Marta Majorek

About Marta Majorek

Marta Majorek, Ph.D. in Social Science, Associate Professor at Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Krakow, M.A. in Political Science and M.A in Public Administration at Jagiellonian University in Krakow. Author of over 50 publications including 5 books. Member of research team in Polish - Norwegian Research Programme: Innovative Gender as a new source of progress. Beneficiary of international scholarships: University of Georgia, Athens GA, USA, Stanford University, CA, USA, guest lecturer at University of Applied Science, Kouvola, Finland, University of Maribor, Slovenia, Politecnico do Porto, Portugal, Università degli studi di Cagliari, Italy. Vice-President of the Board - Women Scientists Foundation - Polish Women Scientists Network. Main research interests: new technologies in media, political relations and social processes; information society; new media & culture.

Posts by Marta Majorek:

10 28 2024

Casimir effect. One of the most mysterious interactions known in physics

Marta Majorek Projects, Research, Science 0

Interested in quantum physics? Learn more about Casimir effect from the POLONEZ BIS project: Applied Casimir Theory: from Mesons to Environmental Effects

Dr Mathias Boström conducts his research at the Ensemble3 Center of Excellence in Poland, with the strong support of University of Warsaw’s Centre of New Technologies. His main area of interest are semi-classical electrodynamics and the Casimir effect. The simplest way to describe this phenomenon is that when you place two electrically uncharged metal plates next to each other with a vacuum between them, they will be drawn to each other. This is unexpected – we usually assume that with nothing between the plates, there should be no force. However, when we analyze the situation using quantum electrodynamics, it turns out that virtual particles are created in a vacuum and interact with uncharged metal plates. As a result, if the plates are very close to each other (less than a micron), this interaction becomes the dominant force. The strength of the force decreases rapidly with increasing distance.

Source: Wikipedia commons

The principal challenge addressed in the ACT:MEE project is to develop theories for the Casimir effect in plasma and magnetic media, along with their varied applications. A key part of the project is to create a new semiclassical theory that focuses on the lifespan of electron-positron plasmons and electron (positron) bonds with plasmons.

Essentially, in his research dr Boström is looking at the idea which dates back to the time before quantum mechanics, i.e. that optics and forces/energies are linked. He uses optical properties of solids and liquids of various materials to study forces between surfaces. This could help to predict how ice grows on a tiny cellulose particle in mist, for example on a cold morning or to calculatethe amount of nucleated ice and similarly, condensed water, which also affects the way light passes through mist. The present research is more fundamental in nature and is expected to directly lead to the formulation of a semiclassical theory for mesons and nuclear forces. This includes exploring anisotropy, meson theory, and excited state interactions.

For more information we recommend reading one of the articles co-authored by the Principal Investigator of described project, which appeared this year in “Physics” journal (Semi-classical electrodynamics and the Casimir effect, https://doi.org/10.3390/physics6010030) and visiting web page of the project: https://www.oimalyi.org/funding-polonez-bis.

Principal Investigator: dr Mathias Anders Boström

Project Title: Applied Casimir Theory: from Mesons to Environmental Effects

Project’s website: www.ensemble3.eu/applied-casimir-theory—polonez-bis-3

10 18 2024

PEM cells – gamechanger for a large-scale and low-cost green energy production

Marta Majorek Projects, Research, Science 0

As the world accelerates its transition towards renewable energy, new technologies play a critical role in meeting the growing demand for sustainable and efficient energy sources. One of the most promising technologies in this area is Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells. These advanced cells are at the heart of a potential revolution in green energy production, promising to reduce carbon footprints and help industries transition to clean energy on a large scale. But what are PEM cells, and how can they contribute to large-scale green energy production?

What are PEM fuel cells?

PEM fuel cells are a type of electrochemical cell that generates electricity through a simple chemical process: the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. In the heart of the cell lies a membrane known as the Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM), which plays a critical role in allowing protons to pass through while blocking electrons, forcing them to flow through an external circuit to generate electricity.

When hydrogen enters the fuel cell, it splits into protons and electrons. The protons pass through the PEM membrane, while the electrons are forced into an external circuit, creating a flow of electricity. The protons and electrons then recombine with oxygen on the other side of the membrane, producing water as the only byproduct. This makes PEM fuel cells a zero-emissions technology—ideal for clean energy systems.

