On May 6, 2025, Dr. Izabela Zaborniak delivered her habilitation colloquium, presenting a series of scientific publications under the title: "Development of Economic and Ecological Concepts of Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization in the Synthesis of Advanced Polymer Materials".
The scientific achievement constituting the basis of the habilitation proceedings – a thematically unified series of publications – is the result of her work within the Research Group of Prof. Paweł Chmielarz. Her research focuses on the synthesis of branched polymers, including star-shaped and brush polymers, and the functionalization of organic and inorganic surfaces. Dr. Zaborniak's contributions also involve the development of innovative ATRP methods utilizing naturally derived or biomass-based compounds as reducing agents, solvents, or photocatalysts.
Within the Chmielarz Research Group, Dr. Zaborniak leads and coordinates the efforts of students and PhD candidates in the Polymer Architecture, Mechanisms and Catalysis Minigroup on the aforementioned research topics.
The application to award Dr. Zaborniak the title of habilitated doctor received unanimous approval. In addition to the reviewed series of 18 scientific publications, her broader academic accomplishments also influenced the positive outcome. These include leadership and participation in externally funded research projects (from agencies such as the National Science Centre, the National Centre for Research and Development, and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education), completion of scientific internships at international research institutions, and the presentation of research findings at numerous national and international conferences. Her extensive teaching and organizational contributions further underscore her qualifications.
It is worth noting that her scientific achievements have already received recognition: Dr. Zaborniak is a 2024 recipient of the START scholarship from the Foundation for Polish Science and a laureate of the Minister of Education and Science award for outstanding young scientists.
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