FOUR TALENTED STUDENTS RECEIVE TITLE AND AWARD FROM THE CITY OF OSTRAVA

They inspire those around them and contribute not only to the region but also to society as a whole. Their life stories are admirable; they work in research teams, publish scholarly articles, promote science, organize scientific competitions, and study at both Czech and foreign universities.

At their January meeting, the City Assembly members decided to award the title and prize to four students as part of the fourth year of the city program "Talent of the Year." The city has long been creating favorable conditions for the education of talented university students and their subsequent professional development. Since 1996, exceptional students have been awarded scholarships, which were replaced by the new city program "Talent of the Year" in the 2021/2022 school year.

“As we have seen in the past, those whom Ostrava has supported at the beginning of their academic journeys have become recognized scientists, artists, and doctors. Awarded scholarship holders contribute to the development of their specializations throughout their careers, benefiting not only the city but also society, both nationally and internationally. Ostrava serves as a figurative support for exceptional students in their beginnings, and we hope that talented young people will continue to be an indispensable part of our developing city,” stated Andrea Hoffmannová, Deputy Mayor.

This year's nominees for the "Talent of the Year" program include two female and two male students. In the doctoral category, the title will be awarded to Pavel Czernek, the author of a patent, who studies at VŠB – Technical University of Ostrava. He focuses on nanotechnology with an emphasis on the chemistry of composite materials, publishes research, works on various projects. His work, for instance, involves developing more accessible polymer composite materials reinforced with carbon fibers for use in the bodies of ordinary vehicles, which leads to weight reduction and, consequently, a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation industry. He is also working on a project aimed at eliminating boron from water sources to address high concentrations of boron in water, which is dangerous for living organisms.

Another nominee in the doctoral category is Veronika Prieložná, who studies at the University of Ostrava. She specializes in the application of advanced numerical methods in ecology, aiming to contribute to biodiversity protection and deepen the understanding of ecosystem dynamics. She is actively involved in scientific activities and serves as a senator in the student chamber of the Academic Senate of the Faculty of Science.

In the bachelor’s and master’s category, the title will be awarded to Barbora Svobodová, who is studying an English program: Future Architectures Platform at the AAAD in Prague. She aims to create new ideas and forms in architectural practice. She completed an internship at an architectural and design studio in Madrid, during which she developed a project showcasing new possibilities for ecological structures using algae. She also founded the artistic initiative Softspot.collective, which operates in the international art field, exploring innovative creative intersections between architecture, art, music, sociology, and other fields. The student also completed a project at the Viper Gallery in Prague.

The quartet of successful students is completed by Jan Veselský, who studies at Mendel University in Brno. His areas of expertise include molecular biology, microbial ecology, and bioinformatics. He conducts research in microbial ecology, focusing on the microbiome in water and particularly in soil. He has participated in a variety of research projects, addressing how algae can serve as fertilizers and simultaneously as regulators of the soil microbiome, which influences plant growth. His data help reveal potentially agriculturally significant beneficial microorganisms, monitor soil quality, and observe how various interventions affect soil and the microbiome. Besides academic contributions, his findings assist farmers in better understanding and managing the soil on which they cultivate crops. His goal is to contribute to "smart" farming, maximizing soil potential without harming the surrounding environment, ensuring its sustainability for future generations.

Students were able to submit their applications until the end of October last year. The submitted materials were then evaluated by the Education, Science, and Research Committee, which out of 12 proposals approved the awarding of titles and prizes to four students. The selected students will also receive 100,000 CZK. Since 1996, the city has supported outstanding students through these programs with nearly 20 million CZK. When evaluating applications, not only academic results but also scientific and societal benefits were considered. The title "Talent of the Year" can only be awarded to university students with permanent residence in the city of Ostrava. Further information about the program can be found on the website: https://talentova.cz/podporujeme/talent-roku/.