Scientist Xiaohui Ju from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the Faculty of AgriSciences of MENDELU has received a prestigious award in the 20th anniversary edition of the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science programme. She thus became one of the three laureates of this year’s programme. She received the award for her scientific work in the fields of nanotechnology, inorganic chemistry and surface physics.
Xiaohui Ju is the founder and head of the iNANO research team at the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry of MENDELU. During her scientific career, she gained experience in the United States, Japan and China, and has been working in the Czech Republic for approximately ten years. Her research focuses primarily on nanotechnology, inorganic chemistry and surface physics. “Although scientific discovery can sometimes feel solitary, research is never achieved alone. My iNANO team plays an essential role in turning bold ideas into real experiments. Each member brings different knowledge and skills, and together we can connect nanomaterials, biology and medicine,” says Xiaohui Ju about her scientific work.
The award has given her not only greater confidence and motivation to further develop her own research direction and lead her team, but she also sees it as recognition of her work. “Personally, it means even more. I came from China and built both my life and scientific career in the Czech Republic. Adapting to a different language, culture and working environment – while balancing science and family – has not always been easy. Receiving this award makes me feel that my efforts and my journey are truly recognized. It reminds me that, even in difficult moments, I should trust myself, not give up and continue following my dreams.” she adds.
She received the award as one of three laureates in the 20th anniversary edition of the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science programme, which aims to support talented female scientists and highlight their importance for science and research. Along with Xiaohui Ju, this year’s award recipients also included Viola Tokárová from the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague and Tereza Jeřábková from Masaryk University. Each laureate receives financial support of CZK 200,000, which she can use for further scientific or professional development. “I would like to use part of the financial support for childcare. For me, reliable childcare provides the time and stability I need to balance my family responsibilities with leading a research group. I would also like to dedicate part of the award to creating a shared popular-science library at Mendel University,” says the laureate.
Xiaohui Ju’s award represents an extraordinary achievement for the entire Mendel University in Brno. In the twenty years of the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science programme’s existence, she is the very first scientist from MENDELU to become one of its laureates. “I greatly appreciate that the jury recognised Dr Ju’s work. This moment is important not only for her dynamically developing career, but also for our university, and I am proud that Sophie works at our research department. The award clearly confirms the top-level research and exceptional talent of our female researchers, who are an integral part of our scientific and teaching activities,” said Zbyněk Heger, Head of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, commenting on the achievement.
She is the founder and head of the iNANO team at the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry of Mendel University, which focuses on the development of biohybrid material systems for drug delivery and the support of cellular metabolic functions. Her research therefore combines fields such as materials science, tissue engineering and cell biology. Its potential applications include the bioprinting of tissues and materials that could be used, for example, but by no means exclusively, in regenerative medicine.
Xiaohui Ju’s scientific focus is also interdisciplinary. In the United States, Japan, China and, for approximately ten years, also in the Czech Republic, she has conducted research in the fields of nanotechnology, inorganic chemistry and surface physics. In the Czech Republic, in addition to Mendel University, she has also worked at Charles University and at the CEITEC research centre in Brno. During her career, she has received several awards and fellowships, and last year she received an honourable mention in the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science programme.
The L’Oréal Foundation supports women around the world, empowering them to shape their future and make a positive difference in society. It focuses on three main areas: scientific research, inclusive beauty and climate action.
The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science talent programme was established in Paris in 1998 to support women scientists. The programme aims to recognise the achievements of established female scientists and the impact of their professional work on contemporary society, while also providing support to young female scientists at the beginning of their careers. Since its establishment, the programme has gradually expanded to many countries around the world and has recognised more than 5,000 women from 140 countries.