Scientist of Riga Technical University (RTU) Marina Sokolova was awarded L’Oréal Baltic scholarship «For Women in Science». The scientist’s study aims at creating composite materials that mimic the human bone structure and functions.
Marina’s study is topical, because due to an aging population and popularity of extreme sports the number of bone diseases and bone injuries has increased. Bone fractures and movement disorders are caused by diseases such as osteoporosis, arthritis and bone cancer; therefore, it is necessary to create material that can fully replace the damaged bone tissue.
Young researcher of Rudolf Cimdins Riga Biomaterials Innovation and Development Centre Marina Sokolova says, «Bone is a key building element of the human body, it must not only be strong as a concrete block, but also flexible as rubber to absorb blows. Combining calcium phosphate biocompatibility and osteoconductivity with polymers, such as hyaluronic acid, it is possible to obtain composite material with structure, composition and mechanical properties similar to the human bone».
The scholarship is annually awarded to one woman under the age of 40 years who holds a Doctoral degree to conduct the planned research and two Doctoral students under the age of 33 years to elaborate their Doctoral Theses. With support of the Latvian National Commission for UNESCO and the Latvian Academy of Sciences, the scholarship has been established within the international L΄ORÉAL–UNESCO cooperation programme «For Women in Science». Its aim is to support promising scientists and inspire women to seek careers in science.
