Plants contain an incredible wealth of chemicals, Tomáš Pluskal says

Kristýna Boušová: Engineering new proteins

20th Blue Danube Symposium on Heterocycles in Chemistry

<p><strong>"I like the non-violence of the environmental chemistry field. We're trying to help society," says analytical chemist Martin Palušák from the Institute for Nanomaterials, Advanced Technologies and Innovation, who is currently working on methods for reusing metals from mine water.</strong></p><p>Martin grew up in the popularity of Jurassic Park. He wanted to travel the world and discover dinosaurs, but over time he found chemistry and physics more interesting. "<i>My chemist and I went to the </i><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/companies/62"><i><strong>Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry</strong></i></a><i> of the </i><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/companies/10"><i><strong>CAS</strong></i></a><i>. We went to a lab where they were studying the structures of proteins. It was in the basement, with an old couch against the wall and a shelf full of fantasy books next to it. And I thought, I have to do this. That's when I decided that I wanted to be a scientist,</i>" recalls Martin, who returned to the Institute of Chemical Biology as part of his bachelor's thesis. "<i>It was a valuable experience, there are real experts working there,</i>" he says. So Martin studied biochemistry at the UK and ended up at the Faculty of Nuclear and Physical Engineering at the Czech Technical University, where he went on to complete his PhD.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CXI_TUL_Z_laborky_rovnou_na_longboard_Martin_Palusak_jede_ve_vede_a_adrenalinu_cover_image_0faeb1c613.jpg" alt="CXI TUL: Martin Palušák goes from lab to longboard: science and adrenaline" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CXI_TUL_Z_laborky_rovnou_na_longboard_Martin_Palusak_jede_ve_vede_a_adrenalinu_cover_image_0faeb1c613.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1080" height="670"></p><p><strong>In a white coat instead of a helmet on the dig site</strong></p><p>Eventually he returned from Prague to his native Liberec and currently works in the environmental chemistry laboratory at the Institute for Nanomaterials, Advanced Technologies and Innovations (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/companies/319"><strong>CXI TUL</strong></a>). "During my PhD I worked here two days a week. And then my wife was pregnant, so we decided to go back to our family. Everything goes better with the help of grandmothers," explains Martin.</p><p>Martin values the freedom of self-realization and the opportunity to gain experience abroad. "<i>We have a lot of international collaborations, I have gotten to places I would never have thought of in my life. I was in the oceanography lab. They had round windows on the door, just like on a ship. There were aquariums full of fish or even coral. Of course, we don't have that in the Czech Republic.</i>"</p><p>Did his childhood dream come true? He travels the world and discovers. Not dinosaurs, but analytical methods.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CXI_TUL_Z_laborky_rovnou_na_longboard_Martin_Palusak_jede_ve_vede_a_adrenalinu_1_4827d2c497.jpg" alt="CXI TUL: Martin Palušák goes from lab to longboard: science and adrenaline." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CXI_TUL_Z_laborky_rovnou_na_longboard_Martin_Palusak_jede_ve_vede_a_adrenalinu_1_4827d2c497.jpg 156w," sizes="100vw" width="1080" height="1080"></p><p><strong>Hit the bull's-eye</strong></p><p>And what would Martin recommend to budding scientists? "<i>The most important thing is to choose the right field,</i>" he jokes.</p><p>"<i>I chose environmental chemistry. I enjoy the fact that this field is trying to help society. For example, there is a lot of debate these days about whether or not there is global warming and who is to blame. We look for the facts and use them to decide on solutions to improve the current situation. In our case, for example, by treating water better or using neglected resources.</i>"</p><p>The fact that Martin is passionate about chemistry is evidenced by the fact that he performed chemical experiments at schools and then taught organic chemistry and ran laboratories at the PhD level. "<i>When I think about it, it was definitely an important experience. It made me realize how much I didn't know. Nowadays, teaching is no longer compulsory, but I think everyone who wants to work in a university should try it as a career.