In the heart of Czechia’s growing research landscape, Barbora stands out as a young and passionate scientist committed to making a difference. Currently pursuing her Ph.D. in bioengineering, Barbora’s work focuses on developing systems where bacteria process waste plant biomass into valuable chemicals - a promising step toward a more sustainable future. In this exclusive interview, Barbora shares her journey into the world of biotechnology, the challenges and rewards of her research, and her thoughts on the evolving role of women in STEM.
Finding Her Path in Biotechnology
Barbora’s fascination with biology began at an early age. “I've always known that biology is my thing, but I wasn't sure what kind of career I wanted to pursue,” she recalls. Initially considering a career in medicine, her direction shifted during her final years of high school after attending seminars on molecular biology.
“I fell in love with learning how living things work,” she explains. This passion deepened during her bachelor’s studies, where she realised she could apply this knowledge to engineer living systems. “For me, sustainability is all about helping the planet and the people who live there, and I want to contribute my small part to that effort.”
Sustainability and the Challenges of Scaling Up
Barbora’s research, focused on converting waste plant biomass into valuable chemicals using bacteria, embodies the intersection of science and sustainability. “I’m excited to be working on something that could one day benefit our environment and society,” she says. However, the road from idea to large-scale implementation is not easy.
“It takes a really long time to make a new technology work at a lab scale, and then the journey from lab scale to industrial scale can be even longer,” she notes. “Another challenge is making it economically viable. You can have an amazing sustainable technology, but people won't use it if it's ten times more expensive than the unsustainable one.”
Barbora’s research is conducted at the Microbial Bioengineering Laboratory within the Section of Microbiology at the Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University. She works under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Pavel Dvořák, whose guidance and support have been instrumental in her progress.
Advice for Future Women Scientists
Barbora offers thoughtful advice for young women pursuing careers in biotechnology and sustainability. “Follow your dream,” she encourages. "Study hard to understand the basics of biology, and then choose a research topic that is meaningful to you.”
Networking and seizing opportunities are also key: “Apply for scholarships, enter competitions, and get involved in projects. Sometimes it won’t work out, but sometimes it will help you stand out from the crowd.”
Czechia: A Hub for Research and Global Collaboration
Barbora is proud to be part of Czechia’s expanding scientific community. “Czechia is a wonderful, very safe country with a high standard of living and relatively low prices compared to some Western countries,” she says. “When you feel safe and comfortable, you can focus on doing excellent science!”
She also highlights the growing international presence in Czechia’s research institutions. “Science benefits from bringing together people from different backgrounds,” Barbora explains. Her research experience reflects this diversity - at the Section of Microbiology, she has worked with researchers from Ukraine and Portugal and supervised Erasmus+ students from Germany and Spain.
“In my experience, people from different backgrounds approach problems differently, which is very helpful when developing scientific projects,” she says. Her research group also collaborates with teams worldwide, exchanging ideas and sharing specialized instruments. “Global collaboration is a big plus when applying for grants and helps advance scientific progress more quickly.”
Women in STEM: Progress and Challenges
As a woman in science, Barbora recognises the progress made in improving the representation of women in biotechnology and related fields. “The situation is definitely improving,” she says, pointing to initiatives like the GAMU Career Restart Grant at Masaryk University, which helps women return to research after parental leave. Flexible working hours, university kindergartens, and hybrid work options are also steps in the right direction.
However, Barbora remains aware of the broader challenges. “I’ve been fortunate not to face any prejudice or discrimination so far, but many women and girls are not so lucky,” she reflects. “It’s important to ask affected people what needs to change and to work against discrimination in general.”
Balancing Research and Life
Managing an intense research career while maintaining a healthy work-life balance is a challenge Barbora has learned to navigate. “I learned the hard way that you must make time for your personal life actively, otherwise research will consume you,” she admits.
After nearly experiencing burnout during her master’s program, Barbora set boundaries: no late nights unless necessary for experiments, no work on weekends, and knowing when to say no.
Barbora also acknowledges that financial stability plays a significant role in helping her maintain this balance. “Many Ph.D. students struggle financially because the standard Ph.D. scholarship is much lower than the minimum wage in the Czech Republic,” she notes. Barbora feels fortunate to receive additional funding from her supervisor's grant and to have been awarded the Brno Ph.D. Talent Fellowship allows her to focus on her research without financial stress.
An essential factor in her ability to balance work and life is the equal partnership she shares with her husband. “We split household duties equally, and when one of us is having a tough time at work, the other steps in to help more,” she explains. This balance makes a significant difference, especially considering that women have historically been primarily responsible for housework. Combining domestic and professional responsibilities has long created additional challenges for women in the workforce and remains essential in achieving gender equality.
Looking to the Future
Barbora’s passion for biotechnology and sustainability continues to drive her forward. “I’m excited to see how my research can make a real difference,” she says. With a thoughtful approach to science, a strong support system, and a drive to create meaningful change, Barbora is well on her way to shaping a more sustainable future.