Our history
From a single laboratory founded in 1991 to a fully-equipped research and education centre — two decades of growth in nanoscience and alternative energy research at the University of Bucharest.
3Nano-SAE was officially established on 30 September 2005 at the Faculty of Physics, University of Bucharest, building on the legacy of an earlier laboratory with more than a decade of prior research activity. Its founding combined the initiative of young academics, researchers, and PhD students who saw the need for a dedicated centre at the intersection of nanoscience and alternative energy.
In the years that followed, the centre developed its specialised infrastructure through a series of European, national, and capacity-building research projects — laying the foundation for today's seven laboratories and broad research portfolio.
Key milestones
A short chronology of the moments that shaped the centre — from its origins as a focused diamond-films laboratory to its evolution into a multidisciplinary research hub.
The LFDPP laboratory
The Diamond Films and Plasma Polymerization laboratory (LFDPP) is established at the Faculty of Physics, University of Bucharest. Over the following 14 years it builds a research tradition in plasma processing, thin films, and advanced materials — the foundation on which 3Nano-SAE would later be built.
3Nano-SAE is founded
Building on LFDPP's legacy, the Nanosciences and Alternative Energy Sources Research Centre (3Nano-SAE) is officially established at the initiative of young academics, researchers, and PhD students at the Faculty of Physics, University of Bucharest. The centre's scope expands from materials processing to include alternative energy technologies, fuel cells, and nanoscience.
Marie Curie ToK network on biological & microbial fuel cells
The centre joins an FP6 Marie Curie Transfer of Knowledge network, collaborating with leading European groups on biological and microbial fuel cell technologies. The four-year project provides foundational expertise in bioelectrochemistry and connects 3Nano-SAE to the European research community.
Fuel Cells & Hydrogen Storage postdoctoral school
Funded by the National University Research Council, the centre launches a structured postdoctoral training programme in fuel cells and hydrogen storage technologies — formalising 3Nano-SAE's role as an education hub for advanced energy research.
SERA — research infrastructure programme
Through the national Project Capacities programme, 3Nano-SAE secures funding under SERA ("Alternative and Renewable Energy Sources: Equipment and facilities for research and development") to expand its experimental infrastructure. The investment establishes much of the equipment that still powers the centre's specialised laboratories today.
An established research hub
3Nano-SAE today operates seven specialised laboratories across nanoscience, energy conversion, and energy storage — with over 150 peer-reviewed publications, 30+ PhD graduates, and an active portfolio of national and European research projects. The centre continues to combine fundamental research with practical training of master's, doctoral, and postdoctoral students.
Foundational research projects
The centre's research infrastructure was developed through three pivotal projects in its founding years — combining European integration, postdoctoral training, and capacity-building investment.
Marie Curie
ToK
Biological and Microbial Fuel Cells
EU Framework Programme 6 Marie Curie Transfer of Knowledge network on biological and microbial fuel cell technologies, integrating 3Nano-SAE into the European bioelectrochemistry research community.
University
Council
Fuel Cells & Hydrogen Storage — Postdoctoral School
Structured postdoctoral training programme establishing 3Nano-SAE as a national hub for advanced energy research education, with a focus on PEM fuel cells, hydrogen storage materials, and electrochemical systems.
Capacities
CP15/2007
SERA — Alternative and Renewable Energy Sources
National capacity-building project funding equipment and facilities for research and development in alternative and renewable energy. The investment established core experimental infrastructure across the centre's laboratories.
Be part of the next chapter
Two decades on, 3Nano-SAE continues to grow through new projects, partnerships, and research talent. If you'd like to collaborate, study, or work with us, get in touch.
Contact us