Women in Research #LINO25: Katarina Novčić

Katarina from Serbia is a postdoctoral researcher at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden.

Katarina’s research contributes to the development of novel materials for electrochemical sensors and energy technologies, with a focus on understanding surface interactions and the catalytic properties of materials.

Katarina participates in the 74^th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting.

Enjoy the interview with Katarina and get inspired:

What inspired you to pursue a career in science / in your discipline?

What draws me to science is the sense of purpose that comes from solving real problems through innovation. I have always been curious about how things work on a fundamental level, but what truly inspires me is being able to connect that understanding to something bigger, like developing materials that can impact the future. I find it incredibly rewarding to study complex material systems and explore how they can be applied in areas such as energy storage and conversion, and electrochemical sensing. That balance between theory, experimentation, and real-world applications is what keeps me motivated every day.

Who are your role models?

I do not have a single role model. Throughout my scientific journey, I have been inspired by many people in different ways. I have always admired pioneering scientists like Marie Skłodowska Curie and Mileva Marić Einstein for their resilience and groundbreaking research, especially as women in science. Their scientific contribution sparked my early interest in the field. I have also had the privilege of learning from exceptional mentors, teachers, and colleagues whose guidance and support have profoundly influenced both my professional development and personal growth. Of course, my family has been a steady source of encouragement, constantly reminding me of my goals and values. Each of these individuals has played a part in shaping who I am today and the scientist I am becoming.

How did you get to where you are in your career path?

I did not always see myself as a scientist. As a child, I dreamed of becoming a professional basketball player and traveling the world to compete in major tournaments. Interestingly, a key turning point came from that very sport, as it sparked my curiosity about the science behind performance, motion, and precision, leading me to explore the natural sciences.

In high school, I became deeply interested in how things worked and how the elementary concepts of physics and chemistry could be applied to the real world. I owe much of this early passion to the incredible teachers I had in Serbia. Their guidance, encouragement, and enthusiasm for science made a lasting impact on me. Since then, I have continued to follow this path driven by curiosity and supported by mentors who believed in my potential.

After finishing high school, I enrolled in the Faculty of Physical Chemistry at the University of Belgrade, where I learned how to apply mathematics, physics, and chemistry to real-world problems. It was during my bachelor’s and master’s studies that I discovered my passion for materials science and electrochemistry. With the support of Prof. Dr. Igor Pašti, I began working on the theoretical modeling of graphene materials for metal-air batteries.

The challenge of applying theory to practical solutions inspired me to focus my work on clean energy and its future impact, which led me to pursue my PhD in Brno, Czech Republic, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Martin Pumera. The multidisciplinary approach of material design, investigation, and applications within the research group, along with the enthusiastic colleagues, inspired me to expand my scientific curiosity. During this time, I broadened my research beyond graphene, exploring a wider range of materials, including transition metal dichalcogenides, MAX phases, and MXenes. The main idea was to make a small but hopefully significant contribution to a greener and better world. That goal shaped my research focus and eventually led me to Indianapolis, USA, where I had the incredible opportunity to work with Prof. Dr. Babak Anasori and his team during an internship. This experience allowed me to deepen my understanding of MXene synthesis and explore its potential in energy technology applications, all while learning in a truly inspiring and collaborative environment.

Building on this multidisciplinary foundation, I am now continuing my journey as a postdoctoral researcher in the Sensing Group at the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden, working under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Gaston Crespo and Prof. Dr. Maria Cuartero. Here, I focus on developing ion-selective electrodes based on conductive polymers, further exploring how smart materials can address real-world sensing challenges.

My journey might not have been conventional, but it has been exciting, challenging and incredibly fulfilling. It has allowed me to learn, grow, create, and push boundaries, and for that, I am grateful.

What is the coolest project you have worked on and why?

It is difficult to choose just one project because each has had something unique that sparked my interest. However, if I had to pick, I would say that the projects involving electrochemical surface imaging using a scanning electrochemical microscope have been among the most exciting. Seeing electrochemical processes happen in real-time at the microscale was both fascinating and rewarding. It felt like uncovering invisible dynamics that are otherwise impossible to observe. The combination of precision, visualization, and practical application made those projects especially memorable for me.

What’s a time you felt immense pride in yourself / your work?

