The major scientific contributions of the research programme are summarized below: Chemical solution deposition of ferroelectric thin films EXAFS studies of liquid and amorphous PZT thin-film precursors have been successfully applied and helped us to understand the early stage of film processing. As a result an original procedure has been developed yielding improved chemical homogeneity of films. PZT based films with adequate functional response were prepared at 400oC that is the lowest crystallization temperature of perovskite PZT phase ever published. Multilayer structures It was found that surface charge of ZnO powder, which is the base material for oxide varistors, depends on its soluble impurities due to their specific adsorption. This finding is of major importance for the processing of water-based slurries for multilayer ZnO varistors. Ferroelectric thick-film structures Mechanism of densification of PZT based thick films on various substrates has been studied. Densification under constrained conditions is enabled in the presence of liquid phase yielding the films with almost theoretical density. A new integrated ultrasonic sensor has been modeled, designed, prepared and tested. Bulk ferroelectrics and relaxors Processing - microstructure - properties relationship of ferroelectric and relaxor materials has been addressed. We prepared environmentally-friendly lead-free piezoelectrics based on alkaline niobates. Materials for thick-film technology We studied the development of characteristics of thick film resistors during the firing process as well as the compatibility of resistors with different substrates. A part of research was dedicated to ecologically-friendly materials and processes in the field of electronic components and technologies. Materials for SOFC In the field of materials for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) the relevant phase equilibrium were studied. These phase relations are important for understanding the possible interactions between ceramic SOFC components at high working temperatures. A new ruthenate compound with low electric resistivity as a possible SOFC cathode material was synthesized and its structure was determined.