Journeys to Science: An Inspiring Meeting with Assoc. Prof. Ľubomíra Tóthová, PhD

As part of the FORGENOM project, another meeting from the Journeys to Science series took place on May 5, 2026, at the Comenius University Science Park. This time, the event featured a successful scientist and expert in molecular biology with extensive international experience – Assoc. Prof. Ľubomíra Tóthová, PhD.

The meeting was held in a pleasant, open, and highly motivating working atmosphere, offering insight not only into the world of cutting-edge research, but also into the personal journey of a woman who has successfully combined a scientific career, family life, and work in the private sector.

From Academic Research to the Private Sector

Throughout her scientific career, Assoc. Prof. Tóthová focused on research into non-invasive disease diagnostics, particularly the use of saliva in the diagnosis of kidney diseases at the Institute of Molecular Biomedicine (IMBM), Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, where she was involved in demanding experimental projects.As she noted during the discussion, one of the major professional challenges was the development and optimization of laboratory protocols, especially in connection with work on mouse models.

It was precisely the need to work with these models that led her abroad, to St. Louis, USA, where she completed a research stay supported by a Fulbright Scholarship.

Fulbright Experience, International Exposure, and Personal Courage

A particularly powerful moment of the meeting was her account of moving to the United States at a time when she had a young child. She considers this international experience to be one of the key stages of her professional and personal development and emphasizes that:“Everything is possible if you truly want it.”

Her stay abroad brought not only valuable expertise and research experience, but also a new perspective on how research institutions function, the importance of international collaboration, and the value of interdisciplinary dialogue.

Science, Family, and Support from the Environment

The discussion naturally also touched on the topic of balancing a scientific career with family life. According to Assoc. Prof. Tóthová, support from colleagues and family, as well as a positive and inclusive working environment, is crucial.

She considers a good team to be a fundamental source of professional satisfaction. Thanks to this support, she has been able to fully devote herself to science, her true passion, while maintaining balance in her personal life.

Today in the Private Sector: Education of Medical Specialists

Currently, she works in the pharmaceutical industry, where she focuses on the education of medical specialists. Her story demonstrates that scientific education and research experience have broad applicability beyond academia and can significantly contribute to improving the quality of healthcare. At the same time, she openly admits that she would like to return to science again in the future.

A Message to Young Scientists

The meeting concluded with a clear and encouraging message to young people and early-career researchers:

• do not be afraid to pursue international research stays,

• explore different research environments,

• and continue to develop both professionally and personally, even during challenging life stages.

  
  

The story of Assoc. Prof. Ľubomíra Tóthová is proof that science, family, and bold life decisions can be successfully combined, when passion, determination, and support from one’s surroundings are present.