One of this year’s recipients of the L´Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talent awards in the Baltics, Katrīna Laganovska, is a Researcher at the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia, Laboratory of Optical Materials. She is recognised for her study on defects in ferroelectric hafnia, deepening our understanding of defect formation and their impact on HfO2‘s ferroelectric properties. This advances the exploration of the ferroelectric-field-effect transistor, which could enable a novel computer architecture functioning as both a memory and logic gate in one.
Katrīna Laganovska’s research focuses on investigating defects in ferroelectric hafnia. Her project aims to deepen understanding of defect formation and systematically assess their impact on the ferroelectric properties of HfO2.
Laganovska’s passion for science stems from her childhood: “I have always loved science and was science-minded since childhood, often repairing electronic devices at home myself, just to see what makes them tick as well as having a passion for mathematics.” Being a scientist is definitely a lifestyle for her. Laganovska looks toward the future, emphasising the potential to promote science through heightened awareness-building and improved communication. She is confident that the recognition by the L´Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talents programme provides her with the means to encourage girls and women to join the vibrant science community.