</i>"</p><p>Did his childhood dream come true? He travels the world and discovers. Not dinosaurs, but analytical methods.</p><p><strong>From the lab straight to the longboard</strong></p><p>And what's Martin up to after work? He rides from the peaks of the Jizera Mountains on a longboard. He has no brakes, he controls everything with his body. "<i>Now I take more care of myself for my family. I go slower, maybe 60 km per hour,"</i> explains Martin, who still relaxes after work by bouldering and of course with his wife and daughter.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CXI_TUL_Z_laborky_rovnou_na_longboard_Martin_Palusak_jede_ve_vede_a_adrenalinu_3_2536599565.jpg" alt="CXI TUL: Martin Palušák goes from lab to longboard: science and adrenaline." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CXI_TUL_Z_laborky_rovnou_na_longboard_Martin_Palusak_jede_ve_vede_a_adrenalinu_3_2536599565.jpg 229w," sizes="100vw" width="1627" height="1107"></p><p><strong>Horizon Europe Twinning</strong></p><p>Martin is working on several projects, one of the larger ones being <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://surri.eu/">SURRI</a> (Sustainable Remediation of Radionuclide Impacts on Land and Critical Materials Recovery). It is a prestigious international Horizon Europe Twinning project. The main idea is to form a team and exchange know-how through the world.</p><p>And what is the project about? The Czech Republic has been one of the main producers of uranium in recent years. After mining, there are many sites with high levels of radioactive substances or rare heavy metals. However, these can still be considered strategic raw materials. "<i>The first problem that SURRI is addressing is how to clean up the mine water. This is because a huge amount of money is spent to ensure that contaminated water does not flow into the environment. But by cleaning the water, we concentrate strategic materials such as uranium or heavy metals. The next problem is how to access and reuse these valuable resources. The options are biological or chemical. I am working on electrochemical methods.</i>"</p><p><strong>Extracting metals from mine water</strong></p><p>To a layman, what Martin is doing can be described as having two magnets that can attract certain chemicals, but instead of magnetism, electricity is used. "<i>Our partner, the University of Southampton, has a lot of experience in this and that helps us transfer their methods to our conditions. And it was an English university that was almost excluded because of Brexit. And then we have partnerships with Sapienza University of Rome and the University of Granada, and in the Czech Republic we work with the national company Diamo. SURRI is a project that promotes knowledge transfer.</i>"</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CXI_TUL_Z_laborky_rovnou_na_longboard_Martin_Palusak_jede_ve_vede_a_adrenalinu_2_d877d2c4c2.jpg" alt="CXI TUL: Martin Palušák goes from lab to longboard: science and adrenaline." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CXI_TUL_Z_laborky_rovnou_na_longboard_Martin_Palusak_jede_ve_vede_a_adrenalinu_2_d877d2c4c2.jpg 145w," sizes="100vw" width="1046" height="1124"></p><p><strong>Comprehensive methodology and other projects</strong></p><p>The end result of the project will be a comprehensive methodology using both chemical and biological methods for the reuse of valuable raw materials from mine water. "<i>Ideally, SURRI will be followed by another project that would integrate our technologies into site-specific operations. I would like to be involved in this. I appreciate the fact that I write interesting projects,</i>" Martin explains enthusiastically.</p><p>"<i>For example, when I came from Prague, I didn't know how to write projects. At CXI TUL, I was immediately involved in all the processes and they helped me get collaborations going pretty quickly. So far, my projects haven't worked out well. I am at the beginning of my career. But I'm still trying. It's probably best to take the plunge and not be afraid to work on it again and again. That's what I'm free to do here.</i>"</p><p><strong>For CXI TUL and across half the country</strong></p><p>And where does Martin see himself in five years? "<i>I would like to go back to my PhD studies, but now we are about to have another child, so it will be slower,</i>" he calculates, adding in one breath that he would like to stay at CXI TUL, simply because he is working with leading capacities in the field of environmental chemistry. "<i>For example, there are scientists working here who do not hesitate to commute to Liberec from Prague every day,</i>" he says.</p>

