Research and Family - DFG and DWI support young female researcher

Dr. Emilia Izak-Nau, Postdoc at DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, is now funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) within the Walter Benjamin Programme.

With her project "-Low Power Radiofrequency-Induced Release of Small Molecules from Iron Oxide-Polymer Core-Shell Composite Nanoparticles", the young scientist is funded by the Walter Benjamin Programme. The program supports postdocs in their early scientific career and helps them to independently implement their own research project at the location of their choice after completing their PhD. For Emilia Izak-Nau this is the step towards an independent scientific career.

In her project, Emilia Izak-Nau is going to develop systems, which are able to release small molecules, while triggered by physics of low-power external radiofrequency (RF) fields.In this context, she will focus on formation of iron oxide-core/polymer-shell nanoparticles of different sizes as nanocarriers for different drugs/molecules. She will investigate the response of variety of polymer shells to applied RF in order to understand their mechanical behavior and the associated molecular release processes. Such systems are of great interest in the field of medicine, as they enable the controled release of drugs. They can be used in cancer therapy, for example.

During her PhD studies in Austria with a focus on nanosciences and technology, the Polish-born scientist gained a lot of experience through research stays abroad. She has been to Ireland, Spain, Norway and Hungary, among others. Afterwards, Emilia Izak-Nau has been on a parental leave. At DWI, the mother of two children succeeded in re-entering science.

The DWI supports women in their career advancement in science by creating a basis through individual measures such as flexible working hours, mobile working and family-friendly meeting times. The aim is to enable women to combine career and family at our institute. In addition, we offer active assistance in the search for suitable daycare.