Chemical Engineering | Polymerization | Nanocellulose | Organic Compound Extraction

Congratulations to Ida Poljanšek - Wood science- Best Researcher - Award Winner 2023

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ida Poljanšek :

Dr. Ida Poljanšek is a highly accomplished individual with a strong academic background in Chemical Engineering. Her educational journey includes earning a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, in 2001. Her doctoral thesis focused on the polymerization of vinyl monomers with biphosphine initiators, showcasing her expertise in the field.She further expanded her academic credentials with a Master of Science (MSc) in Chemical Technology from the same university in 1994.

professional profile:

Early Academic Pursuits:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ida Poljanšek's academic journey began with her Bachelor's degree in Chemical Technology from the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology at the University of Ljubljana in 1990. She continued her education with a Master's degree in Chemical Technology, where her research focused on the synthesis of sulbactam and the exploration of new beta-lactam inhibitors. This laid the foundation for her future contributions in the field.

Her academic journey reached its pinnacle with a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Ljubljana in 2001. Her doctoral thesis, centered around the polymerization of vinyl monomers with biphosphine initiators, showcased her early expertise and interest in polymer chemistry.

Professional Endeavors:

Ida Poljanšek's professional career is marked by her longstanding affiliation with the University of Ljubljana. Starting in 1990, she served at the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology until 2007, highlighting her commitment to academia. Subsequently, she contributed to the National Institute of Chemistry, specifically in the Laboratory for Polymer Chemistry and Technology from 2007 to 2010. Her continued dedication to education and research is evident in her current position at the University of Ljubljana, specifically in the Biotechnical Faculty's Department of Wood Science and Technology since 2010.

Contributions and Research Focus:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ida Poljanšek has significantly contributed to the field of polymer chemistry and technology. Her research has spanned the synthesis and characterization of natural and synthetic polymers, with a recent emphasis on nanocellulose. Her work involves the production of nanofibrillated cellulose and its applications in composites within synthetic and natural polymer matrices. Additionally, she has explored the extraction of valuable organic compounds from wood, showcasing a multidisciplinary approach in her contributions.

Her involvement in (inter-)national projects, conferences, and academic visits underlines her commitment to advancing knowledge in polymer science, characterization, and the development of new materials and products.

Accolades and Recognition:

Throughout her career, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ida Poljanšek has received recognition for her outstanding contributions. Notably, she was honored with the KRKA award in 1990 for her scientific work on the synthesis of cephalosporine antibiotics. In 1997, she secured the first prize for a lecture by young researchers, further attesting to the impact of her work.

Impact and Influence:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ida Poljanšek's impact is evident in her extensive publication record, comprising over 59 scientific articles, with 48 published in journals with impact factors. Her mentorship and supervision have played a crucial role in shaping the academic journey of numerous students, as reflected in the recognition received by some of them, such as the Faculty Prešeren Award for a Master's thesis.

Legacy and Future Contributions:

Ida Poljanšek's legacy lies in her substantial contributions to the understanding of polymers and their applications. As an Associate Professor at the University of Ljubljana, she continues to shape the next generation of researchers through her mentorship and academic leadership. Her future contributions are likely to build upon her established expertise, potentially pushing the boundaries of polymer science and wood technology. The ongoing focus on nanocellulose and sustainable materials suggests a commitment to addressing contemporary challenges in materials science

Employment:

1990 – 2007: University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology
2007 – 2010: National Institute of Chemistry, Laboratory for Polymer Chemistry and Technology
2010 - Present: University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Wood Science and Technology

Academic and Professional Activities:

Research and characterization of natural and synthetic polymers.
Main focus on the synthesis of well-defined polymers and their properties.
Recent research on nanocellulose, nanofibrillated cellulose production, and its application in composites.
Research on the extraction of valuable organic compounds from wood.
Involvement in (inter-)national projects on polymer synthesis, characterization, and development of new materials/products.

International Experience:

Visits to Bayer, Leverkusen, Germany (1991) and Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA (1995).
Participation in ACHEMA conferences (2000, 2003).
Academic visits to Akademi University in Finland (2012) and Centre of Polymer Systems, Tomas Bata University in Zlin, Czech Republic (2022).

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