February 11 is dedicated to women in science. Declared by the UN in 2015, the holiday commemorates the importance of equal access to scientific careers and recognizes the work of women in science and research. The Faculty of Civil Engineering of the Slovak University of Technology also supports this initiative and, on this occasion, draws attention to the scientific achievements of its last year’s established and emerging female scientists.
Promoting diversity in research is key to overcoming the stereotypes and barriers faced by women in science and technology. Increasing their participation in engineering and technical sciences is essential for delivering innovative solutions, which are enriched by their diverse perspectives and skills. Our faculty and university strive to create a working environment that supports women’s ambitions to pursue careers in science. The fact that the faculty’s science and research agenda is managed by the Vice-Dean Prof. Ing. Kamila Hlavčová, PhD. is proof of this commitment.
Publication outputs in renowned international journals also reflect the quality of the scientific work carried out at the faculty. In 2025, our 18 female scientists achieved publications in the highest quality category Q1. Ing. Natália Gregušová, PhD. from the Department of Concrete Structures and Bridges, and Ing. Svetlana Krišková from the Department of Mathematics and Descriptive Geometry published their work in prestigious journals with an authorship share exceeding 50%. The list of other female scientists who successfully presented their studies in the Q1 category as part of research teams includes Prof. Ing. Katarína Gajdošová, PhD.; Prof. Ing. Kamila Hlavčová, PhD.; Prof. Ing. Silvia Kohnová, PhD.; doc. Ing. Dana Baroková, PhD.; doc. Ing. Lea Čubanová, PhD.; doc. Ing. Alena Golian Struhárová, PhD.; doc. Ing. Zuzana Minarechová, PhD.; doc. Ing. Zuzana Straková, PhD.; doc. Mgr. Andrea Stupňanová; doc. Mgr. Mária Ždímalová, PhD.; Mgr. Maryna Babenko, PhD.; Ing. Ľudmila Kormošová, PhD.; Ing. Lucia Paulovičová, PhD.; Rosella Cottone; Aditya Nugraha Putra; and Mitra Tanhapour.
In addition to their publication activities, our female researchers and educators have also demonstrated their expertise in securing research project grants. Last year’s successful project proposers included Prof. Ing. Zora Petráková, PhD.; doc. Ing. Michaela Danáčová, PhD.; doc. Ing. Renata Ďuračiová, PhD.; doc. Ing. Alena Golian Struhárová, PhD.; doc. Ing. Zuzana Minarechová, PhD.; doc. Ing. Zuzana Štefunková, PhD.; Ing. Michaela Červeňanská, PhD.; Ing. Réka Wittmanová, PhD.; and Ing. Barbora Porkertová.
Research achievements are also reflected in the academic advancement of our female colleagues. In 2025, doc. Ing. Lea Čubanová, PhD., was appointed Associate Professor in the field of Water Management. Following the submission and successful defence of her habilitation thesis in the field of Building Construction, the same academic title was awarded to doc. Mgr. Natalia Mahas, PhD.
Our faculty also recognizes the motivation of emerging female researchers. On International Students’ Day, the Dean of the Faculty awarded Ing. Lucie Hrnčárová, Mitra Tanhapour, and Ing. Barbora Považanová, PhD., for their excellent results in doctoral studies.
We congratulate all female scientific, pedagogical, and research members of our faculty on their achievements in science and wish them continued enthusiasm and determination in their further creative endeavours.
