Creative Heroes Strategic Session – A Summer Milestone

One of the most inspiring milestones of this summer was the opportunity to take part in the Dutch Royal State Visit and the Czech–Dutch Business Forum, where I was honored to be selected as a Creative Hero 2023. This recognition allowed me to share my scientific journey—returning to the Czech Republic after years abroad—and to present the new opportunities this step has opened in both research and collaboration. 

The Creative Heroes Strategic Session, hosted at the impressive HiLASE Centre in Dolní Břežany, was initiated by Pavel Iványi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Netherlands-Czech Chamber of Commerce. The session brought together past Czech Creative Heroes awardees, CEOs, and long-time supporters for a thought-provoking exchange of perspectives, challenges, and ambitions for the future. The discussion was skillfully moderated by Alena Huberová, founder of SHELeads and long-time supporter of the Creative Heroes Awards in the Czech Republic.

During the session, I had the privilege to present how my research and return to the Czech Republic have created new opportunities:

• Establishing a new research group at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Masaryk University, supported by MUNI's MASH Stg/CoG funding scheme.

• Shaping a new direction for the Czech Antarctic Research Programme, with a focus on exploring the biotechnological and biomedical potential of cold-adapted microbes.

A particularly unforgettable moment was the chance to present both the Creative Heroes initiative and my own research vision to Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands and Czech President Petr Pavel—an encounter I could never have imagined science would lead me to. 

This event was made possible through the dedication and support of many. My sincere thanks go to the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Prague and the entire HiLASE Centre team for their hospitality and flawless organization.

📸 Photo credits:
Jaromír Zubák (1-2)

Jan Pelikán (3–6)