SCIENCE AND INNOVATION

At LUT exists several research areas, such as:

Lublin University of Technology took 1st place in 2026 between technical universities in Poland regarding number of patents.

List of some of the most recent and notable innovations/projects from 2025–2026:

Recent innovations at Lublin University of Technology:

1. Biodegradable polymer composites
   Researchers are developing biodegradable polymer compositions, including materials based on poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) with plant-based fillers. A patent application was published in 2026.

2. Innovative metal-forming technologies
   A new 2026–2027 project is developing dual-use metal-forming technologies using LUT's research infrastructure. The project has a value of PLN 1 million and focuses on advanced manufacturing technologies.

3. Energy-efficient and ecological materials for transport and machinery
   A major 2025–2026 research programme is developing advanced materials and technologies for transport, industrial machinery and medical machines. Areas include lightweight materials, low-waste production, digital manufacturing and energy efficiency.

4. Metal 3D printing and rapid prototyping
   LUT is expanding research involving additive manufacturing of metals (3D printing), together with VR/AR visualization and rapid prototyping.

5. Collaborative robots (cobots)
   Researchers are developing and testing industrial automation using collaborative robots, including human–robot interaction, production automation, safety and ergonomics.

6. Hydrogen and zero-emission propulsion
   LUT's research programme includes hydrogen propulsion systems, particularly for buses, as well as research into fuel-cell propulsion systems for vehicles.

7. Composite springs for vehicles
   A project running through November 2026 is developing a spring made entirely from polymer–fiber composite materials for mechanical vehicles, with the goal of bringing the technology to market.

8. Underwater exploration drone "Turtle"
   LUT student researchers developed a prototype underwater exploration drone called "Turtle", using LMB technology.

9. Magnetic-field sensors using thin-film resistors
   Another student innovation involves technology for magnetic-field sensors based on thin-film resistors.

10. Smart materials for energy harvesting
    LUT is researching hybrid composite smart structures capable of harvesting energy from structural vibrations, with potential applications in aerospace structures, machinery, wind turbines and wave-energy systems.

11. Advanced medical materials and implants
    In cooperation with the Medical University of Lublin, LUT researchers have developed technologies including pH-responsive zeolite–polymer materials, drug-delivery systems and innovative bone implants. Several related patents/applications appeared in 2025–2026.

12. Antibacterial wound dressing using silver-impregnated zeolite
    A 2025 patent application covers an antibacterial wound dressing enriched with silver-impregnated zeolite, developed jointly with the Medical University of Lublin.

13. AI, cybersecurity and technical informatics
    LUT's current research includes deepfake detection, anomaly detection in large datasets, pattern recognition, movement analysis and 3D digitization.

14. 3D digitization of cultural heritage
    Researchers are developing methods for 3D digitization and reconstruction of cultural heritage objects, including VR presentation and 3D-printed models.

15. New AI and cybersecurity education
    LUT is also innovating in education: its current development programme introduces new programmes in Technical Informatics, Cybersecurity and AI in Business Solutions, plus an Artificial Intelligence Engineer specialization. The project runs from 2025 to 2029 and is worth about PLN 14.3 million.

The European Commission awarded the HR Excellence in Research logo to the Lublin University of Technology on 18 July 2017.

This prestigious award given to European research units identifies Lublin University of Technology as an institution that creates some of the best working and development conditions for researchers in Europe.

The HR Excellence in Research logo, as part of the Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R), is a quality confirmation of the application of the highest standards in research and employment of the Unioversity staff.

More information about HR Excellence in Research at LUT: https://pollub.pl/nauka/hrs4r

Facts and figures about LUT:

• LUT’s engineering programmes have gained international recognition: in the latest ShanghaiRanking Consultancy Global Ranking of Academic Subjects, LUT’s Mechanical Engineering field placed in the top 301–400 worldwide, and among the top 3 in Poland.

• The university ranks very highly in national innovation rankings: it has repeatedly been named a “Leader of Innovation” in the Perspektywy Education Foundation University Ranking thanks to a strong record of patent filings, utility models and technology transfer. 

• The university has a vibrant student achievements culture: for example, LUT students became Polish Champions in logic-controller (PLC) programming among over 50 teams. 

• LUT is active in major international research and development projects: e.g., it leads a project on “Green and sustainable public spaces in historic cities” together with universities in Milan and Granada.