Speakers and moderation

Meet the speakers of the Falling Walls Lab Czech Republic 2024
The authors are responsible for the texts

2024202320222021
speaker

Riccardo Fusco

project
Breaking the Wall of Accelerated Nano-droplet Cancer Therapeutics
problem
Cancer presents significant unmet medical needs, with countless lives lost far too soon. Traditional drug development is a marathon, taking over a decade and billions of dollars. Current one-size-fits-all, organ-specific approaches fail to leverage the breakthroughs in modern genomic diagnostics hindering the potential of personalized medicine.
solution

Amadteus is an ERC Advanced grant-funded platform combining synthetic chemistry, biophysics, cancer-biology and computational chemistry / artificial intelligence able to considerably speed up the early drug discovery and development process leveraging (green) nanoscale (droplets-driven) synthesis tailored to patient mutation leveraging modern genomic diagnostics.

bio

I’m a PhD student at Palacky University of Olomouc under the supervision of Professor Alexander Dömling. My academic journey began in Naples, where I earned a degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology. During my studies, I realized that the traditional approach to drug discovery, characterized by trial-and-error cycles led by medicinal chemists, was too slow and inefficient. This realization drove my passion for computational chemistry to accelerate the drug discovery process. Although I didn’t know it at the time, this would become the defining path of my career.

During my Erasmus traineeship in Groningen, I met Alex, who encouraged me to start learning data science—undoubtedly the best advice I have ever received. Later, I had the opportunity to experience the real world of pharmaceutical research during a half year internship at Bayer, where I saw firsthand how the combination of “knowing your data” and “knowing how to manipulate your data” could significantly speed up nearly every aspect of research. My carrier began to take shape.

After finishing my period at Bayer, I received a phone call that may have changed my life forever. Alex was looking for a PhD candidate in computational chemistry. He explained to me his vision for the Automated Chemistry and Screening Platform—Amadeus—and asked me to contribute to making it a reality. From the moment I heard it, I believed it was brilliant. Thanks to the latest advances in artificial intelligence the vision of an automated chemistry platform capable of exploring an

speaker

Mohd Isar

project
Breaking the Wall of Drug Discovery
problem
Current cancer treatments are hindered by proteins lacking effective drug-binding sites. Targeting RNA, which produces these proteins, shows promise due to its diverse structures. However, traditional RNA-targeting methods are intricate and often inaccurate, presenting challenges in drug discovery.
solution

We developed an economical and robust high-throughput screening method to pinpoint druggable pockets on cancer-related RNAs, efficiently identifying drugs that can downregulate cancer genes by binding to those RNA pockets. Our method could significantly expedite cancer drug discovery efforts.

bio

By asking "how?", I delve into solving everyday problems and addressing intricate scientific challenges. One such challenge is developing innovative and effective treatments for diseases. During my undergraduate studies in biochemistry in India and through internships focused on drug development for Alzheimer’s, malaria, and metabolic disorders, I gained deep insights into the complexities of drug discovery. Recognizing the need for more efficient and cost-effective methods, I am now a final-year PhD student in Peter Lukavsky’s Group at CEITEC MUNI. Here, we developed a novel method to identify drugs targeting cancer-related genes by focusing on their RNA.

Living in Europe has enriched my experience, allowing me to undertake research internships in Ireland and Italy, attend conferences across various countries, and pitch a project at the EU InnoCore Challenge in Spain. I've also had the opportunity to connect with a diverse network of professionals, from researchers to entrepreneurs. Given that cancer remains one of the world’s most challenging diseases, I am deeply committed to my research's societal impact. As I approach the completion of my PhD, I am excited to cofound a therapeutic company dedicated to developing innovative cancer treatments, with the hope of improving lives and contributing to a healthier future.

speaker

Bidipta Mandal

project
Breaking the Wall of Omega-3 Crisis
problem
In land-locked Central European (CE) regions like Czechia, low fish consumption and high saturated fat intake lead to omega-3 deficiency and high cardiovascular disease rates. Reliance on marine sources for essential lipids is unsustainable due to overfishing and high greenhouse gas emissions.
solution

Our strategy enhances locally farmed pond carp omega-3 content via optimized feeding using local circular resources, leveraging their biosynthesis & lipid bioaccumulation abilities. we boost EPA and DHA levels sustainably in edible carp fillets, benefiting both public health and the environment.

bio

I have always been captivated by the intricate world of aquatic life. My journey began with a B.Sc. in Industrial Fish and Fisheries from Calcutta University (India), which deepened my curiosity about aquatic ecosystems. This passion led me to pursue an M.Sc. in Aquatic Biology at Veer Narmad South Gujarat University (India), where I explored the connection between fishpond and public health. My academic path took an exciting turn when I moved to the Czech Republic as a Ph.D.  student /researcher at Laboratory of Nutrition (FROV), University of South Bohemia and I work under the supervision of Asst. Prof. Dr. Koushik Roy and Assoc. Prof.  Dr. Jan Mráz. My research focuses on enhancing the omega-3 content in carp to provide a sustainable source of these essential nutrients in land-locked regions like Czechia. It’s incredible to think that this humble fish could play a crucial role in reducing heart disease and supporting sustainable food practices. I feel fortunate to combine my passion for aquatic ecosystems with fish nutrition research that can make a real difference in public health and environmental sustainability. 

