Heidelberg Zonta Club Awards Science Prize for Outstanding Master's Thesis in Chemistry

Chemist Wins €3,000 Prize for Breakthrough Shape-Memory Polymer Research

Lilliana Flórido Martins honored for groundbreaking research

Lilliana Flórido Martins has been awarded the €3,000 Science Prize by the Zonta Club Heidelberg for her outstanding master's thesis in chemistry, completed at Heidelberg University. Dr. Monika Mölders-Felgenhauer, president of the club, presented the award in collaboration with Ruperto Carola. The ceremony, held to mark the occasion, was attended by Prof. Dr. Marc-Philippe Weller, Vice-Rector for International Affairs and Diversity at Heidelberg University, as well as Prof. Dr. Milan Kivala, Dean of Studies for the Faculty of Chemistry and Earth Sciences.

In her thesis, Flórido Martins explored the development of novel shape-memory polymers—printable plastics capable of altering their form, stiffness, and microstructure in response to external stimuli before returning to their original shape. These materials hold significant potential for applications in medical technology and soft robotics. The selection committee praised not only the innovative scientific contributions of her work but also her prolific publication record. Additionally, the jury recognized her social commitment, including her advocacy for student interests in academic self-governance and her involvement in the Female Pioneer Network, where she inspires young women to pursue studies in the natural sciences.

Flórido Martins studied chemistry at Heidelberg University, with research stays in India and Portugal. She completed her master's degree in December 2024 and is currently conducting doctoral research under Prof. Dr. Eva Blasco at the Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering and Advanced Materials and the 3D Matter Made to Order Cluster of Excellence at Heidelberg University. Her academic excellence has earned her multiple accolades.

Zonta International is a global network of professional women working to advance the legal, political, economic, and professional status of women. The Heidelberg chapter supports both local and international initiatives and, in partnership with Ruperto Carola, awards the Science Prize every two years to an outstanding female student or doctoral researcher at Heidelberg University. This year's award ceremony took place on March 5, 2026, at the Old University.