Martin Palušák goes from lab to longboard: science and adrenaline

<p><strong>On 14–15 April 2025, the Faculty of Pharmacy of Charles University in Hradec Králové hosted the First Annual International Conference of the project New Technologies for Translational Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences (NETPHARM), co-funded by the Jan Amos Komenský Operational Programme (OP JAK). The project aims to bridge cutting-edge pharmaceutical research with clinical practice and the application sphere, advancing the development of new therapeutic approaches, (nano)formulations, and advanced drug delivery systems.</strong></p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/FF_UK_Uspesne_setkani_spickovych_vedcu_Prvni_vyrocni_mezinarodni_konference_projektu_NETPHARM_3_b6c493b2d0.jpg" alt="FF UK/Ing. Jan Škop/Mgr. Martina Kopecká Jurčeková: Successful Gathering of Leading Scientists: The First Annual International NETPHARM Conference" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_FF_UK_Uspesne_setkani_spickovych_vedcu_Prvni_vyrocni_mezinarodni_konference_projektu_NETPHARM_3_b6c493b2d0.jpg 208w," sizes="100vw" width="1200" height="900"></p><p>The conference was opened with an introductory speech by the Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy of Charles University, <strong>Assoc. Prof. Jaroslav Roh</strong>, followed by an overview of the NETPHARM project, which was presented by the research project manager <strong>Prof. Petr Pávek</strong>.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/FF_UK_Successful_Gathering_of_Leading_Scientists_The_First_Annual_International_NETPHARM_Conference_298129dde1.jpg" alt="FF UK/Ing. Jan Škop/Mgr. Martina Kopecká Jurčeková: Successful Gathering of Leading Scientists: The First Annual International NETPHARM Conference (Assoc. Prof. Jaroslav Roh)" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_FF_UK_Successful_Gathering_of_Leading_Scientists_The_First_Annual_International_NETPHARM_Conference_298129dde1.jpg 208w," sizes="100vw" width="1200" height="900"></p><p>On 16 April 2025, the second <strong>International Scientific Advisory Board (ISAB)</strong> meeting was held after the conference, which provided valuable recommendations for further development of the project based on the presentations delivered.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/FF_UK_Uspesne_setkani_spickovych_vedcu_Prvni_vyrocni_mezinarodni_konference_projektu_NETPHARM_5_65b5668094.jpg" alt="FF UK/Ing. Jan Škop/Mgr. Martina Kopecká Jurčeková: Successful Gathering of Leading Scientists: The First Annual International NETPHARM Conference" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_FF_UK_Uspesne_setkani_spickovych_vedcu_Prvni_vyrocni_mezinarodni_konference_projektu_NETPHARM_5_65b5668094.jpg 208w," sizes="100vw" width="1200" height="900"></p><p>In his closing remarks, Professor Petr Pávek expressed his gratitude to all attendees for their active participation and extended his appreciation for the insightful guidance provided by the ISAB.</p><p>Both the conference and the ISAB meeting received overwhelmingly positive evaluations in terms of scientific content as well as organizational and technical aspects. Participants appreciated the high level of presentations, the welcoming and friendly atmosphere, and the professional background of the entire event.</p><p>The First Annual Conference of the NETPHARM project clearly demonstrated the tremendous potential of international collaboration in advancing scientific excellence and education. The NETPHARM project is already delivering significant scientific results, fostering personal connections, and strengthening international partnerships.</p><p>The organizing team and all involved extend their sincere thanks to the project partners, ISAB members, and young promising researchers for their commitment, enthusiasm, and outstanding contributions.</p><p><strong>We wish everyone continued success in achieving the next project milestones and look forward to future NETPHARM events!</strong></p><blockquote><p><strong>For more information about the project, please visit:</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.faf.cuni.cz/NETPHARM/?lang=cs-cz"><strong>NETPHARM | Farmaceutická fakulta Univerzity Karlovy</strong></a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://portal.faf.cuni.cz/Projects/NETPHARM-project/"><strong>NETPHARM project | Vědecký portál - Farmaceutická fakulta UK</strong></a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.faf.cuni.cz/NETPHARM-Conference/Programme/"><strong>Programme | Charles University, Faculty of Pharmacy</strong></a></p></blockquote>

Successful Gathering of Leading Scientists: The First Annual International NETPHARM Conference

