Iva Labíková

Iva works at the University of Chemical Technology in materials science research, where she specializes in nano structuring of substrates using lasers and plasma. She studied pharmaceutical synthesis, during which time she traveled to the University of Regensburg as part of the Erasmus program. She wrote her bachelor's thesis at the Institute of Organic Technology, and her master's thesis at the Institute of Solid-State Engineering. The team not only gained experience from various workplaces, but also, most importantly, a great supervisor who inspired her to continue her doctorate and devote herself to materials engineering.

During her doctorate, she completed research internships at the universities of Linz and Bruges, Switzerland, and participated in a number of international conferences. In her free time, she also devoted herself to educational events for high school students, volunteered in the Association for International Affairs, and trained gymnastics. She successfully defended her doctorate in materials engineering while joyfully expecting her first child.

During her career, she also gained experience outside of scientific work, validating and implementing new methods in the quality department at Procter & Gamble and working on various projects in consulting. After a break dedicated to family and children, she returned to research.

Returning to research, as well as to any other career, is challenging, but not impossible. And the support of those around you is definitely helpful. It is good to have someone to turn to, who will help look at issues from a different perspective, no matter what the problem is. Iva likes to support her mentees in their courage and determination to try new things, because she believes that many things are possible when there is a will, and you are not afraid to go towards them.