“This recognition is not only a powerful validation of my work and effort to date, but also an enormous motivation to continue developing my scientific career,” said Maleš. “It’s given me a much-needed confidence boost at the perfect time in my life, and it’s also a heartfelt acknowledgment to my family, who have always believed in me. In my work, I focus on studying model myelin at the molecular level, which plays a crucial role in the functioning of the nervous system. I hope that my research will help shed light on how autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis develop. As a young scientist in a small scientific community like Croatia, this is a huge encouragement to keep going with courage and perseverance.”

Until April of this year, Petra worked as a research assistant in the IRB’s Laboratory for Biomembrane Engineering, under the mentorship of Dr. Danijela Bakarić.

Alongside Petra, this year’s fellowship recipients also include Andrea Lončarević Vrabec (Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology), Antonella Barišić Kulaš (Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing), and Mia Jurilj Sajko (School of Medicine and University Hospital Centre Sisters of Charity).

The L'Oréal Adria and Croatian Commission for UNESCO at the Ministry of Culture and Media, under the patronage of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, have been awarding this fellowship for 19 consecutive years. Each year, four young female scientists in the natural and interdisciplinary sciences are recognized with individual awards of €5,000. The official ceremony was held at the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb. For Petra, whose research is usually conducted far from the spotlight, this award is a powerful affirmation of her dedication and excellence.

As part of her doctoral research — for which she received the fellowship — Petra focused on myelin membranes at the molecular level. She employed advanced analytical techniques such as FTIR spectroscopy and confocal microscopy to simulate demyelination processes at the molecular scale.

“In the lab, I need to be precise but also creative. That’s my favorite combination — like a puzzle where each molecule plays its part, and it’s up to me to piece together the story they’re telling,” she explained.

Throughout her research journey, Petra has participated in numerous national and international projects and collaborations. She has further honed her skills at renowned institutions including the Jožef Stefan Institute in Ljubljana, the Institute of Molecular Biosciences in Graz, the Max Planck Institute in Potsdam, and BOKU in Vienna — experiences that have significantly shaped her approach to scientific inquiry.

She is the author and co-author of nine scientific publications. One of these, co-authored by her, received the Ruđer Bošković Institute’s Annual Award in 2021. The following year, she received the same award personally for her own scientific publication, this time with her name as the lead author.

Petra has presented her work at ten scientific conferences in Croatia and abroad. At the global congress on advanced vibrational spectroscopy in Krakow, she was awarded the prestigious Francis Dunstan Prize for Best Poster — a mark of recognition from top experts in her field.

Her scientific story began during her university studies in Split, where she won the Dean’s Award and earned scholarships from both the City of Šibenik and the City of Zagreb for outstanding academic performance. Even back then, she believed in sharing science with the public. She actively took part in science outreach projects, convinced that science should be accessible to all.

One such moment came in 2022, when she led an interactive chemistry workshop for children at the International Children's Festival in her hometown of Šibenik. Her goal was to present science as something fun, engaging, and within everyone’s reach.

In addition to being a member of the Croatian Chemical Society and the Croatian Biophysical Society, Petra also took on a leadership role as a member of the IRB Assistants' Council, where she advocated for better working conditions and a stronger community for young scientists.

The L’Oréal-UNESCO award, she says, came at just the right time. “Doctoral research can be exhausting. You often wonder whether anyone even sees your effort or whether it’s making any difference. And then a recognition like this comes along and tells you: ‘You’re on the right track — keep going.’”

And she will. There are many plans ahead, but her focus remains steady — molecule by molecule, she is working toward answers to some of science’s most important questions.

Since its launch in 2006, the Croatian “For Women in Science” programme has recognized 74 female scientists, becoming a national symbol of support for women whose dedication and perseverance push the boundaries of scientific excellence.