Prof. Ing. Ľubomír Švorc, DrSc. works at the Institute of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, where he leads the Laboratory of Modern Electroanalytical Methods. Together with his students, he develops new approaches for determining biologically active substances using advanced electrochemical sensors. Their research results in faster, cheaper, and more user-friendly analytical methods for pharmaceutical, clinical, food, and environmental applications. He sees teaching and scientific work as inseparably connected vessels. His students achieve excellent results both at home and abroad and find wide opportunities in the job market. He attributes his success in research and education to hard work, self-discipline, and above all, excellent collaboration with students.
Over the past decade, Professor Švorc has become one of the most prominent figures in chemistry in Slovakia. He considers analytical chemistry a fascinating field with a direct impact on society: “We need it in everyday life – for quality control of pharmaceutical products, analysis of drugs and their metabolites in biological samples, for examining water, soil, and air, or for monitoring the food we consume,” explains the university teacher and scientist. He finds topics and inspiration for research innovations together with students at international conferences and in conversations with renowned scientists both at home and abroad. He applies an analytical approach in his personal life as well: “I like symmetry and order, I break everything down to the last detail, sometimes even connecting unrelated things,” he adds with a smile.
“I really enjoy teaching. From the very first moment, I try to spark students’ interest in chemistry and motivate them to work successfully and conscientiously as analytical chemists. I involve them in research topics that directly relate to progress in everyday human life,” reveals Ľubomír Švorc, who, four years ago at the age of 38, became one of the youngest professors in Slovakia. Thanks to the excellent results of students’ final theses and long-term systematic research, he has published over 160 articles in international peer-reviewed journals. He is among the most cited Slovak scientists of his generation, with over 3,500 independent citations and an H-index of 36 (Web of Science). In 2019, he was included in the Periodic Table of Young Chemists from around the world as the laureate of the element Europium, on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of Mendeleev’s Periodic Table of Chemical Elements. He has also received several prestigious national awards – Science and Technology Personality 2024, Scientist of the Year 2014 in the Young Science Personality category, STU Teacher of the Year 2022, and others. In 2024, he was also ranked among the top 2% of scientists in the world (World’s Top 2% Scientists) according to a list compiled by Stanford University. Despite these achievements, he emphasizes that his greatest reward is working with students: “If I can motivate them to work honestly and conscientiously, awaken their passion for chemistry, and show them that science changes everyday life, I know I’ve fulfilled my mission as a teacher and scientist.”
He also supports young people’s interest in chemistry as the Chairman of the Slovak Chemical Society – the largest and oldest professional organization in Slovakia, which brings together experts from all areas of chemistry and significantly contributes to the development of chemical science, education, and popularization of chemistry in the country. His teaching philosophy is based on the belief that teaching and research cannot be separated – they are interconnected vessels: “From the very beginning, I try to awaken students’ interest in chemistry. I don’t want them to limit themselves to memorizing facts – I want them to think like analysts who seek solutions. What brings me the greatest joy is seeing their excellent academic results, success at student scientific conferences, and their practical achievements.”
A native of Sereď, he found a role model in his father – a chemist who sparked his love for the natural sciences. His interest was further nurtured by teachers in elementary and high school. He managed the first year of studies at the Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology of the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava with ease, thanks to a strong foundation from grammar school. He admits, however, that he was never a “child prodigy,” but achieved everything through hard work, willpower, discipline, and determination. Today, he motivates a new generation of chemists not to fear challenges and to believe that world-class science can be done in Slovakia. He recommends scientific internships at universities in Austria and Germany – which he himself completed under the guidance of world-renowned professors in analytical chemistry – to his students as well. “These are unique and irreplaceable experiences and a great springboard for their future careers,” he adds.
In his free time, he enjoys sports – the gym is a place of mental cleansing and a source of new ideas for him. “I’m a workaholic, I admit, but sports teach me discipline and balance and give me the energy to fully dedicate myself to teaching, science, and students. My plan is to continue educating, motivating, and supporting students and young researchers, and to train new experts in the field of analytical chemistry,” concludes Professor Švorc.
