Behind the laboratory doors: Female scientists from BUT share their joy of research

Science is often described through numbers, results, and publications. Much less attention is paid to the people behind discoveries and innovations, and although they are an inseparable part of the scientific world, their stories often remain hidden behind laboratory doors. On the occasion of today’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science, which for more than ten years has highlighted the crucial role of women in science, we interviewed female scientists from Brno University of Technology.

The profiles below introduce what women from Brno University of Technology focus on in their research, what brings them the greatest joy in scientific work, and what it means to them to be scientists.

Michaela Dobrovolná – PhD student at the Faculty of Chemistry, BUT

Her work focuses on DNA research, specifically on its less common shapes. In addition to the well-known double helix, DNA can also form other structures, such as so-called G-quadruplexes. Michaela studies where these atypical structures are located in the genome, what they look like, and how they interact with other molecules, helping society better understand how cells function and how processes related to health work.

What brings her the greatest joy is freedom and the opportunity to try new things. She enjoys discovering, improvising, and not being limited by a single fixed direction or strict procedures.

And what does it mean to her to be a scientist? “Having the freedom to ask questions and look for answers. It is an opportunity to discover new connections, to keep learning and broadening one’s horizons, to think deeply, and to try to contribute to a better understanding of the world around us. At the same time, I am proud to be able to say that I am involved in research,” Michaela emphasizes.

Jana Musilová - researcher at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication, BUT

In her work, she focuses on bioinformatics. She models complex biological processes and translates cellular activity into computer models, helping us better understand how cells function and make decisions. Her research makes it possible to simulate experiments without the need for laboratory animals, saving time, funding, and animal lives — which brings her great joy.

And what does being a scientist mean to her?
“To ask questions, search for answers, and keep learning. And above all, to do work that I truly enjoy and that gives me deep meaning, in an inspiring environment where people share knowledge and support one another,” Jana says.

Jana Musilová developed the tool Augusta. | Photo: Jana Musilová’s archive

Katarína Rovenská – PhD student at CEITEC BUT and researcher at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, BUT

In her research, she focuses on active tuning of the optical response of metasurfaces, which are nanostructured layers enabling unconventional ways of controlling light. She concentrates on the fabrication and characterization of metasurfaces with vanadium dioxide, which undergoes a phase transition when heated and thus allows a single metasurface to generate multiple different optical responses.

What she enjoys most is the moment when things “click” and connections become clear. She also appreciates being surrounded by people who share the same passion for discovery, which makes it easy to find common ground with others.

And what does it mean to her to be a scientist? “Having the opportunity to explore and try things that perhaps no one has ever done before. Being a scientist is a job that requires curiosity, patience, the courage to make new mistakes, and the willingness to learn from them. At the same time, it is freedom in thinking and in searching for new paths,” Katarína summarizes.

Petra Kalousková – Master’s student at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, BUT

Her scientific work focuses on the development of optical computer memories, which could become one of the paths toward a more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly future.

What she enjoys about research is that it is a collective effort. Every discovery and every solution is the result of collaboration among many people, who are ideally also friends. According to Petra, these are shared successes and failures that no one has to face alone.

And what does it mean to her to be a scientist? “Discovering the world around us and being fascinated by it. Learning something new every day and searching for answers to questions. It’s like a never-ending detective story,” Petra describes.

Michaela Vojníková – PhD student at CEITEC BUT and Head of the Nanomedicine Laboratory

Her research focuses on non-invasive cancer treatment using nanoparticles. Specifically, Michaela works on lipid nanoparticles for theranostics, which have broad potential for use in both the treatment and diagnosis of oncological diseases.

Scientific work allows her to continually develop her inner child and to discover new things in areas where no one has explored before. The greatest joy comes when, after a long series of unsuccessful experiments, a positive moment finally arrives and everything suddenly connects. According to her, the feeling of euphoria is even greater when she has someone to share it with.

And what does it mean to her to be a scientist? “The freedom to ask many questions and to look for answers that can have a significant impact on society. An important part is also contributing to the education and upbringing of a new generation that is not afraid to think critically and ask questions. I see it as a combination of curiosity, perseverance, and responsibility,” Michaela emphasizes.

Sára Jobranová – Master’s student at the Faculty of Information Technology, BUT

So far, her research has focused on quantum computing, specifically on the simulation of quantum circuits. She is currently in a transitional phase, searching for a new research topic. In the future, she would like to focus on other stages of software development for quantum computers, such as synthesis and compilation.

In her role as a researcher, she most enjoys the challenge of trying to come up with something new, as well as collaboration and discussions with colleagues. She finds it fascinating how each person can think about the same problem in a slightly different way.

And what does it mean to her to be a scientist? “If I had to choose one thing, it would be the willingness to learn about and discover new things with a specific purpose,” Sára says.

Veronika Řeháková – PhD student at the Faculty of Chemistry, BUT

She focuses on the research of polyhydroxyalkanoates, materials produced inside bacterial cells that have properties similar to conventional plastics. Unlike traditional plastics, however, they are biodegradable and therefore have the potential to replace conventional plastics in certain applications in the future.

The experiments she conducts are time-consuming, and since she works with living cells, the outcome is almost always uncertain. Her greatest joy therefore comes when an experiment can be successfully completed from start to finish. She also appreciates the working environment itself, as she is part of a great team where mutual support is always present.

And what does it mean to her to be a scientist? “For me, it is a journey of discovering something new and unexplored. This journey is full of obstacles, and its end may not always be satisfying. But if you remain patient and perhaps try the journey in different shoes or choose a new path, success will eventually come. And that is the greatest reward,” Veronika explains.

Markéta Kaiser – Researcher at CEITEC BUT

Her work focuses on imaging methods using X-ray computed tomography, specifically on imaging and analyzing biological structures such as mouse embryos or marine corals. Part of her work also involves creating and processing 3D models, during which she sometimes feels as if she is playing a computer game at work and forgets that she is actually doing science.

What she enjoys most about scientific work is collaboration in a multidisciplinary research team, where she and her colleagues learn something new from each other every day.

And what does it mean to her to be a scientist? “Having a job that I enjoy and that I look forward to every morning,” Markéta highlights.

And what would the female scientists from Brno University of Technology say to girls who are considering a career in science?

“We are waiting for you!” they agree. According to them, science is an open space for everyone who is curious and eager to learn. There is no need to be perfect; doubts are natural and experienced by everyone. What matters is not being afraid to try new things, to come up with your own ideas, and not to underestimate yourself. “Science offers many directions and opportunities that teach you how to think, ask questions, and search for solutions. But the key is to enjoy science and find joy in it,” the female scientists from BUT conclude, adding that women undoubtedly belong in science.

 

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Responsible person	identita nepřihl. uživatele
Date of publication	11.02.2026