The role of PEM cells in green energy production

PEM fuel cells are efficient, scalable, and, most importantly, produce no harmful emissions. Unlike traditional fossil fuels that release CO₂ and other pollutants, PEM fuel cells emit only water and heat. This zero-emissions nature is a crucial factor in achieving global climate goals and reducing air pollution in urban areas. Moreover, hydrogen, the most abundant element in the universe, can be sourced through various means, including renewable energy-powered electrolysis. PEM fuel cells are efficient in converting this hydrogen into electricity, with conversion efficiencies ranging from 40-60%, far surpassing the efficiency of conventional combustion engines. And last but not least, one of the most exciting possibilities for PEM fuel cells is their role in storing and distributing renewable energy. As the world moves towards solar, wind, and other intermittent renewable sources, PEM cells can act as energy storage systems. Surplus energy from renewables can be used to produce hydrogen through electrolysis, which can then be stored and used to generate electricity later, ensuring a steady, reliable energy supply.

PEM fuel cells have long been used in smaller applications like vehicles, backup power systems, and portable electronics. However, recent advancements in materials, system designs, and hydrogen infrastructure are making it feasible to scale PEM technology to much larger projects. For PEM fuel cells to truly become the backbone of green energy, large-scale hydrogen production needs to expand. Green hydrogen, produced through electrolysis powered by renewable energy, is key.

Obstacles to mass implementation

Despite the promise of PEM fuel cells, challenges remain. One of the most significant hurdles is the cost of production, particularly in creating affordable, green hydrogen. The answer to the above-mentioned problem is the research of Dr. Biswaranjan Das Mohapatra conducted as part of the POLONEZ BIS program, focused on designing Iron (Fe) or Nickel (Ni) containing Tantalum oxide (TaOx) and Hafnium oxide (HfOx) nanomaterials for efficient and stable oxygen electrocatalysis applications. Attempts at designing nanostructured thin oxide films are a fascinating area of material science due to their unique properties, and undoubtedly Dr Das Mohapatra’s recent research outcome makes them useful for a wide range of applications, including sensors, catalysts, energy storage, and electronics. The research carried out revealed that their structure at the nanoscale endows them with remarkable physical and chemical characteristics, including a high surface area-to-volume ratio, anisotropic behavior, and tunable surface charge. The project results are intended to lead to a reduction in the production costs of PEM cells and thus bring us closer to the production of green energy on a larger scale. Moreover, thanks to lower production costs, they will be able to be successfully implemented in various industries.

Dr. Biswaranjan Das Mohapatra with his colleagues

PEM fuel cells represent one of the most promising technologies for large-scale, sustainable energy production. With their ability to generate clean, reliable power and integrate seamlessly with renewable energy sources, PEM fuel cells are set to become a cornerstone of the green energy revolution. As investments and innovations continue to drive down costs and increase efficiency, we are likely to see PEM fuel cells powering everything from homes to industries and even cities, paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Principal Investigator: dr. Biswaranjan Mohapatra

Project Title: Bridging the Understanding between Oxygen Electrocatalysis Activity and Electrode Stability in Acidic Medium: An Approach Towards Designing Low-cost PEM Fuel cells and Water Electrolyzers

Project website: www.elektro.chemia.uj.edu.pl/polonez-bis

04 29 2024

Is science a man’s world?

Marta Majorek Projects, Research, Science 0

Generally speaking, the trajectory of a scientific career is adapted to the male model – it does not anticipate the emergence of “difficulties” related to family responsibilities – it is not flexible enough. Having and raising children, as statistics show, causes “falling out” of the research world of many promising female researchers. There is also a lack of support tools for female scientists on maternity or parental leave and mothers returning to research work. It is not without reason that statistics clearly show that the scientific career of women is gaining momentum after 40 years of age.

The level of gender imbalance goes hand in hand with the field of science: the greatest disparities can be observed in engineering and technology sciences (STEM), and in natural sciences, with a relative balance in medicine and agricultural sciences, while women’s predominance is visible in social and human sciences (European Commission, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, She figures 2018, Publications Office, 2019, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2777/936)

If we consider the presence of women in managerial positions in academic scientific institutions and in decision-making bodies, we can observe the same problem – in the case of Poland it is generally a dozen or so percent of women-members of those bodies. (European Commission, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, She figures 2021, Publications Office, 2021, https://projects.research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/en/knowledge-publications-tools-and-data/interactive-reports/she-figures-2021#chapter3; 12 men and 2 women in the presidium of The Council of Scientific Excellence that defines quality standards of scientific activity required to obtain academic degrees: https://www.rdn.gov.pl/prezydium.html; 8 men and 5 women in the presidium of The Polish Accreditation Committee which is responsible for evaluation of quality and standards of higher education: https://pka.edu.pl/o-pka/struktura-organizacyjna/ )

Add to this the still dominant gender stereotypes and existing discriminatory attitudes and we gain a general picture of the situation of female researchers, not only in Poland but in many other countries of the world.

