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30. Sept. 2025
At the beginning of the summer, CEITEC Masaryk University welcomed a new Head of Operations. After three months in the role, how has Bronislav Stiskálek settled in, and what priorities has he set for the near future? We spoke with him on behalf of all of us who occasionally deal with everyday maintenance issues or look for innovative solutions to make life at CEITEC run more smoothly.
Bronislav, could you briefly describe your professional background – where you come from and what experience you bring to CEITEC?
For the past ten years, I worked as Operations Director in a manufacturing company. My team provided a wide range of support services for the production divisions – from full facility management and technical maintenance of machinery, through procurement and logistics, to IT, health and safety, and legal matters. Our goal was to offer production divisions 100 % service so they could focus solely on manufacturing. I want to apply the same approach at CEITEC: research teams should receive maximum support in operational matters and know that when they contact us, they will get a clear answer and a defined timeframe. My aim is for every colleague to feel that we are reliable partners they can always turn to, without worrying whether their request will “get lost.”
Which part of your agenda is closest to your heart, and why?
Throughout my career I have mainly worked in property management and procurement, and those areas are still the closest to me. I enjoy setting up processes so they are transparent, efficient, and deliver measurable results – in other words, a satisfied “internal customer.” Property management is often a complex puzzle: rental agreements, building maintenance, energy efficiency, daily repairs, and financial planning. When we can simplify the process and give people confidence that their issue is being handled and completed on time, I consider it both a success and a basic standard. The same applies to procurement – well-designed rules save time and money and allow the team to focus on what truly matters to the institute.
What are you focusing on most right now?
My priority is to improve communication and cooperation across CEITEC units, including the wider university, and to manage and optimise operational costs. The Operations team covers a broad range of tasks – from routine repairs and negotiating framework contracts for selected supplies, to reviewing access rights or arranging something as specific as a laundry service contract. We are also refining data in the Archibus system about how every space is used – from individual offices to meeting rooms – which is important for building maintenance planning and for Masaryk University’s energy-sustainability strategy. Our goal is to use space as efficiently as possible while providing scientists and administrative staff with comfortable, functional facilities.
Much of that work is invisible to most employees. Are you planning any tangible improvements to make their daily life at CEITEC easier?
Yes, we’d like to revisit the idea of “silent boxes” – small enclosed booths for short meetings or phone calls, something staff have long requested. We are in talks with the architectural studio that designed the CEITEC building, as these changes require the designers’ approval and must meet a host of safety and fire-protection standards. We are also working on parking-lot adjustments to make entry and space allocation clearer, even though we know capacity will never fully satisfy demand. And we are considering minor interior upgrades and additional services to make the working environment as pleasant as possible.
What do colleagues most often contact you about?
Mostly everyday operational issues – repairs, service interventions, securing spaces for events. I have team members who handle daily operations, and for more serious problems we cooperate with the university’s service centre (SUKB), which has greater capacity and resources. Event preparation is also a significant part of our work. A major task in 2026 will be moving some research groups to the new MUNI BioPharma Hub, which requires long-term planning and careful preparation. Our aim is to ensure all these processes run smoothly so scientists can fully focus on their research instead of operational hurdles.
Are you able to switch off after work? How do you balance such a demanding job?
I like to spend my free time outdoors, so the best way to clear my head is working in the garden – I enjoy small manual projects because they bring an immediate, visible result. I also spend a lot of time with our dog, training and going on active walks. Whether it’s a one-day trip or a longer holiday, this combination of hands-on work and active relaxation helps me recharge, maintain perspective, and keep the calm I need for a demanding role.
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