Prof. Dr. Iva Rezić Meštrović | Advanced Materials | Best Researcher Award
Professor at University of Zagreb Faculty of Textile Technology, Croatia
Professor Iva Rezić Meštrović is a distinguished Croatian chemist and academic with an interdisciplinary background in analytical and textile chemistry. With two doctorates and decades of research and academic contributions, she holds the position of Professor and Scientific Advisor at the University of Zagreb, Faculty of Textile Technology. Throughout her career, she has shown an exceptional commitment to applied chemistry, nanotechnology, and antimicrobial research. Her expertise extends into industrial collaboration and scientific mentorship, with extensive participation in both national and European research projects. Known for her influential roles in project leadership, editorial boards, and mentoring of emerging scientists, she has become a central figure in Croatia’s scientific community. She has received several awards, including the prestigious Wiley Analytical Science Award and the Croatian Academy of Technical Sciences’ Vera Johannides Award. Her outreach and science communication efforts, seen through media appearances and public science events, highlight her dedication to bridging the gap between science and society. Professor Rezić Meštrović’s work stands at the intersection of innovation, sustainability, and education, and her influence continues to grow through collaborative international research and policy development, particularly in fields related to chemical safety, sustainable materials, and textile science.
Profile
Education
Professor Iva Rezić Meštrović’s educational path is both extensive and unique, reflecting her dual expertise in chemistry and textiles. She earned her first PhD in Analytical Chemistry in 2007 from the Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology at the University of Zagreb. In 2009, she obtained a second PhD in Textile Chemistry from the Faculty of Textile Technology. These dual doctoral degrees built upon earlier academic achievements: a Master of Science in Textile Engineering (2006), and a Dipl. Ing. in Chemical Engineering and Technology (2000), both awarded by the University of Zagreb. Her educational journey also includes training at the Institute for Church Music and high-level musical studies, revealing a multidimensional personality. She has pursued numerous specialized training programs across Europe, such as instrument-specific workshops in Austria and Slovenia, leadership courses like the Oxford Women’s Leadership Programme (2023), and a long list of technical and scientific communication seminars. These multidisciplinary experiences have equipped her with a rare blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skill, positioning her as a versatile educator and researcher. Her ability to integrate knowledge across domains has significantly contributed to her success in scientific innovation, mentorship, and international collaboration.
Professional Experience
Professor Iva Rezić Meštrović’s professional journey spans over two decades and includes progressive academic and scientific leadership. She began as a researcher at the Croatian Restoration Institute (2000–2002), later joining the Faculty of Textile Technology at the University of Zagreb, where she steadily rose from assistant to full professor and Scientific Advisor by 2023. She served as Vice Dean for Scientific Research (2018–2020), and as Head of the Department of Applied Chemistry (2016–2018), highlighting her strong administrative and organizational skills. Her expertise has shaped curriculum development, doctoral education, and research project management at the institutional and national level. She has led numerous high-impact research initiatives funded by the Croatian Science Foundation and international bodies. As an external expert for Horizon projects, evaluator for Marie Curie and EU funding programs, and editor of multiple scientific journals, she has contributed to elevating European research standards. Professor Rezić Meštrović is actively involved in national science policy through membership in sectoral councils and committees for education reform. Her career demonstrates a remarkable ability to blend rigorous scientific inquiry with leadership, project coordination, and public engagement.
Research Interests
Professor Rezić Meštrović’s research interests lie at the intersection of analytical chemistry, nanotechnology, and textile science. She focuses particularly on the synthesis, characterization, and application of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles in functional textiles, including their antimicrobial, hydrophobic, and environmental properties. Her work advances the development of sustainable and biodegradable materials, especially for biomedical and environmental applications. She has led major national and bilateral research projects on wastewater treatment, biocatalysis, and coatings for chronic wound healing. Her deep expertise in spectroscopic and chromatographic analysis informs her investigations into nanoparticle interactions with polymers and biomaterials. She is also interested in optimizing experimental designs and mathematical modeling to refine chemical processes. Beyond laboratory applications, she actively contributes to science education reform, science communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Her interest in circular economy and sustainable chemistry aligns with EU Green Deal priorities, positioning her as a valuable contributor to policy and industry initiatives. Her interdisciplinary research contributes not only to the scientific community but also to health and environmental sustainability goals, making her work both timely and impactful in today’s global challenges.
