Petra Vojáčková has been awarded a start-up grant by the Experientia Foundation, enabling her to set up her own research group within the Department of Chemistry at Masaryk University's Faculty of Science

Petra has spent a significant part of her scientific career at Harvard University, where she has published papers as first author in leading international scientific journals such as Science and Nature. She is currently working at the University of Münster. In January, she will return to her alma mater to pursue her own research in organic chemistry.

Her research will focus on developing new strategies for synthesising molecules that could be used in areas such as drug development. Her team will explore novel approaches to synthesising molecules in the desired spatial configuration, which is often pivital for their biological effects.

“Molecules often exist in two mirror-image forms, like a right and left hand. While one form may be therapeutic, its mirror image may be inactive or even toxic. Our method will enable us to synthesise molecules so that the desired form predominates”, Petra Vojáčková explains, outlining the essence of her project.

To establish the research group, Petra will receive 6.6 million crowns in funding from the Experientia Foundation, while Masaryk University, as the host institution, will provide an additional 2.4 million crowns.

The Department of Chemistry at Masaryk University’s Faculty of Science also welcomes Petra Vojáčková’s arrival.

“I am delighted that Petra Vojáčková is returning to us to establish her own research group at the Department of Chemistry. Her achievements to date demonstrate her extraordinary scientific potential. I am also pleased to see that women are increasingly advancing to senior academic and research positions. I believe that Petra will inspire the next generation of female chemistry students”, says Petr Táborský, Director of the Department of Chemistry at Masaryk University’s Faculty of Science.

Petra Vojáčková also sees her new position as an opportunity to encourage young women to pursue careers in science. She believes that there are still too few women in leading research positions in organic chemistry, despite great interest in the subject among female students.

In addition to receiving support from the Experientia Foundation, Petra has also been awarded an internal MASH StG/CoG grant, which Masaryk University awards to promising female and male scientists to support their further professional development.