Branislav Hadzima

Branislav Hadzima
Born1976 (age 49–50)
Levoča
Known forElected Rector of the University of Žilina, research on corrosion of magnesium alloys
OfficeRector of the University of Žilina
Predecessorprof. Ing. Ján Čelko, CSc.
Academic background
Alma materUniversity of Žilina
Academic work
DisciplineMaterials science, Mechanical engineering
InstitutionsUniversity of Žilina

Branislav Hadzima (born 1976 in Levoča, Slovakia) is a Slovak mechanical engineer, materials scientist, and university professor of materials engineering at the University of Žilina. His research focuses on corrosion science, surface engineering, and the electrochemical behavior of lightweight metallic materials.

Branislav Hadzima assumed office as Rector of the University of Žilina on 3 July 2026 for the 2026–2030 term.[1][2][3][4]

Early life and education

Branislav Hadzima was born in 1976 in Levoča, Slovakia. In 1994, he enrolled at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of the University of Žilina, where he specialized in materials engineering.[5][6]

He completed his engineering degree (Ing.) in 1999 and subsequently entered doctoral studies. His PhD research, completed in 2003,[5] focused on threshold states of materials and their role in fatigue and failure mechanisms. He later obtained his habilitation (Docent) in 2008[5] and was appointed full professor in materials engineering in 2017.[7][8]

Research

Hadzima's research is primarily situated in the field of corrosion science and materials engineering, with emphasis on electrochemical processes, surface treatments, and the durability of lightweight alloys such as magnesium and aluminum.[6]

A major part of Hadzima's research examines the relationship between microstructure and corrosion behavior in ultrafine-grained (UFG) materials produced by severe plastic deformation techniques such as Equal Channel Angular Pressing (ECAP). His work demonstrated that grain refinement can both enhance and impair corrosion resistance depending on microstructural homogeneity and phase distribution.[9]

Hadzima has contributed to the development of plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) coatings for magnesium alloys. His research emphasizes the role of electrolyte chemistry in improving coating performance, including reduced porosity and enhanced corrosion resistance. He also investigated laser surface treatments as pre-processing techniques to improve coating adhesion and tribological performance.[10][11]

His research extends to biomedical applications, particularly biodegradable metals for orthopedic implants. He studied magnesium-based alloys and iron-based materials designed to degrade safely in physiological environments, contributing to the development of temporary implants that eliminate the need for surgical removal.[10][11][12]

Academic career and administration

Hadzima has spent his entire academic career at the University of Žilina, where he has held several academic and managerial positions.

In 2013, he co-founded the university's Research Centre (VC UNIZA),[13] a major infrastructure project funded by the European Regional Development Fund. He served as its founding director until 2021.[14] The center became a key hub for applied research, integrating disciplines such as materials science, transport systems, and renewable energy.

Hadzima has been actively involved in university governance. He served as Chairman of the Academic Senate of the University of Žilina for the 2023–2025 term. In this role, he oversaw legislative processes, budget approvals, and institutional strategy.[15][16]

Rector of the University of Žilina

On 30 March 2026, Hadzima was elected rector of the University of Žilina for the 2026–2030 term, succeeding Ján Čelko.[3][4]

His appointment followed a vote by the university's electoral assembly, composed of members of the Academic Senate and Board of Directors.[3][4]

He was formally appointed by President Peter Pellegrini on 20 May 2026[1][2] and assumed office on 3 July 2026.

