From August to October, we had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Muddasir Ali Shah, a distinguished plasma physicist from Pakistan. His research stay was not only a testament to the power of international collaboration but also a unique opportunity to deepen our shared understanding of plasma science. The visit fostered new friendships, hopefully inspired possible joint projects, and showcased the welcoming spirit that defines our research environment.
Dr. Muddasir Ali Shah, who earned his PhD from Government College University (GCU) in Lahore, is a respected figure in theoretical plasma physics, focusing on plasma waves and instabilities in relativistic environments. Currently affiliated with the University of Central Punjab and previously an Assistant Professor at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Dr. Shah has supervised 17 graduate and posgraduate theses, nurturing the next generation of scientists.
During his stay, Dr. Shah engaged closely with our research teams, learning about our approach to experimental applied plasma physics research and exchanging ideas and methodologies that enriched both sides. Beyond the laboratory, Dr. Shah became part of our community, participating in group seminars, informal gatherings, and even local cultural events. His presence highlighted the value of international exchange—not only for advancing science but also for building lasting professional and personal connections.
As we look ahead, we are excited about the possibility of continued collaboration with Dr. Shah. His visit has left a lasting impression, reinforcing our commitment to openness, shared discovery, and the welcoming environment that makes our department a vibrant place for scientific growth.
Q&A: Insights from Dr. Muddasir Ali Shah
What motivated you to come to the Czech Republic for your research stay? Why did you choose our department specifically?
A former Master's student of mine, Mr. Waseem Khan, commenced his PhD studies in your department in 2019. Through our continued correspondence, he frequently highlighted the exceptional research facilities and dynamic academic environment, which triggered my strong interest.
This was further solidified when I extended an invitation to Professor Černák to deliver an online seminar at my home institution. His presentation on the diverse industrial applications of plasma technology was particularly insightful and revealed several novel research avenues that closely align with my own interests, yet represented a new and valuable perspective.
Consequently, I was inspired to propose a collaborative visit. My primary motivation is to gain hands-on experience with your specialized equipment and to work directly with your department's experts. I chose your department specifically because of its clear focus on pioneering industrial applications, which I believe will be immensely beneficial for me to write future projects.
Can you tell us more about your current research focus?
My main area of research is to study the propagation of electromagnetic waves in relativistic environments with a strong magnetic field. Recently, I have used numerical integration methods to solve the integrals that can not be solved analytically. With this approach, I was able to address an important research problem of relativistic dynamics without any approximation. That helps us to get better results which in turn improve our understanding of the phenomenon occurring in relativistic plasma environments like pulsars and also in fusion devices.
What are you planning to work on during your stay here?
I am planning to work on various equipment used for plasma treatment of different materials. I also want to get familiar with the diagnostic equipment used to find the structure, surface modification, morphology, etc, of the treated sample.
How does scientific work or studying physics in Pakistan differ from what you've experienced here?
In Pakistan, our approach to physics, particularly in specialized fields like plasma physics, is often heavily theoretical due to resource constraints. We teach the fundamental principles and explain potential applications, but we generally lack the extensive, dedicated laboratory facilities for hands-on experimentation in areas like plasma treatments and advanced diagnostics.
Here, however, I observe a thriving ecosystem of collaboration. The department’s research is visibly aligned with real-world industrial challenges, fostering innovation that is both scientifically rigorous and commercially relevant. This synergy is a model I find exceptionally effective and hope to learn from.
Why did you choose to study physics instead of another field? What do you enjoy most about working in this area of science?
My favourite subjects were Mathematics and Physics. With mathematics you can solve a problem to get answers, but it is Physics that tells you which one is the right answer. Physics is the field that encourages you to ask questions about your surroundings and also about your own existence. It develops a curiosity in you about every phenomenon happening around you. That’s why I love Physics.
What has surprised you the most about working or living in the Czech Republic?
The weather in Czech Republic is very nice and comfortable. The people at the university are nice and helpful. They always give me time to explain their research work and I learned many new things from them.
Thank you for the interview.
Researchers from the Plasma Nanotechnologies and Bioapplications group have launched a new project funded by the Czech Science Foundation (GAČR), aimed at improving the mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced composites through plasma surface treatment of fibers. The project will run until 2028 in collaboration with the Research Institute of Building Materials, a.s.
Pedram Ghourghi Beigi, a PhD candidate in the Plasma Nanotechnologies and Bioapplications research group at CEPLANT and DPPT, attended the European Corrosion Congress 2025 in Norway. He presented his work on novel atmospheric-pressure plasma curing of anti-corrosion silicon-based coatings by oral and poster presentation, which sparked many fruitful discussions with fellow researchers.
