For over a decade, Lucia Knapčíková has guided the EAI MMS conference, shaping it into a hub of innovation and collaboration. As Vice-Dean for International Relations and Mobility at the Faculty of Manufacturing Technologies (Technical University of Košice, Slovakia), she was recently honored with the Recognition for Outstanding Leadership Award from EAI President. In this interview, she reflects on leadership, community, and the passion that drives her work in science.
You have been leading the EAI MMS conference for ten years. What has motivated you to stay dedicated to this community for so long?
I would like to sincerely thank the European Alliance for Innovation for ten years of joint work. Yes, joint work! During this period, I had the opportunity to meet countless people who could benefit me in both my future career and personal life. Such people were and still are Prof. Chlamtac and Radka Vasileiadis. For ten years, the EAI MMS conference has been a place where you can meet, practice, experience innovation, and form new scientific friendships and collaborations. Thank you for your long-term support and trust, which allowed this area of the conference to grow and develop into what it is today.
Reflecting on the recent 10th edition of EAI MMS, what moments or milestones do you consider the most meaningful?
The tenth anniversary of the EAI MMS conference was very symbolic for me personally and for the entire organising team. It represented not only a celebration of ten years of cooperation but also proof that the community around this conference is still growing, both in the number of participants and in the quality of contributions and international reach. The most significant milestones include expanding the conference’s thematic content, such as artificial intelligence, IoT, and real-time data processing, and enhancing the scientific quality of contributions.
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Last but not least, it is the constant building of the community. EAI MMS has become a place where experienced researchers and new doctoral students regularly meet, who find inspiration and first scientific contacts here. This anniversary was therefore not only a reminder of the past, but also a commitment to the future – to continue building an environment that supports openness, quality and mutual learning.
You recently received the Recognition for Outstanding Leadership award from EAI President Prof. Imrich Chlamtac. How does this recognition reflect your journey within EAI?
I greatly appreciate this award, because it comes from Professor Imrich Chlamtac, a personality who was at the birth of EAI and who has long inspired the scientific community around the world. It is primarily a recognition of the work of the entire team, not just my personal one. Leading the EAI MMS conference is a joint effort of my colleague Prof. Dragan Peraković, authors, reviewers, and participants, who have contributed to our achieving ten successful years. I see this recognition as confirmation of the right path we have chosen – to build a conference based on quality, openness and cooperation. At the same time, it is also a motivation to continue, expand international cooperation, support young researchers and maintain the community spirit that makes EAI unique. For me, it is also a reminder that true leadership consists of leading with respect, supporting others and creating a space where everyone can contribute their work.
From your experience, what advice would you give to early-career scientists and PhD students who aspire to become established and respected researchers?
For early-career scientists and PhD students, it is crucial to build a network of contacts and participate in conferences, workshops, and projects. Each meeting can bring a new idea or collaboration that will move you forward. Remember that failures will come, and do not be afraid of failure; every rejection of an article or unsuccessful experiment is just a step towards a better result. The important thing is to learn and move on. Science is not about fast successes, but about long-term benefits. And finally, find a topic that you really enjoy. Only then will you be able to maintain your energy and enthusiasm, even when difficult times come, and only then can you say that your work is also your hobby.
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Assoc. Prof. Lucia Knapčíková, PhD
General Chair of EAI MMS 2025
Associate Editor of EAI Endorsed Transactions on Digital Transformation of Industrial Processes
Vice-Dean for International Relations and Mobility at Faculty of Manufacturing Technologies, Technical University of Košice (Slovakia), she focuses on SMART technologies and advanced manufacturing. She has authored 250+ papers, owns six utility models, and has coordinated multiple international research projects across Europe.
