Interest in IOCB Prague is high among the world’s leading research institutions
19 September 2025
IOCB Prague is expanding with a new research group focused on biology. The institute’s leadership thus continues its effort to provide opportunities for early-career scientists to establish their own teams and begin independent research. In both recruiting and evaluation, IOCB relies on the expertise of its International Advisory Board, composed of leading figures in global science.
This year, numerous outstanding candidates from respected research institutions around the world are seeking a position at IOCB. They include scientists from Harvard and Oxford, Israel’s Weizmann Institute of Science, and the renowned ETH Zurich. This week, shortlisted applicants had the opportunity to present their research visions in Prague to the International Advisory Board, which works with IOCB on a regular basis. Its recommendations play a key role in the director’s decision on which candidate will be selected as group leader.
Professor Jan Konvalinka, Director of IOCB Prague, notes: “It’s remarkable that our institute cooperates with true scientific legends such as Prof. Robert A. Weinberg and Prof. M. G. Finn. It’s crucial for me to be able to rely on their opinions when deciding which scientists to welcome to IOCB. This year’s choice is particularly difficult — we’re seeing rising stars from Oxford, Harvard, and Stanford. These young colleagues bring brilliant ideas and, in the best sense of the word, are surpassing our generation. The institute’s future is indeed bright.”
The Advisory Board also heard presentations from current IOCB researchers, some seeking to continue in their junior group leader roles, others aiming for promotion to senior group leader. Senior status provides greater long-term stability for research teams and additional funding from the institute’s budget. Candidates must demonstrate to both the Advisory Board and IOCB leadership that their work is of long-term importance to the institute and merits sustained support.
Applicants for the new group leader position, as well as those pursuing senior status or extension of their junior roles, will wait several weeks for the Advisory Board’s verdict. This year’s board includes top scientists from the United States, Israel, Belgium, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Poland, and Germany. Among them are Prof. Robert A. Weinberg of the Whitehead Institute in Cambridge, Prof. Agnieszka Chacińska of the University of Warsaw, and Prof. M. G. Finn of the Georgia Institute of Technology.
IOCB Prague introduced its system of supporting promising scientists sixteen years ago. Since then it has paid off, with junior group leaders bringing in prestigious ERC grants, licenses, spin-offs, and, above all, outstanding science.
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