Zonta 2021 Prize awarded to a young EPFL researcher

Mirjana Dimitrievska was unanimously chosen by a jury chaired by Professor Martine Rahier, former Rector of the University of Neuchâtel.

The 2021 Laureate

Mirjana Dimitrievska is a materials specialist at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL). Her research focuses on the optimization of materials used for solar cells and solid state batteries, for example by creating new methods for the detection of impurities in materials, or by participating in the development of a new class of highly efficient superconducting solid state electrolytes for lithium and sodium batteries. She is also leading the SMARTCELL project, which aims to develop sustainable and renewable materials for ultra-thin, flexible and transparent solar cells that can be used for everything from zero-energy buildings to smart sensors for connected objects.

Creativity and commitment

Her work is the result of a deep understanding of the physics and chemistry of energy-related materials, combined with unusual creativity and originality and a strong personal commitment to science and technology, the jury noted in presenting the award. Remarkably, Mirjana Dimitrevska has managed to combine her research activities and family responsibilities with a strong involvement in raising awareness and promoting science among children, resulting in a number of remarkable initiatives, such as an educational workshop "dancing with molecules" explaining chemistry to young children.

The Zonta Prize

The presentation of the Zonta Prize took place on November 6, 2021 at the Bellevue-Palace in Bern in the presence of more than 120 people, and under the patronage of former Federal Councillor Doris Leuthard, who praised in her message the commitment of women in scientific research. This prize also received the support of Professor Didier Queloz, Nobel Prize in Astrophysics, who underlined the importance of such a prize for the recognition of researchers in their laboratories and to make the work of research and its impact on everyday life visible to the general public.

With this prize, which is awarded every two years, the Zonta Clubs of Switzerland recognize and reward women for their outstanding work in technical and scientific fields. More generally, the award aims to encourage women to train and engage in these fields and thus contribute to the advancement of society and the country.