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11. Mar. 2026
Photo: Mariya Barták Ostrenko
A record eleven doctoral researchers from CEITEC have succeeded this year in the prestigious Brno PhD Talent competition, which supports exceptionally talented young scientists working in Brno. The awardees work on a wide range of topics – from new therapeutic strategies, neuroscience and biotechnology to advanced materials, microscopy, spintronics and next-generation computing technologies. Their projects bring new insights in medicine, materials science and physics and highlight the diverse and interdisciplinary research environment at CEITEC.
Brno PhD Talent is a scholarship programme run by the City of Brno for outstanding doctoral students in the life sciences and technical sciences. Each year, around 25 young researchers from Brno’s universities and research institutions are selected to receive a scholarship of CZK 360,000 (ca EUR 15,000) distributed over three years. The programme supports original research projects with strong scientific potential and aims to foster young scientific talent hile strengthening Brno’s position as an important centre of science and innovation.
Daniela Hrubá, CEITEC BUT
Chiral molecules and surface chemistry
I investigate why some molecules exist in two mirror-image forms and how this phenomenon can be used for safer drug production. I enjoy science because it resembles solving a detective story – individual clues gradually form a bigger picture.
Kryštof Jasenský, CEITEC BUT
Spintronics and memory technologies
I study spin currents in materials to achieve energy-efficient and ultrafast control of a magnetic bit, i.e., a unit that can carry digital information. I pursue science because I have always been curious about why the world works the way it does, and physics helps answer those questions.
Jan Klíma, CEITEC BUT
Magnonics and quantum technologies
I study the properties and statistics of spin waves (magnetic waves in materials) to better understand their behavior and enable their controlled use in future quantum magnonic devices. I find science attractive because it offers endless opportunities to discover new connections and seek answers about how the world works.
Pavel Kolodin, CEITEC MUNI
Plant gene editing
I contribute to developing more precise tools for modern breeding of Brassica crops that may help agriculture respond to the challenges of climate change. Science attracts me as a way to discover new natural mechanisms and use them to improve people’s lives.
Patrik Lindovský, CEITEC MUNI
Targeted drug delivery
I contribute to developing new treatment strategies for diseases that remain difficult to treat today. I pursue science because I enjoy uncovering hidden biological mechanisms and translating them into solutions with real societal impact.
Přemysl Pachl, CEITEC BUT
Ultrafast electron microscopy
I work on the development of an ultra-fast scanning microscope that, thanks to optical imperfections correlation and the integration of new imaging modes, will also provide higher resolution. What I enjoy about science is turning ideas into experiments and pushing the boundaries of what we can observe.
Dominik Pavelka, CEITEC BUT
Spintronics and future computing technologies
I work on the development of a low-energy logic component that uses spin waves, i.e., magnetic waves in materials, and could be significantly more energy-efficient than today’s electronics. I pursue science because I have always been curious about physical principles and how modern technologies emerge from them.
Elena Sekaninová, CEITEC MUNI
Neuroscience and dementia diagnostics
I look for new ways to contribute to earlier and more accurate diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly dementia with Lewy bodies. I do science because I am fascinated by how the brain works and by the opportunity to connect new knowledge with research that can improve patients’ lives.
Yanzhen Song, CEITEC BUT
Micro- and nanorobotics
I develop microrobotic systems powered by light and magnetic fields that can selectively search for, capture, and destroy bacteria, potentially helping in the fight against bacterial infections. I find science attractive because it allows transforming new ideas into technologies with practical applications.
Anjali Valadi Palliyalil, CEITEC BUT
Photocatalytic materials
I develop new materials (mesocrystals) that can use light to accelerate chemical reactions. These technologies may help clean the environment and support more sustainable polymer production. Science allows me to turn curiosity into solutions for real societal and environmental challenges.
Viliam Volko, CEITEC MUNI
Paramagnetic NMR spectroscopy
I develop methods that help predict NMR signals in complex molecules containing heavier atoms – it can support the design of new catalysts, artificial biomolecules, and tools for structural biology. I am fascinated by the moment when physical and chemical principles reveal phenomena invisible to the human eye.
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