Four New Scholars Selected for the National Scholarship Program ‘For Women in Science’

This year’s scholars of the National Scholarship Program L’Oreal-UNESCO ‘For Women in Science’ are Natalia Ivanjko (Faculty of Medicine, University of Zagreb), Katarina Mužina (Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of Zagreb), Ana Novačić (Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb), and Marsela Polić (Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing, University of Zagreb).

The scientists were awarded individual scholarships of 5,000 euros in kuna equivalent for their scientific excellence, selected by the Selection Committee led by academician Zvonko Kusić and members of the Croatian academic community: academician Vida Demarin, academician Krešimir Nemec, academician Vladimir Paar, prof. dr. sc. Helena Jasna Mencer, prof. dr. sc. Đurđica Ugarković, prof. dr. sc. Ivan Vicković, dr. sc. Katic Biljaković, prof. dr. sc. Marica Ivanković, prof. dr. sc. Leandro Vranješ Markić, and assoc. prof. dr. sc. Zrinka Ljubešić, who herself was a recipient of this prestigious scholarship.

– The program represents a valuable recognition for young Croatian scientists for their achievements so far, as well as an encouragement for the flourishing of science in our country. The great reputation that this program enjoys in the international academic community presents an opportunity for our scientists and their successes to be promoted on a global level, and for the popularization of science in Croatian society to be based on discoveries, achievements, and scientific work that will enhance all areas of human activity – emphasized academician Zvonko Kusić, president of the Program’s Selection Committee.

The academician emphasized that the Committee had a difficult task of selecting only four best scholars from as many as 74 applications received.

– This scholarship represents a great recognition of their scientific work, but also for them as young women who have managed to establish a balance in these challenging times, where the role of women is extremely complex. The scholarship that these young ladies receive today is the result of their long-term effort, sacrifice, perseverance, and enthusiasm – stated Irena Šarić Dombaj, director of corporate communications at L’Oréal Adria Balkan.

The National Scholarship Program ‘For Women in Science’ has been conducted for the 16th consecutive year organized by L'Oréal Adria and the Croatian Commission for UNESCO at the Ministry of Culture and Media, and so far a total of 62 Croatian scientists in the final phase of their doctoral dissertation have been awarded. The program represents a significant contribution to the Croatian academic community and helps improve the position of women in scientific professions.

– This scholarship represents a great affirmation of my work and effort, but it also encourages me to be even better in my research – said this year’s scholar Natalia Ivanjko, Master of Molecular Biotechnology from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Zagreb.