences, and public relations efforts.

Outputs

The CESAR project will deliver:
  1. 01World-class safety research findings and methodologies.
  2. 02Training programs and resources for researchers and industry professionals.
  3. 03Increased visibility and impact through publications, conferences, and PR campaigns.
  4. 04Enhanced international collaboration and network-building in the safety field.
Funded by the European Union

This project is funded by the European Union under Horizon Europe (project No. 101186946).

This website reflects only the views of the authors, and the European Union is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains.