Beyond the Lab: Public Sector Careers

Many researchers want their work to make a broader impact – but the next step does not always have to lead deeper into academia or industry. This workshop introduces early-career researchers to career paths in the public sector, research support, policy, and science-related institutions. Join us for an inspiring and practical discussion with speakers who have moved from research into roles where science, strategy, and public impact meet.

The workshop is intended for early-career researchers, especially PhD candidates and postdocs based in Prague and the surrounding research institutions. While the event builds on a life-science and biotech context, we warmly welcome researchers from other fields who are curious about career paths beyond academia and industry.

The aim of the workshop is to introduce participants to opportunities in the public sector, research support, science policy, and related public institutions, and to inspire them to consider how their research experience can translate into broader societal impact. The programme will feature four invited speakers and an informal discussion about career transitions, transferable skills, and the role scientists can play in shaping research, innovation, and public policy.

The workshop is co-organized by Czexpats in Science and the Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences.

It will be held in English and will be moderated by Hana Marvanová.

When and where?

Date & Time: Tuesday, 19 May 2026, 14:00-17:00

Venue: BIOCEV (Průmyslová 595, Vestec)

Registration is required.

Programme

14:00-14:10Welcome, opening remarks
Hana Marvanová (Czexpats in Science)
Martina Plisová (Institute of Biotechnology)
14:10-15:10Presentations of the main speakers
Petra Roštínská Karnetová, Project Manager at the Technology Centre Prague
Kateřina Kučerová, Project Manager at CETAV, the Transfer Centre of the CAS
Ondřej Smolík, Data Engineer at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports
Tereza Pavlíčková, Project Manager for International Grants at the Institute of Biotechnology, CAS
15:10-15:40Coffee & networking session
15:40-16:40Panel discussion with all speakers
Chair: Hana Marvanová
16:40-17:00Concluding remarks
Hana Marvanová, Martina Plisová

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