I felt a deep sense of pride when I successfully defended my PhD thesis. It was a milestone that reflected years of hard work, learning, and persistence. However, I also believe that pride does not only come from big moments, I try to find it in the small, everyday progress, like getting meaningful results, overcoming an experimental challenge, or simply learning something new. Those daily activities are just as important to me.

What is a “day in the life” of you like?

I try to structure my day to maintain a balance between different aspects of my work, spending time in the lab running experiments, mentoring students, writing, and staying up to date with the latest research. While I typically plan ahead, I have learned to stay flexible and adjust based on the pace and demands of the project. I personally enjoy lab work the most, so I tend to schedule data analysis and writing for the early mornings. The dynamic nature of research, with all its challenges and unpredictable moments, makes each day unique and engaging. The after-lunch routine is reserved for “Fika” break with my colleagues, as a part of Swedish tradition. This is the moment to relax, reflect and connect. Outside the lab, I enjoy spending time outdoors with friends, especially during summer when Stockholm has a special charm.

What are you seeking to accomplish in your career?

I aim to make meaningful contributions to the development of next-generation energy technologies by designing and studying the properties of advanced materials that address real-world challenges. I am driven not only by the opportunity to push the boundaries of what we currently know in fundamental science and practical applications but also by the desire to overcome my own limits. Whether it is through innovative research, interdisciplinary collaboration, or mentoring future scientists, I want to be a part of the global effort to create cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable energy solutions.

What do you like to do when you’re not doing research?

In my free time, I try to relax and recharge by staying active and creative. I enjoy running since it helps me clear my mind and reset after a busy day in the lab. Watching basketball games is something I have enjoyed for years, and I like playing when time allows. It keeps me connected to the sport I have always been passionate about.

On weekends, I like to relax with a good book or movie and catch up with my family, reflect on the week and stay grounded. Apart from that, traveling is something I truly enjoy, as it allows me to step out of my routine, experience different cultures, and see things from new perspectives. Whether it’s exploring an island in the Swedish archipelago, a new city, or a different place downtown, traveling fuels my curiosity and brings fresh inspiration.

What advice do you have for other women interested in science / in your discipline?

My advice to other women interested in science is to stay curious and confident. I think that science needs diverse voices and perspectives, thus, women’s contributions matter. I advise them not to be afraid to ask questions, reach out to mentors, and take a step out of their comfort zones. Those are moments where real growth happens. It is crucial to surround yourself with people who support and inspire you and to find an environment that motivates you to keep moving forward. Remember that persistence is just as important as talent, and your passion and unique perspective can help shape the future of science.

In your opinion, what will be the next great breakthrough in science / in your discipline?

The energy conversion and storage, as well as sensing fields, have been developing rapidly due to increasing demands, making it challenging to take any major steps. However, there is considerable room for innovation in these rapidly growing areas.

Considering the field of energy conversion, I believe the next major breakthrough will come from innovations that enable more sustainable and renewable integration into green energy systems. This includes developing and applying environmentally friendly materials for renewable energy generation. Progress in this area is crucial for advancing a greener environment globally, benefiting both developed and developing regions.

While in energy conversion, the focus should be on materials and strategies that help mitigate climate change, the next breakthrough in energy storage should target innovations in battery technologies. To improve battery cycling, charging, and recharging processes, advances in nanotechnology, along with efforts to reduce battery weight while enhancing performance, are essential. Battery recycling is another critical aspect, as is the exploration of lithium-free technologies, due to the limited availability of lithium resources and the current challenges in lithium extraction and processing.

Finally, the field of sensing calls for more portable, calibration-free sensors for self-care applications. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of fast, reliable diagnostic devices, underscoring the need for miniaturized sensors capable of providing quick, and accurate readings of blood and sweat.

Together, these advances in energy conversion, storage, and sensing will pave the way toward a more sustainable and resilient future.

What should be done to increase the number of female scientists and professors?

While many countries have made significant progress in increasing female representation in science, others are still struggling with deeply rooted cultural and institutional barriers that make this issue a matter of personal choice rather than systematic support. To increase the number of female scientists and professors, it is essential to standardize inclusive policies that ensure equal opportunities for all, regardless of gender. Creating a safe, stable, and non-discriminatory environment where women feel valued, supported, and encouraged would inspire more young women to pursue scientific careers. This environment is especially important in the early stages (after completing a bachelor’s degree), when many women may begin to lose interest due to a lack of visible career pathways. Mentorship programs and work-life balance support are also crucial steps toward building an academic culture that empowers the next generation of female scientists and professors.