Xiaohui Ju is the founder and head of the iNANO research team at the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry of MENDELU. During her scientific career, she gained experience in the United States, Japan and China, and has been working in the Czech Republic for approximately ten years. Her research focuses primarily on nanotechnology, inorganic chemistry and surface physics. “Although scientific discovery can sometimes feel solitary, research is never achieved alone. My iNANO team plays an essential role in turning bold ideas into real experiments. Each member brings different knowledge and skills, and together we can connect nanomaterials, biology and medicine,” says Xiaohui Ju about her scientific work.
The award has given her not only greater confidence and motivation to further develop her own research direction and lead her team, but she also sees it as recognition of her work. “Personally, it means even more. I came from China and built both my life and scientific career in the Czech Republic. Adapting to a different language, culture and working environment – while balancing science and family – has not always been easy. Receiving this award makes me feel that my efforts and my journey are truly recognized. It reminds me that, even in difficult moments, I should trust myself, not give up and continue following my dreams.” she adds.
She received the award as one of three laureates in the 20th anniversary edition of the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science programme, which aims to support talented female scientists and highlight their importance for science and research. Along with Xiaohui Ju, this year’s award recipients also included Viola Tokárová from the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague and Tereza Jeřábková from Masaryk University. Each laureate receives financial support of CZK 200,000, which she can use for further scientific or professional development. “I would like to use part of the financial support for childcare. For me, reliable childcare provides the time and stability I need to balance my family responsibilities with leading a research group. I would also like to dedicate part of the award to creating a shared popular-science library at Mendel University,” says the laureate.
Xiaohui Ju’s award represents an extraordinary achievement for the entire Mendel University in Brno. In the twenty years of the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science programme’s existence, she is the very first scientist from MENDELU to become one of its laureates. “I greatly appreciate that the jury recognised Dr Ju’s work. This moment is important not only for her dynamically developing career, but also for our university, and I am proud that Sophie works at our research department. The award clearly confirms the top-level research and exceptional talent of our female researchers, who are an integral part of our scientific and teaching activities,” said Zbyněk Heger, Head of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, commenting on the achievement.