PhD in chemical sciences
priority research area: MobilityTech
Scientific achievements
Dr Monika Pietrzak from the Faculty of Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, specialises in environmental assessment of innovative technologies, especially life cycle assessment (LCA). Her work concerns sustainable design, ecodesign, photovoltaic technologies, fibre composites and solutions for hybrid-electric aviation.Her key achievements include participation in Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe projects: HIPERION, FIBRE4YARDS and HECATE. In these projects she was responsible for comprehensive LCA analyses of advanced photovoltaic modules, composite technologies for shipyards and energy distribution systems for hybrid-electric regional aircraft.
Research profile and research directions
Dr Pietrzak’s research interests include environmental impact assessment of modern technologies, life cycle assessment, environmental aspects of nanomaterials, and assessment of potential benefits and risks for living organisms and ecosystems. In the coming years she plans to continue research on environmental assessment of innovative technologies and advanced materials, including nanomaterials and nanoparticles. A key direction will be analysis of their impact on the environment and human health across the full product life cycle.
Cooperation with industry and projects
Within HIPERION, FIBRE4YARDS and HECATE, she cooperated with industrial partners from the energy, aviation, shipbuilding and materials sectors. LCA results supported company design decisions by combining technical and environmental criteria.
In 2021–2025 she developed intensive international cooperation in EU research and innovation consortia. She visited research centres and companies in Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands and France to collect data for LCA models and prepare joint publications.
Distinctions and recognition by the scientific community
Her important achievements include reviewing for Web of Science-indexed journals, co-organising scientific conferences in chemistry, chemical analytics and environmental protection, and receiving awards supporting scientific excellence under the Excellence Initiative – Research University programme.