speaker

Tiago Moura

project
Breaking the Wall of Water Monitoring
problem
This project aims to address the issue of selectively monitoring ultra-low concentrations of emerging pollutants in complex aquatic matrices. Therefore, overcoming many challenges of electrochemical sensing and providing a platform for new knowledge on the occurrence and fate of these contaminants.
solution

Development of novel sensing strategies relying on state-of-the-art nanomaterials. Exploring hybrid nanostructures composed of carbon- and gold-based electrodes along with new recognition elements based on Molecular Imprinting and Covalent Organic Frameworks to enhance sensitivity and selectivity.

bio

Tiago Moura is a 26-year-old PhD student in Physics putting his enthusiasm for science and technology to work towards a more sustainable future. His work focuses on the development of hybrid nanostructured electrochemical sensors to break the wall of water monitoring and prevent harm to environmental and human health.

speaker

Josef Pacal

project
Breaking the Wall of Research & Innovation Insights
problem
It took 50 years from the recognition of the plastics problem to the inception of first market-ready solutions. The gap between production of knowledge and its application to industry and society is much too large—resulting in $Tn in missed opportunities and incalculable negative societal impact.
solution

We help innovation and R&D teams instantly access evidence-based insights in published literature—quickly finding new business opportunities and responding to policy changes or evolving market needs. Our AI innovation workspace finds and injects validated ideas into the innovation process.

bio

Joe is a graduate of Imperial College London and a co-founder of Wonders. His journey took him from a design career in the Czech Republic, through facilitating creative innovation for major scientific organizations such as the NIH, Global Young Academy, and Future Earth, to founding a startup aimed at making access to scientific insights commonplace.

speaker

Marie Pražáková

project
Breaking the Wall of Manganese, Medicine & MRI
problem
MRI is one of the important imaging modalities in medicine but in more than 40% examinations the use of Contrast agents (CAs) is required. Currently used CAs start to be high maintenance (safety, costs) so there is search for not only alternatives, but also for CAs containing therapeutic unit.
solution

My goal is to develop efficient alternative CAs containing manganese(II) for reducing the costs and health risks. But why stop there? With proper modification of the design, it’s possible to create substance combining the imaging part of a CA and a therapeutical unit fighting e.g. with cancer cells.

bio

From a young age, I have been captivated by the intricate workings of medicine, biology, and the human body. This early fascination naturally led me to aspire to become a physician but by coincidence, I ended up studying Bioinorganic Chemistry at Palacký University, where I completed my bachelor’s and master’s studies under the supervision of Dr. Bohuslav Drahoš, who introduced me to the fascinating world of macrocycles, their coordination compounds, and their use in modern medicine, and I became passionate about chemistry. 

Currently, I am pursuing a Ph.D. at Palacký University, and my main focus is on coordination compounds containing manganese(II) and their potential use in medicine, e.g., alternative contrast agents for MRI or PET, possible SOD-mimics, and nowadays, the design and development of manganese-based theranostics agents. 

Throughout my doctoral studies, I was fortunate enough to spend some time in the CNRS research lab in Orléans with Dr. Éva Tóth and her group and this collaboration allowed me to expand my expertise in MRI contrast agents and NMR-based techniques. My research projects were supported by the Palacký Endowment Fund three times which allowed me to actively participate in major conferences such as ICCC or ICBIC (oral contribution and poster) etc., and science communication competitions, e.g., FameLab 2021 and Ma thèse en 180 secondes – sélection tchèque 2023.

speaker

Tomáš Svoboda

project
Breaking the Wall of Cell Shrinkage
problem
Humanity has paid huge amount of energy toward the exploration of cell growth mechanism. We have had an opposite idea, and that is to see how cell actually shrinke itself to the size needed for its function the way that all facilities in the cell remain functionally untouched.
solution

We are going to first see what is the cell degrading in the lysosomes, from that we can reconstruct the process of cell components degradation, which can lead us toward the description of mechanisms    that cell undergoes toward whole cell shrinkage.

bio

When I was little, I was always curious about why things happened the way they did. My parents spent much of their free time answering my seemingly endless questions. Not much has changed, except now I have the privilege of working with multi-million-dollar equipment to explore these questions on my own.

My academic journey has led me through multiple high-end research institutes in Prague, deepening my passion for natural sciences. I’ve transitioned from synthetic chemistry to synthetic biology, and ultimately into cellular biology. This interdisciplinary experience has given me a unique perspective, enabling me to approach modern challenges with innovative solutions.

