Global Women’s Breakfast at the Institute of Polymers: Inspiration, Courage, and Strength Not Only in Science

On Tuesday, February 10, we organized the fourth edition of the Global Women’s Breakfast for our colleagues, dedicated to inspiration, support, and the celebration of the achievements of women in science and beyond. The event brought together the women of our scientific community in a warm, open atmosphere, where discussions focused not only on research but also on courage, perseverance, and overcoming personal and professional boundaries.

The event was opened by Mgr. Zuzana Kroneková, PhD., with kind words during which we also commemorated our late colleague and founder of this wonderful event, Ing. Mária Omastová, DrSc. Zuzana also welcomed our guests, the Vice President of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Division II, MVDr. Daniela Antolová, and Member of the Presidium of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, RNDr. Dana Jurkovičová, DrSc. and then handed over the floor to Ing. Igor Lacík, DrSc., our colleague and Chair of the IUPAC Polymer Division. Igor presented his activities as Division Chair, outlining the division’s main priorities and strategic goals for IUPAC in the coming period. He also expressed his pleasure at the event being held at the Institute of Polymers of the Slovak Academy of Sciences and appreciated the opportunity to attend in person.

Among us, we welcomed the first of our distinguished guests, RNDr. Lenka Lorencová, PhD., laureate of the L’Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science Slovakia 2025 award. In a discussion with the organizers, Lenka shared her journey toward science and scientific success, as well as what fascinates and fulfills her about research. She mentioned that throughout her career, she has not had to face the significant obstacles often encountered by women in research, which she attributes in part to a supportive work environment, excellent colleagues, scientific experts, and people in the right place who were always ready to lend a helping hand. She also emphasized the importance of collaboration and the courage to pursue one’s vision. Her story is proof that outstanding science is built on perseverance, dedication, and an environment that supports talent regardless of gender stereotypes.

Joining us all the way from Edinburgh, UK, was our distinguished guest, MRes. Lucia Janičová, the first Slovak woman to summit the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest. Her account of the demanding expedition, the physical and psychological limits, and the power of determination offered participants a powerful metaphor: just as climbing Everest is a journey full of challenges that requires discipline, teamwork, and belief in one’s own abilities, so is a scientific career. Her experience showed that boundaries exist mainly in our minds, and it is up to us to push them further.

The discussion that followed the lectures was lively and inspiring. Participants had the opportunity to ask about specific experiences from both the scientific environment and the extreme conditions of a high-altitude expedition. Topics included work–life balance, building a career in an international environment, mentorship, and the importance of supporting young talent, beautifully summarized at the end by Mgr. Zuzana Benková, Deputy Director for Research at the Institute of Polymers of the Slovak Academy of Sciences.

The Global Women’s Breakfast once again demonstrated its importance as a platform for connecting women scientists, students, and colleagues across generations. It created a space for sharing experiences, building community, and strengthening the awareness that women play an indispensable role in science.

Yesterday’s gathering at the Institute of Polymers was not just about breakfast, it was about inspiration, courage, and the understanding that whether in the laboratory or at the top of the world, the path to success begins with the determination to take the first step

Text: Silvia Podhradská, Zuzana Kroneková
Foto: Martin Bystriansky