Global Women’s Breakfast 2026 at UCT Prague
The traditional IUPAC Global Women’s Breakfast (#GWB2026) once again took place at the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague on February 10, 2026, in Uhelna. This year’s theme, “Many Voices, One Science,” was reflected throughout the entire programme and in the diversity of invited speakers.
The event was organised for the third time at UCT Prague by Assoc. Prof. Jitka Čejková and Ing. Suada Dukaj. A special thank you goes to Suada Dukaj for the excellent preparation of the programme and for moderating the event with professionalism and warmth, ensuring a welcoming and dynamic atmosphere throughout the morning.
The opening remarks were delivered by Vice-Rector for Science and Research, Prof. Pavel Novák. The event began with an address by Anna Mittnerová, who has long been dedicated at UCT Prague to issues of gender equality and balance in academia.
Many Voices, One Science
This year’s programme truly embodied the theme “Many Voices, One Science.” The line-up brought together representatives of academia, industry, and diplomacy, established professors and early-career researchers, as well as a high school student at the very beginning of her scientific journey.
Speakers included researchers and faculty members from UCT Prague, a representative of the pharmaceutical industry (Zentiva), a senior research group leader from the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, the Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to the Czech Republic, and a talented young student already active in research.
Many of the speakers are recipients of prestigious national and international awards, highlighting the excellence present across these diverse career paths.
Rather than traditional scientific lectures, the contributions focused on the stories behind the science — what motivated the speakers, what challenges they faced, what setbacks they encountered, and what helped them persevere. By sharing both successes and failures, they created an inspiring and open environment that encouraged dialogue across generations and disciplines.
Thank You
We would like to express our sincere thanks to all speakers for their inspiring and authentic contributions, to the organisers for the thoughtful preparation of the event, and to the audience for their strong participation and engagement.
We look forward to welcoming you again next year at the IUPAC Global Women’s Breakfast at UCT Prague.
List of Speakers
The list of speakers is presented in alphabetical order.
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Aleksandra Dumičić, Ph.D.Head of CHC Science and Innovation – Zentiva Aleksandra Dumičić is the Head of Consumer Health Care Science and Innovation at Zentiva, a leading European company specialized in generic pharmaceuticals. In her role, she is responsible for the introduction of new product proposals, techniques, and technologies, thus contributing to the development of innovative consumer healthcare products within Zentiva's pipeline. Over the course of her pharmaceutical career, Aleksandra has led numerous multinational teams and development projects, which have resulted in the creation of high-quality pharmaceutical products used in the treatment of a wide range of diseases. |
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Stella De Almeida Gonsales, Ph.D.Stella Gonsales is an assistant professor at University of Chemistry and Technology Prague. Her research focuses on developing efficient catalysts and methods for chemical recycling of common plastics to return them to useful monomer chemicals. Her postdoctoral training included research positions in the USA and Europe, and she is a recent recipient of the Junior Star Grant and the Dagmar Procházková Fund. |
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Mrs. Albesjana IberhysajAmbassador of Republic of Kosovo to Czech Republic |
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Ing. Edith Mawunya Kutorglo, Ph.D.Edith Kutorglo is a research associate at University of Chemistry and Technology Prague. Within her scientific work she is developing new catalyst materials which could, together with the energy from sunlight be used to drive certain reactions for producing cleaner energy. Her post-doctoral training included research positions in Germany and Ghana as an MSCA grant recipient, and she is passionate about mentoring early-career researchers. |
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Ing. Anna-Marie Lauermanová, Ph.D.Anna-Marie Lauermanová is a researcher at the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague. In the Advanced Composite Materials group, she researches new ecological composites that can replace classic cement in the future - one of the largest producers of CO₂ emissions. She is the recipient of the Doctorandus Award given by the Česka Hlava organisation (i.e. Czech Brain) for obtaining excellent results during her PhD studies. |
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Ing. Hana Macíčková – Cahová, Ph.D.IOCB Senior Research Group Leader |
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Adela PodholovaHigh School Student Adela Podholova is a young scientist in the making who, at just 16, already works in a research group at the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague. Passionate about science, she received the Dítě Česka Award (i.e. The Child of Czechia) granted by UNICEF for her outstanding activities in the field of science. Her participation provides a valuable opportunity to gain insights from younger generations. |
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Prof. Ing. František Štěpánek, Ph.D.František Štěpánek is a professor at University of Chemistry and Technology Prague. His research focuses on particle engineering, including the controlled design and manufacturing of micro- and nanomaterials for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. He has mentored over 50 PhD students throughout his academic career and has received numerous prestigious awards in medicine (Neuron Award), chemistry (first recipient of the ERC grant in the Czech Republic), and pedagogy (Werner von Siemens Award). |
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Ing. Anna Vanluchene, Ph.D.Anna Vanluchene is an assistant professor at the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague. Her research focuses on sustainable chemical engineering, particularly the development of novel photocatalytic processes and microreactor systems for fine chemical synthesis. She completed her postdoctoral training in Belgium as an MSCA grant recipient and is also a recipient of the Dagmar Procházková Fund. |
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Doc. Ing. Alexandr Zubov, Ph.D.Alexandr Zubov is associate professor at University of Chemistry and Technology Prague. His research focuses on process systems engineering and advanced mathematical modelling of reaction and transport processes in chemical engineering. He completed his postdoctoral training in Denmark and is the recipient of numerous awards, including the recent Vitriol Award for Best Teacher at the Faculty of Chemical Engineering. |