We have asked female researchers participating in the POLONEZ BIS Program to share their views and experience on the situation of women in science. Is this an environment favorable for a professional career for women?

Dr. Jade Bejeot does not have any experience of unequal treatment in her career but in general terms in Italy women have difficulty reconciling scientific career with a family. This is partly due to the pressures coming from the research context which is very competitive, and to the fact that having children is logistically difficult because there is a lack of policies to support working mothers. As a result, many researchers give up having children altogether, have them very late or abandon their scientific careers. She can not say whether the situation is better in Poland. In recent years a lot of progress has been made at the European level but that we still have a long way to go.

Our next fellow, Dr. Nezihe Uzun observes underrepresentation of women in her field of research (physical mathematics). She has admitted, however, that the number of women has been increasing for the last few decades.

When asked about the situation of women in science in general, she shared her belief that this is a complex problem and it can not be solved within the scientific environment only. For example, one can ask the same question for women in art, women in business or women in politics. In Dr. Uzun’s opinion it will take time to change the conception of the society on gender based roles in general. On a higher note, she can see more programs for women who had to take a career break and want to return to their field. There are also more just, equally shared parental leaves these days. The situation will get better, with the inclusion of governmental level interventions.

Although Dr. Uzun has never experienced any unequal treatment in her career, some of her colleagues went through ugly experiences. “The last few years have taught us that discussing these topics openly is the way to create awareness and eventually find a solution” – says POLONEZ BIS Fellow.

Dr. Jade Bajeot performing her research on Egyptian pottery

Dr. Nezihe Uzun at the National Science Centre

Principal Investigator: Dr Nezihe Uzun

Project Title: Wavization and quantization of the observables in the universe

Project website: www.cft.edu.pl/pracownik/nuzun

Principal Investigator: Dr Jade Bajeot

Project Title: Ceramic technology and the socio-political environment of Predynastic Egypt

Project website: www.technopregypt.iksio.pan.pl/index.php

03 13 2024

An adventure with science

Marta Majorek Science 0

We are excited to present a cycle of interviews with distinguished researchers participating in the prestigious POLONEZ BIS fellowship program. Co-funded by the European Commission and the Polish National Science Centre under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie COFUND grant, it offers a unique platform for researchers who are eager to enhance their professional skills within Poland’s vibrant research landscape. In the following posts, we will describe not only the scientific achievements of our fellows, but also learn much more about their motivations, everyday problems, feelings and emotions accompanying them in a foreign environment.

01 15 2024

Does diversity in science make a difference?

Marta Majorek Multiculturalism, Science 0

It is quite obvious that scientific research has long been recognized as a collaborative and global endeavor, transcending borders and cultures. We live in the era where diversity and inclusion are increasingly valued, so undoubtedly multicultural scientific programs play a pivotal role in fostering innovation, understanding, and progress. The European Union is a leader in supporting this type of initiatives. The Polish National Science Center also runs programs aimed at providing both more and less experienced scientists with the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge scientific research in Poland, and in addition enhancing the country’s research landscape and promoting international collaboration. One of these projects, Polonez BIS is mostly dedicated to multiculturalism, strongly encouraging the participation of researchers from diverse backgrounds and nationalities.

Why is multiculturalism so important in scientific programs?

Scientific breakthroughs often result from collaborative efforts across borders. Multicultural programs create an environment where researchers can establish international collaborations, share knowledge, and leverage each other’s strengths. The Polonez BIS program seems to act as a bridge that connects Polish researchers with their counterparts worldwide, and in addition fosters a global network that breaks cultural boundaries.

Nowadays we can indicate many examples showing that multicultural programs facilitate cultural exchange and understanding. Scientists who participate in the Polonez BIS program not only contribute to Polish research but also immerse themselves in the local culture. This cultural exchange fosters mutual respect, broadening perspectives and promoting a sense of global unity among researchers.

The path to inclusiveness

Multiculturalism in scientific programs enhances the reputation of host institutions and supports recognition for the broader scientific community. The Polonez BIS program elevates Poland’s standing in the global scientific arena by attracting researchers and creating an inclusive environment. We need to tackle climate change, pandemics, and energy unsustainability, so that require collaborative, interdisciplinary and highly inclusive solutions.

Multicultural scientific programs bring together researchers with varied experiences, perspectives, and expertise. This diversity serves as a catalyst for innovation and inclusion, as individuals from different cultural backgrounds approach problems in unique ways.

The Polonez BIS program, by attracting researchers globally, ensures a rich tapestry of ideas that can lead to groundbreaking discoveries. As we move forward in the 21st century, the emphasis on multiculturalism in scientific programs will remain crucial for pushing the boundaries of knowledge and fostering a more inclusive and interconnected scientific community.