"Czech Nobel Prize" to Prof. Svoboda

Prof. Jan Svoboda from the Institute of Molecular Genetics ASCR was awarded the National Award of the Czech Government „Ceska hlava“ (Czech Brain) for outstanding results in the field of retrovirus research. Svoboda has helped clarify the life cycle of retroviruses, such as HIV and the viruses provoking cancer.

The Invention Award went to Professors Vladimir Marik and Michal Pechoucek from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering of the Czech Technical University in Prague. Their work was focused on multi-agent technologies (self-assessment system with artificial intelligence elements) and their use in industrial practice.

Prof. Frantisek Turecek from the University of Washington in Seattle was awarded the Patria Award for Czech scientists working abroad. Mass spectrometry and its application in chemistry, biology and medicine – it is where a main Turecek´s scientific interest lies. A revolutionary biochemical method to analyze proteins was developed in his laboratory.

The Industrie Award for the most significant technological or product innovation went to LASAK company for a unique bioactive surface of dental implants.

Doctorandus Award was bestowed on Jaromir Chalupsky from the Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering of the Czech Technical University in Prague for the research of X-ray laser beam.

Finally, Marketa Ruckova from the Faculty of Arts of the Charles University in Prague was awarded the Gaudeamus Award for her work on the 17th century documents.

Project Czech Brain which supports scientific and technical intelligence in the country was launched in 2002.