Dr. Alicja Mikołajczyk from the Faculty of Chemistry at the University of Gdańsk has been appointed to the Scientific Advisory Council of the UNESCO International Basic Sciences Programme (IBSP) — joining a distinguished group of 12 global experts selected to provide strategic guidance on the advancement of basic sciences and science education.
The Council supports UNESCO’s mission to strengthen global cooperation in science to address critical challenges such as climate change, health crises, and educational inequality. Members serve two-year terms, advising on interdisciplinary collaboration, policy strategies, and alignment with other UNESCO initiatives.
“This appointment is both an honour and a responsibility,” said Dr. Mikołajczyk. “Basic sciences are essential for building resilient societies and informed decision-making — from chemical safety to climate response and sustainable innovation.”
Dr. Mikołajczyk specializes in virtual chemical design and risk assessment using artificial intelligence, molecular modeling, and quantum chemistry. As an assistant professor in the Environmental Chemistry Laboratory and co-founder of the QSAR Lab, a UG spin-off, she merges academic research with industrial application in line with the European Green Deal and Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) principles.
She has received numerous international accolades, including the Rising Star in Material Science 2023 award and a L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science scholarship. Her work reflects the University of Gdańsk’s growing influence in interdisciplinary and internationally engaged science.
Source: University of Gdańsk
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