IRONMAN or Fe-MALE?: Science for all of us 2025
May 13 | 09:00 – 12:30 UTC+1
Science is not just about data and discoveries – it’s about people. Behind every breakthrough is a story of ambition, persistence, and the overcoming of obstacles that stand in the way of success.
Join us for IRONMAN of Fe-MALE: Science for All of Us, an engaging session dedicated to exploring equal rights and inclusive support systems in the world of science and innovation. This unique event brings together voices from across academia, industry, and international institutions to discuss the evolving landscape for women, parents, and underrepresented groups in science – both in the Czech Republic and abroad.
There will be a short coffee break mid-program, with coffee and light refreshments provided.
The event will be conducted in English, and we warmly welcome all participants, regardless of professional background. To make sure everything goes smoothly, we kindly ask you to REGISTER (find the registration tab on this page).
There will be a children’s zone available on-site where the main programme is going to be streamed. You can thus bring your children with you and keep an eye on them. If you wish to use this service, please indicate so in the registration form.
The event is co-organised by RICAIP and will be held under the auspices of Brno City Mayor JUDr. Markéta Vaňková with Czexpats in Science as the event’s partner.
Programme
We’ll hear from one keynote speaker and five distinguished speakers, each offering a unique perspective on equity, balance, and belonging in research and scientific communities. Representing diverse institutions, disciplines, and career stages, these speakers will share their personal experiences and insights in 15-minute presentations followed by Q&A.
The programme will be hosted by the event’s patron – Markéta Kaiser from CEITEC BUT.
Whether you’re a scientist, student, policymaker, entrepreneur – male or female – or simply curious about how we can create more inclusive and supportive environments in STEM – this event is for you.
Speakers
Iva Poulíčková (Czexpats in Science)
As International Scientific Community & Partnerships Coordinator for Czexpats in Science, a dedicated advocate for the expat community and a mother of two, Iva Poulíčková brings a unique perspective shaped by an international experience in tech ranging from startups to corporations. Leveraging her deep understanding of the Brnoregion innovation ecosystem and her work with the Brno Expat Centre, she is passionate about attracting and supporting top talent to our vibrant city while embracing the joys and challenges of a busy family life.
Barbora Jankovičová (Masaryk University)
I am a PhD student of Microbiology at Masaryk University. My research focuses on the engineering of biocatalytic complexes on bacterial surfaces. I am a person who says yes to all opportunities that come my way. As a result, I have had the honor to lead a team in the largest international student competition in synthetic biology (iGEM), to become a fellow of Brno Ph.D. Talent, to present my research to the NATO Science and Technology Board, and to discuss my project with a Nobel laureate at the Global Young Scientists Summit in Singapore.
Gabriela Kalčíková (University of Ljubljana)
Gabriela Kalčikova is originally from the Czech Republic, where she completed her master’s studies in Chemistry at Brno University of Technology. She then earned a PhD in Environmental Protection at the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia, where she continues her research and teaching career. Now an associate professor, she leads PLANTERASTICS, a European-leading research team focused on environmental research of microplastics. Her work advances understanding of microplastic pollution and its environmental impact.
Volha Shapaval (Norwegian University of Life Sciences)
I am a Professor in Bioprocess Technology at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences, with a multidisciplinary background spanning microbiology, biotechnology, and vibrational spectroscopy. My research focuses on microbial biotechnology and bioprocess development, particularly on valorization of side-streams, by-products and wastes through fungal fermentation. I am also passionate about bioprospecting bacteria, as well as exploring vibrational spectroscopy for biochemical profiling of microbial cell factories at multiple scales. In addition to my academic work, I am an entrepreneur actively commercializing fungal fermentation and a co-founder of Chitofun Biotech AS Chitofun Biotech.
Veronika Štěpánková (JIC)
Veronika Štěpánková holds a degree in biochemistry with a specialization in protein engineering. After completing her PhD, she transitioned into the biotech startup sector, where she spent six years as CEO of the spin-off company Enacts. Since 2020, she has been part of JIC, where she leads a team dedicated to supporting startups, particularly those emerging from academic environments, helping them commercialize their research outcomes. Through her work, Veronika is committed to fostering innovation and facilitating the transformation of scientific discoveries into successful businesses.
William Fabian Sanders (Confusion Capital)
Originally on an academic career path in mathematics, I eventually found myself in industry doing blockchain research. I have worked both remotely and on site in companies and universities in the US and Europe. In addition to building new technologies, I have experimented with using technologies to manage and build remote teams.
