Dr Agnieszka Gajewicz-Skrętna from the Faculty of Chemistry of the University of Gdańsk was named the finalist of Lirene, Kobieta,Innowcja.Natura (Woman. Innovation, Nature) Contest, in the area of Science. The University of Gdańsk researcher develops new computer tools that support chemical risk analysis, reducing number of lab animals necessary for trials, saving time, research costs and amount of waste in genuine scientific conditions. The contest jury will award the winner with PLN 30.000 and internet users will select beneficiaries of three additional prizes, worth PLN 10.000 each.
Lirene cosmetic brand creators would like to award female activists, female innovators and female entrepreneurs who help the environment and create a better future through their everyday work. The contest comprising three areas (Business, Lifestyle, Science) saw over 200 applications. Dr Agnieszka Gajewicz-Skrętna from the Faculty of Chemistry at the University of Gdańsk was named one of the three finalists in the area of Science.
Dr Agnieszka Gajewicz-Skrętna has been associated with the Faculty of Chemistry at the University of Gdańsk since the beginning of her academic career. Firstly as graduate student (1999-2004), then doctoral student (2008-2013), technical staff (2011-2013), assistant lecturer (2013-2014), currently assistant professor (since 2014). In 2016-2017 she conducted post-doc internship at the National Institute for Environmental Studies, Research Center for Environmental Risk (Tsukuba, Japan). Previously she conducted 8 short term scientific internships at: Interdisciplinary Center for Nanotoxicity, Jackson State University (Jackson, USA); Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung (Berlin, Germany) and National Institute for Environmental Studies, Research Center for Environmental Risk (Tsukuba, Japan).
The scientific interests of dr Gajewicz-Skrętna focus on development and implementation of machine learning, statistical and chemometric methods that support the process of computer chemical risk assessment. Dr Gajewicz-Skrętna is actively involved in scientific projects, acting as project manager - NCN, RCN and researcher - Horizon 2020, 7th EC Framework Program, FNP, PAN-JSPS (Japan Society for the Promotion of Science). She has received multiple national and international awards and recognitions, like: L'Oréal-UNESCO International Rising Talents Award For Women in Science, Minster of Science and Higher Education Grant for Outstanding Young Scientists, Polityka Science Awards in exact sciences, main prize from Polish Award for Smart Development.
The list of finalists:
BUSINESS
For female entrepreneurial leaders conducting pro environmental business, characterized, for instance, by sustainable manufacturing, extraordinary corporate culture or innovative product.
Martyna Zastawna, WoshWosh company founder, first shoe renovating company in the world
Martyna Sztaba, Syntoil start-up CEO, sustainably extracting soot from used tires
Paula Schabińska, Airror start-up co-founder, nature and new technologies enthusiast
LIFESTYLE
Place for extraordinary women who motivate others to save the environment – influencers, activists, leaders of organizations and social initiatives.
Dominika Szaciłło, designer, creator of Uwaga, śmieciarka jedzie(Attention! Garbage truck is coming) initiative
Natalia Uryniuk, author of Balticarium, the international education project
Katarzyna Wągrowska, author of the blog, Ograniczam się (Limiting myself)
SCIENCE
Section for women in charge of scientific initiatives, who carry out breakthrough research, create innovative technology and significantly influence the development of science.
dr hab. Grażyna Dąbrowska, molecular biologist from Nicolaus Copernicus University, author of eco-innovative solutions
Ewelina Ryszawa, satellite mechanics engineer from Astronika company
dr Agnieszka Gajewicz-Skrętna, cheminformatician from the University of Gdańsk
You can vote for maximum three candidates overall (in one or many categories)
Voting is available until 28 February 2020, on the https://kameny.lirene.pl/ website
The official award ceremony will take place on 9 March 2020.
Translation: Adam Myzyk