Navigating two Research Systems: Lessons learnt from doing Science in the Czech Republic and in Belgium

My scientific journey across Europe began in Italy, where I studied Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology. During my studies I became fascinated by the intersection between chemistry and biology. How can chemical tools be used to influence biological systems and potentially lead to new therapeutic strategies? This curiosity eventually led me to explore the possibility of moving abroad for my doctoral studies, and I chose the Czech Republic as the place where my career in research would truly begin.

I completed my PhD at the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry in Prague, a city that has become an important scientific hub in Central Europe. Those years were incredibly formative for me, allowing me to grow both professionally and personally. Today I work as a postdoctoral researcher and lecturer at KU Leuven in Belgium, specialising in chemical biology. Being part of my individual Junior Postdoctoral FWO fellowship, my research focuses on developing photocaged inhibitors for proteases involved in cancer. These are molecules that remain inactive until they are activated by light. This strategy, part of the field of photopharmacology, allows scientists to control when and where a drug becomes active, with the long-term goal of improving the precision of cancer therapies.

Having worked in both the Czech Republic and Belgium, I often find myself reflecting on the similarities and differences between these two research environments that have shaped my scientific path.

Building my Scientific Foundation in the Czech Republic

When I first moved to Prague for my PhD, I discovered a research environment that was intellectually stimulating and strongly focused on scientific productivity. The laboratories I experienced emphasised achieving concrete research goals and producing meaningful results. This approach created a very clear direction for research projects: the focus was always on advancing experiments and solving scientific problems efficiently.

I appreciated this mindset because it provided a strong sense of purpose. You always knew what the objective of the project was, and that clarity was very motivating. Even today, I sometimes miss this strong goal-oriented approach, which can bring efficiency and focus to scientific work.

Prague also offered a vibrant international scientific community. Many laboratories there operate in English, and researchers come from all over the world. Living and working there allowed me to grow not only as a scientist but also as a person adapting to a new culture.

Becoming a Mother abroad

During my time in the Czech Republic, my life changed in an important way: I became a mother. Experiencing parenthood while pursuing a scientific career abroad gave me a completely new perspective on work-life balance and the support systems available to families.

One aspect of the Czech system that I deeply appreciate is its strong support for parents. In my experience, the maternity leave system in the Czech Republic is one of the most supportive in Europe. There are long parental leaves associated with economical support. When I compare my experience with colleagues from other countries who also had children during their academic careers, many of them are genuinely surprised by the level of support provided.

This support made a significant difference for me. It allowed me to focus on my child during the early months without feeling that my scientific career would be negatively affected. For me, this is one of the strengths of the Czech system: it demonstrates that building a research career and starting a family do not have to be incompatible.

At the same time, I have also found that work-life balance is valued in Belgium. Time-off for child needs is encouraged by employee and even if the parental leave is much shorter than in Czech Republic, the system is built around childcares and childminders that are affordable and available. In both countries there is a cultural understanding that personal life, family, and time outside work are essential parts of a healthy professional life.

Moving to Belgium

Later in my career I moved to Belgium to continue my work at KU Leuven. One of my first impressions was how easy it is to navigate everyday life in English. The city where I live now is highly international, and many services, from healthcare appointments to administrative procedures, can be handled in English.

This accessibility makes life easier for international researchers, particularly when managing family responsibilities. 

Prague is also a very international city, especially within academia, but the administrative system there sometimes assumes a greater familiarity with the local language. I found myself often having to ask the help of a Czech speaker to solve more complicated bureaucratic matters. 

Because I had already lived abroad during my PhD, adapting to life in Belgium felt easier. I already knew the “checklist” that comes with moving to another country (housing, registration, healthcare, childcare and administrative procedures) so the transition felt smoother the second time.

Different Approaches to Scientific Development

One of the most interesting differences I noticed concerns how researchers themselves are trained and supported.

During my PhD in the Czech Republic, the primary focus was on scientific output and advancing the project itself. In Belgium, while research productivity remains essential, there is also a strong emphasis on developing soft skills, such as leadership, communication, and project management. At KU Leuven there are many seminars and workshops dedicated to these skills. At first this felt somewhat overwhelming. In addition to producing scientific results, there were also many opportunities to participate in training activities.

Coming from a more goal-oriented research culture, these activities sometimes felt secondary to the scientific work itself. Over time, however, I began to appreciate their value. They encourage researchers to step back from daily experiments and think about the broader skills needed to lead projects, collaborate internationally, and mentor younger scientists. In the end, I see these approaches as complementary. The Czech system helped me develop focus and determination in research, while the Belgian system encourages broader professional development.

Teaching the Next Generation

Another aspect of my career that I truly enjoy is teaching. As a lecturer at KU Leuven, I work everyday with students, and this experience has been extremely rewarding. Teaching allows me to step outside of the daily routine of experiments and engage with students who are just beginning their journey in science. It is inspiring to see their curiosity and enthusiasm when they encounter new concepts in chemistry.

I also appreciate that many courses are taught entirely in English, which reflects the international nature of modern science and prepares students for careers in a global research environment.

Everyday Differences

Beyond the laboratory, everyday administrative systems also reveal interesting contrasts between countries.

In my experience, the Czech administrative system can sometimes feel surprisingly logical and efficient. Many procedures follow clear steps, and some issues can even be resolved quickly by email (where you can easily use a translator).

In Belgium, administrative processes can involve more formal procedures and additional steps. Even relatively simple matters, such as reimbursements, may require extra documentation or requests. In this respect, the system occasionally reminds me of the Italian bureaucracy I grew up with.

These differences are small details, but they illustrate how each country organises its institutions in its own way, and the legal frameworks upon which it is built.

Looking Forward

Looking back, both the Czech Republic and Belgium have shaped (and continue to shape!) my career in important ways. The Czech Republic provided a strong scientific foundation and taught me the value of focus and determination in research. Belgium has offered opportunities to broaden my perspective, develop new skills, and explore different aspects of academic life.

Rather than seeing one system as better than the other, I see them as complementary experiences. Each environment has its strengths, and experiencing both has allowed me to grow as a scientist, a teacher, and a mother navigating life across different cultures.

At the same time, I feel that I am still at an early stage of my journey. There is still much for me to learn, develop, and discover. I am looking forward to seeing how these experiences will continue to shape my path and where my scientific career will lead in the future.