Research Skills
Professor Rezić Meštrović is highly skilled in a range of advanced analytical and experimental techniques. She has extensive expertise in instrumental methods such as ICP-OES, AAS, ICP-MS, UV-VIS spectroscopy, and TLC with video densitometry. Her knowledge also includes SEM-EDX for surface analysis and statistical tools for experimental design and optimization using software like Design Expert and JMP. She excels in sample preparation techniques including ultrasonic and microwave extraction, digestion, and filtration. Her hands-on experience with environmental analysis and nanoparticle synthesis enables her to conduct cutting-edge research in antimicrobial coatings and sustainable materials. She is adept at managing large-scale interdisciplinary projects and mentoring PhD and postdoctoral researchers. Her skills extend to research communication, having completed workshops in scientific writing, media presentation, and leadership training, including Oxford’s Women’s Leadership Programme. Her organizational acumen is evident through her founding of scientific journals, societies, and national research networks. Her proficiency in computer modeling, analytical interpretation, and quality assurance in laboratory procedures allows her to bridge theory and practice seamlessly. These combined skills make her an authoritative figure in applied chemistry and textile engineering, capable of addressing both academic and industrial research challenges.
Awards and Honors
Professor Rezić Meštrović has received numerous national and international awards, recognizing her scientific excellence and contributions to education and innovation. Among her earliest accolades was the Dean’s Award (2007) and the Croatian Academy of Technical Sciences’ Vera Johannides Award for Young Scientists (2008). She was also a finalist in the prestigious FameLab science communication competition. In 2022, she earned the Wiley Analytical Science Award in the Spectroscopy & Microscopy category for her innovative work on antimicrobial coatings. Additional recognitions include the EU MSACL Lab Director Grant (2019), and multiple institutional rewards from the Faculty of Textile Technology for high-impact publications and student mentorship. She has been granted research scholarships from both the Austrian Government and the Croatian Science Foundation, supporting postdoctoral and PhD mentorship. Her participation as a panelist, reviewer, and evaluator for prestigious international science foundations and EU projects further illustrates the trust placed in her expertise. With memberships in prominent professional societies and editorial boards, Professor Rezić Meštrović’s accolades underline a career marked by scientific leadership, public engagement, and international collaboration.
Publications
Professor Iva Rezić Meštrović has authored a prolific portfolio of scientific publications that reflect her interdisciplinary focus on analytical chemistry, nanotechnology, and textile science. Her research is frequently published in high-impact journals such as Polymers, Materials and Corrosion, Journal of Planar Chromatography, and Pharmaceutics. Notable works include studies on antimicrobial coatings, nanoparticle synthesis, thin-layer chromatography, and eco-friendly textile treatments. Many of her publications are co-authored with students, showcasing her commitment to academic mentorship and collaborative science. Her paper in Polymers on ZnO nanoparticle coatings stands out for its relevance to sustainable and functional textiles, while another on the design of hydrophobic treatments exemplifies her contributions to textile innovation. She has presented at numerous international symposia and conferences, and edited proceedings such as the Summer Conference RIJEKAPULA2024. As an editorial board member and reviewer for over 30 scientific journals, she maintains a strong presence in the global research community. Her work is frequently cited, affirming its impact in the fields of material science, analytical chemistry, and environmental applications.
Conclusion
Professor Iva Rezić Meštrović exemplifies the qualities of a globally engaged scientist, educator, and innovator. Her dual PhDs and wide-ranging expertise in analytical and textile chemistry have allowed her to tackle complex challenges in sustainable materials, antimicrobial technologies, and environmental protection. She has seamlessly blended academic excellence with practical impact, from guiding young researchers to shaping national science education policies. Her leadership in European and Croatian scientific projects, combined with editorial, mentorship, and science communication roles, reflects her well-rounded and visionary career. Through a commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, Professor Rezić Meštrović continues to influence scientific practice, education reform, and industry innovation. Her work stands as a testament to the power of research grounded in real-world relevance, driven by intellectual curiosity and a passion for positive societal change.