Our young chemist received the award for his engineering thesis titled "Modification of ENR/PLA Biocomposites Using Natural Anti-Aging Substances." A polymer composite, in which one or more components are natural, is referred to as a biocomposite. In his thesis, Konrad Stefaniak presented possible applications of these substances.
This semester, Konrad Stefaniak is studying under the Erasmus+ programme at Universidade NOVA de Lisboa. Commenting from Portugal on receiving the award, he said:
I am very pleased with this distinction! My joy is further amplified by the fact that my thesis was awarded as the only one among all works submitted to the Competition. This award is also a sign for me that the scientific research I have been conducting for several years under the supervision of my supervisor Assoc. Prof. Anna Masek is appreciated by experts in the field of plastics and considered valuable. This fact motivates me to continue developing in this direction and to promote the idea of seeking new solutions aimed at sustainable development in materials that can find applications in many areas of our daily lives.
Talent and Passion
Konrad Stefaniak is a master's student in chemistry (Chemical Faculty) and has already established himself as a very talented young scientist. He is a two-time recipient of the Minister of Science and Higher Education scholarship for significant scientific achievements. He is a co-author of two articles worth 140 points and was awarded the Rector's Award of PŁ for the youngest first author of a scientific publication in 2021. In the E2TOP program, he is working on a project concerning biodegradable materials for packaging production. He has twice received the title of Student of the Year from the Chemical Faculty and has been awarded three times in the Young in Lodz scholarship program. Additionally, he received the "Scholarship to the Power" from the Lodz University of Technology Foundation in 2023.