The most important achievements of the research group concerning development of Republic Slovenia, besides contributions to the general scientific knowledge, are long term collaboration with the Iskra Varistor factory, the analytical work performed for partners from Slovenian industry, and participation in teaching courses at the Ljubljana University. In collaboration with the Iskra Varistor factory we developed ZnO-based low-voltage ceramic varistors with the nominal voltage of 40V based on the results of investigations of phase relations and high-temperature reactions in the system ZnO-Bi2O3-TiO2 and optimization of processing and sintering regimes (Technical improvement "Optimization low-voltage varistor ceramics"). With the Iskra Varistor factory we have further collaborated in development of medium-voltage surge arresters with dimensions of 40 mm in diameter (HIPOVAR, EKOVARESTER). Based on our investigations we have modified the starting standard composition that was used in the nominal process and proposed new compositions that enable the production of varistor ceramics with improved breakage voltages between 200 and 300 V/mm, while all other electrical characteristics remain the same. The composition that is currently used by the Iskra Varistor factory yields varistors with the breakage voltage of 210 V/min, which is app. 35% better compared to the standard composition. From 1999 to 2003 the research group has performed more then 117 documented analyses of morphology, structure and chemical composition of numerous inorganic and organic materials by electron microscopy techniques for Slovenian industry and other research institutions. For DONIT TESNIT d.d. and Lek d.d. we prepared expert opinions, as well. The knowledge and expertise of the research group in the field of materials characterization by electron microscopy techniques was used in undergraduate coursed at the Faculty for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and the Faculty for Natural Sciences, both University Ljubljana. Two doctoral thesis and three diploma works were succesfully competed within the research program within last three years.