PI_Forum Brno #7: Equal Opportunities

Šárka Pospíšilová is Vice-Rector of Masaryk University with responsibility for research and doctoral studies. A distinguished scientist and academic leader, she actively shapes institutional strategies that promote research excellence, fairness, and equal opportunities across academic careers.

Her work focuses on building inclusive research environments and improving conditions for early-career researchers. Through the Grant Agency of Masaryk University, she has supported numerous outstanding young research teams, as well as women scientists returning to research after a career break.

Vanessa is Group Leader of the Laboratory of Plant Organellar Gene Expression at Charles University in Prague, with a research background spanning the Max Planck Institute and Cornell University.

Alongside her scientific career, she is actively engaged in social and artistic initiatives and has long advocated for LGBTQ+, FLINTA, and equal-opportunity issues in academia. Her perspective bridges excellence in research with a strong commitment to inclusion, diversity, and community building in science.

Karel is a senior researcher at the Department of Condensed Matter Physics, Masaryk University, and Deputy Head of the Structural Biology of Gene Regulation Laboratory.

Alongside his research and teaching in biophysics, he has held several academic leadership and governance roles, including service in faculty and university senates. Through his institutional engagement and training in consent and equality matters, he brings a perspective that connects academic responsibility, governance, and equal-opportunity issues in the research environment.