I’m now a first-year PhD student at the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, working under the guidance of David Sabatini, the pioneer of the mTOR pathway. My goal is to explore major scientific challenges that have the potential to drive impactful discoveries. My vision is to not only advance Czech science but also contribute to global scientific progress, making a meaningful impact on human health and understanding.

speaker

Jan Saro

project
Breaking the Wall of Dairy Farmer AI Assistant
problem
Overwhelmed by executive tasks, dairy farmers miss out on opportunities to leverage AI and large language models. These models can transform dairy data management by providing farmers with actionable insights, improving decision-making, and significantly enhancing executive administration.
solution

Empowered with an AI assistant, dairy farmers can streamline operations and administrative tasks, optimize feeding and breeding schedules, and gain real-time insights, thereby increasing productivity, reducing operational costs and enhancing animal health while implementing sustainable farming practices.

bio

Jan Saro is a researcher and lecturer at the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, specializing in applied mathematics, informatics, and artificial intelligence with a focus on life sciences. From a young age, his academic journey has been driven by a lifelong passion for mathematics and its practical applications to biological systems and agricultural innovation. Over time, he naturally developed an affinity for problem-solving in these fields.

Currently, he aims to develop and teach data-driven approaches that address real-world challenges faced by modern farmers. By integrating AI and computational methods, he seeks to bring forward innovative solutions to enhance agricultural sustainability and productivity. Ultimately, his goal is to bridge the gap between advanced scientific methods and their practical applications, equipping the next generation of farmers with the tools they need to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.

speaker

Hana Trávníčková

project
Breaking the Wall of Sustainable Career
problem
62% of employees worldwide are actively disengaged or disengaged, representing a productivity loss of $8.9 trillion (Gallup, 2024). Instead of increasing economic growth, the trend is the same as the previous year. Change is needed, as Industry 5.0 or Social 5.0 also calls for.
solution

ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) aspects need to be properly applied to individuals. We need to start a global discussion on sustainable careers that balance receiving and giving. My solution brings a systematic proposal that helps enterprises be successful in the long term.

bio

With over 13 years of job experience, I have devoted myself to employee development in enterprises. I have previous experience as an HR manager and training specialist. Currently, I am a PhD student at the Faculty of Economics at the Technical University of Liberec, focusing on researching the development of Generation Z competencies in the context of the labour market. My approach is shaped not only by my practical experience but also by gaining certification as a transformational coach, exploring the gestalt approach in personal and work environments, and studying Waldorf pedagogy, as well as my experience from the Toyota within Industry (TWI) method. Currently, I am also helping university students within the Career Center of the Technical University of Liberec, coordinating a job fair, and trying to promote the introduction of artificial intelligence and other innovative practices in career counselling and employee training in companies.

speaker

Zbigniew Zawada

project
Breaking the Wall of Transistor Limits
problem
Current microprocessor technology uses complex production processes causing long delivery time, low production efficiency, and negative environmental impact such as high CO2 emissions. Meanwhile, Moore's Law is jeopardized as traditional silicon-based transistors approach fundamental limits.
solution

Our revolutionary microprocessor technology will enable extreme miniaturization and drastically simplify production. This allows for significantly faster manufacturing processes and reduced environmental impact, promising greener microprocessors and extending Moore's Law into the quantum realm.

bio

Zbigniew Zawada, Ph.D., is a passionate scientist committed to crossing disciplinary boundaries. His fascination with the intersection of organic chemistry, physics, and nanotechnology fuels his current project: revolutionizing microprocessor technology with single-molecule transistors.

Zbigniew's research journey spans prestigious institutions across Europe and the United States. He completed his Ph.D. at the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry (Czech Academy of Sciences), followed by a two-year postdoctoral fellowship at Cambridge University. During his master's studies, he spent three months as a visiting researcher at the University of Colorado at Boulder. He has also contributed directly to five institutes of the Czech Academy of Sciences, absorbing and sharing knowledge from each of them. His interdisciplinary approach was recognized with a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Seal of Excellence, leading to a Mobility Grant from the Czech Ministry of Education.

This diverse experience in multiple research environments has helped him to gain extensive hands-on expertise, culminating in his current position at the J. Heyrovsky Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences.

One of Zbigniew's most noteworthy achievements is the development of a nucleoside triphosphate transporter, now patented in the USA and the EU. This invention caught the attention of Merck, one of the world's pharmaceutical giants. The successful transition of his work from a laboratory concept to a commercial product demonstrates his ability to bridge the gap between fundamental research and real-world applications.

Beyond the lab, he is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of scientists through tutoring, mentoring PhD candidates, and igniting scientific curiosity in children through outreach programs.

MODERATOR

Štěpán Vizi

BIO
Štěpán Vizi is co-author of the Czech-German podcast on climate crisis Karbon. He currently works at the Centre for Transport and Energy, where he focuses on European energy and climate policy. In addition, he has long been involved in the activities of the Czech-German Youth Forum. Štěpán is a graduate of the Faculty of Social Sciences of the Charles University, and spent part of his studies at universities in Tübingen and Bremen.
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