Posts – Czexpats in Science

Postdoc in Israel – Pure Madness or Lion-hearted Courage?

Zuzana Osifová, a scientist and writer, has been a postdoctoral researcher at the Weizmann Institute in Israel for two years. She is supported by fellowships from the Experientia Foundation and the Canadian Azrieli Foundation. Her work focuses on developing new methods of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) that could help reveal the mysteries of protein folding and dynamics at physiological concentrations. But what is it like to do research and to live in a country where the sound of sirens does not mean the monthly “siren test”, but a real need to run for shelter?

What is it like to do a Research MPhil in Socio-Legal Studies at Oxford?

Gor Vartazaryan, a graduate of law and political science at Charles University, is currently pursuing a one-year MPhil in Socio-Legal Research at Oxford. In his text, he offers insight into what a fully research-focused degree entails, how challenging it is to be admitted among a handful of successful candidates and to secure funding, and how everyday academic life functions at one of the world’s most prestigious universities. He also reflects openly on the experience of intensive mentoring, informal debates with leading scholars, and a shift in his own perspective on how academic work should be evaluated.

Czexpats Christmas Conference 2025: Global Science in the Local Context

On Monday, 22 December 2025, the annual Czexpats Christmas Conference returned, turning the final days of the year into a celebration of scientific exchange, global collaboration and community spirit. The event filled the historic Modrá posluchárna at the Carolinum, Charles University in Prague with almost 250 people attending in person, while another 50 or so joined online. The conference brought together Czech scientists with international experience and international researchers based in Czechia, creating a truly global community.

Rethinking Where We Look for Inspiration: Good Practice in Science Funding Close to Home

In Czech science, we often look “towards the West” to find inspiration for good practice. In terms of the national grant funding agencies, chemist Soňa Krajčovičová (University of Cambridge), who has experienced the Czech application system from the point of view of someone looking to apply for funding and return to a Czech institution, argues that perhaps looking “towards the North” might suffice.

From Research Rats to Racing Skis: Mixing Academia and Sport in Europe

How do you combine top level sport with a laboratory based research career? And can you hop into a PhD straight from a US bachelor’s level course? You can read all about this in our blog written by Fabián Štoček, a PhD neuroscientist-cum-international level skier.

Series ABROAD

Are you a student or researcher with a dream of going abroad, but feel unsure about the first step? Come and get inspired, with practical advice from people who have been exactly where you are!

Our three-part online discussion Series ABROAD (“Série VEN!”), is designed for anyone considering a Master’s, PhD, or postdoc overseas. We’ve invited Czech scientists who are currently based around the world and are ready to share their stories and insights. You’ll not only get a clear idea of what to do, but also the confidence to make it happen. During these three online panel discussions, you can ask any questions you have.

Jakub Drápal’s ERC grant will focus on sentencing across Europe

For the second time in the past year, a project developed by researchers at Charles University’s Faculty of Law has received grant support from the European Research Council. The ERC Starting Grant, worth €1.5 million, goes to Jakub Drápal, who focuses on the issue of criminal sentencing across continental Europe.

Czech-Danish Science Meetup 2025

On 25 April 2025 the first local meetup of Czech scientists living and working abroad took place in Denmark, organised in cooperation with the local embassy and the organisation Czexpats in Science. Researchers from across a wide range of disciplines had the opportunity to come together in Copenhagen. The organising team look back on the event.

The Start-up Gives Scientists the Opportunity to Help Shape the Path of Their Discovery

Jiří Růžička works as an incubation manager at the biotech incubator i&i Prague, where he focuses on innovations in drug development, diagnostics, and medical technologies. His work centers on analyzing scientific projects from the perspective of their commercial potential and supporting early-stage scientific start-ups and spin-offs. What does he think about the relationship between basic research and the commercialization of scientific discoveries? Why should young scientists consider creating a start-up, and when is the right time to start? What role do incubators play in this process? He answers all of these questions in the following interview…

Pavel Plevka: I only give my team colleagues projects that I would be happy to work on myself

Structural virologist Pavel Plevka, a two-time ERC grant holder and head of a research group at CEITEC Masaryk University, is looking for new colleagues to join his team. Even if you are not a structural virologist seeking an inspiring research environment, this interview is worth reading. Pavel Plevka explains his focus on studying human viruses and bacteriophages, his approach to team leadership, and the opportunities available for students and postdoctoral researchers who want to work in CEITEC’s international and interdisciplinary research environment.

Thank you