Professional affiliations

He has served as editor-in-chief of the scientific journal Communications – Scientific Letters of the University of Žilina.[17]

References

  1. 1 2 "Official Appointment of the New Rector of UNIZA". UNIZA Newsletter (in Slovak). University of Žilina. Retrieved 5 July 2026.
  2. 1 2 "Pellegrini vymenoval piatich rektorov a rektorky vysokých škôl, pripomenul aj významnú úlohu pedagógov – FOTO" [Pellegrini appointed five rectors of higher education institutions and highlighted the important role of educators]. SITA – Slovak News Agency. 20 May 2026. Retrieved 20 May 2026.
  3. 1 2 3 "Výsledok volieb kandidáta na rektora UNIZA" [Result of the election of the candidate for Rector of UNIZA]. University of Žilina - Official page (in Slovak). Žilinská univerzita v Žiline. Retrieved 31 March 2026.
  4. 1 2 3 "Akademický senát UNIZA zvolil za kandidáta na rektora Branislava Hadzimu" [The Academic Senate of University of Žilina elected Branislav Hadzima as the candidate for Rector]. TASR - The News Agency of the Slovak Republic. 31 March 2026. Retrieved 1 April 2026.
  5. 1 2 3 "VR UNIZA 2022–2026 – Branislav Hadzima resume" [UNIZA Scientific Council 2022–2026 – Branislav Hadzima resume] (PDF). Žilinská univerzita v Žiline (in Slovak). 2026. Retrieved 7 May 2026.
  6. 1 2 "Branislav Hadzima – Official website (EN)". hadzima.sk. Retrieved 7 May 2026.
  7. ↑ "ZÁPIS zo zasadnutia inauguračnej komisie pre vymenúvacie konanie za profesora - Branislav Hadzima" [Report of the inauguration committee for the professorial appointment procedure for Branislav Hadzima] (PDF). Žilinská univerzita v Žiline (in Slovak). 21 October 2017. Retrieved 7 May 2026.
  8. ↑ "ORCID - Branislav Hadzima". ORCID. Retrieved 7 May 2026.
  9. ↑ Hadzima, Branislav; Janeček, Miloš; Estrin, Yuri; Kim, Hyoung Seop (2007). "Microstructure and corrosion properties of ultrafine-grained interstitial free steel". Materials Science and Engineering: A. 462 (1–2): 243–247. doi:10.1016/j.msea.2005.11.081. Retrieved 7 May 2026.
  10. 1 2 "Effect of Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation on the Short-Term Corrosion Behaviour of AZ91 Magnesium Alloy in Aggressive Chloride Environment". Coatings (MDPI). Retrieved 7 May 2026.
  11. 1 2 "Influence of Laser Ablation Treatment on Electrochemical Characteristics of AZ80 Magnesium Alloy". Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Žilina. Retrieved 7 May 2026.
  12. ↑ "Accelerated biodegradation and improved mechanical performance of pure iron through surface grain refinement" (PDF). IRIS CNR – Institutional Research Information System. Retrieved 7 May 2026.
  13. ↑ "Research Centre of the University of Žilina". Výskumné centrum UNIZA. Retrieved 7 May 2026.
  14. ↑ "Branislav Hadzima - Research Centre Uniza". Výskumné centrum UNIZA (in Slovak). Retrieved 7 May 2026.
  15. ↑ "Výročná správa o činnosti AS UNIZA za rok 2023" [Annual Report on the Activities of the Academic Senate of the University of Žilina for 2023] (PDF). Žilinská univerzita v Žiline (in Slovak). 18 April 2024. Retrieved 7 May 2026. [prof. Ing. Branislav Hadzima, PhD., start of term as Chair of the Academic Senate of UNIZA: 22. May 2023]
  16. ↑ "Výročná správa o činnosti AS UNIZA za rok 2025" [Annual Report on the Activities of the Academic Senate of the University of Žilina for 2025] (PDF). Žilinská univerzita v Žiline (in Slovak). 13 April 2026. Retrieved 7 May 2026. prof. Ing. Branislav Hadzima, PhD., začiatok funkcie predsedu AS UNIZA: 22.5.2023, skončenie funkcie: 31.10.2025 [prof. Ing. Branislav Hadzima, PhD., start of term as Chair of the Academic Senate of UNIZA: 22 May 2023, end of term: 31 October 2025]
  17. ↑ "Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Žilina" [Komunikácie – vedecké listy Žilinskej univerzity v Žiline]. Žilinská univerzita v Žiline. Retrieved 7 May 2026.
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