Watrex Prague Celebrates 35 Years! From the First Peaks to Modern Laboratory Automation

<p><strong>From September to December 2025, the LC/MS community worldwide will gather for a wide range of scientific conferences, courses, and training opportunities. These events provide a chance to explore new analytical techniques, discover emerging applications, and exchange experiences with peers across academia, industry, and regulatory sectors.</strong></p><h5><strong>Shimadzu at 10th Lipidomics Forum</strong></h5><ul><li>14–17 September 2025 | Vienna, Austria</li><li><strong>Organizer:</strong> Shimadzu Corporation</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/events/907">More information and registration at this link</a></li></ul><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Shimadzu_at_10th_Lipidomics_Forum_aae43f6640.jpg" alt="Shimadzu: Shimadzu at 10th Lipidomics Forum" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Shimadzu_at_10th_Lipidomics_Forum_aae43f6640.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1390" height="390"></p><h5><strong>10th Lipidomics Forum</strong></h5><ul><li>14–17 September 2025 | Vienna, Austria</li><li><strong>Organizer: </strong>University of Vienna</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/events/896">More information and registration at this link</a></li></ul><h5><strong>14th International Conference on Instrumental Methods of Analysis (IMA-2025)</strong></h5><ul><li>14–17 September 2025 | Kefalonia, Greece</li><li><strong>Organizer:</strong> National Technical University of Athens</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/events/795">More information and registration at this link</a></li></ul><h5><strong>Course: Optimization of Pharmacopeia Methods in QC</strong></h5><ul><li>15–16 September 2025 | Online</li><li>Organizer: Phenomenex</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/events/743">More information and registration at this link</a></li></ul><h5><strong>53rd Conference on Synthesis and Analysis of Drugs 2025</strong></h5><ul><li>17–19 September 2025 | Kurdějov, Czech Republic</li><li><strong>Organizer: </strong>Masaryk University</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/events/678">More information and registration at this link</a></li></ul><h5><strong>21th ISC ‘Modern Analytical Chemistry’</strong></h5><ul><li>18–19 September 2025 | Prague, Czech Republic</li><li><strong>Organizer: </strong>European Chemical Society (EuChemS)</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/events/839">More information and registration at this link</a></li></ul><h5><strong>MSACL 2025 – 15th Annual Conference &amp; Exhibits</strong></h5><ul><li>21–26 September 2025 | Montréal, Canada</li><li><strong>Organizer:</strong> MSACL</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/events/731">More information and registration at this link</a></li></ul><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/MSACL_2025_cover_image_762faaf59f.jpg" alt="MSACL 2025 – 15th Annual Conference &amp; Exhibits" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_MSACL_2025_cover_image_762faaf59f.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1920" height="1080"></p><h5><strong>7th International Mass Spectrometry School (IMSS) 2025</strong></h5><ul><li>21–26 September 2025 | Vorau, Styria, Austria</li><li><strong>Organizer:</strong> International Mass Spectrometry Foundation</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/events/906">More information and registration at this link</a></li></ul><h5><strong>Mass Spectrometry Symposium 2025</strong></h5><ul><li>23–26 September 2025 | Costa Mesa, CA, USA</li><li><strong>Organizer: </strong>Local MS societies (CASSS)</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/events/897">More information and registration at this link</a></li></ul><h5><strong>ISSS 2025 – 29th International Symposium on Separation Sciences</strong></h5><ul><li>25–27 September 2025 | Belgrade, Serbia</li><li><strong>Organizer:</strong> International Symposium on Separation Sciences (ISSS)</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/events/730">More information and registration at this link</a></li></ul><h5><strong>GDCh Science Forum Chemistry 2025</strong></h5><ul><li>29 September – 1 October 2025 | Karlsruhe, Germany</li><li><strong>Organizer:</strong> Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker (GDCh)</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/events/755">More information and registration at this link</a></li></ul><h5><strong>International Symposium on Preparative and Process Chromatography (PREP) 2025</strong></h5><ul><li>29 September – 2 October 2025 | Philadelphia, PA, USA</li><li><strong>Organizer: </strong>LD Organisation srl</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/events/899">More information and registration at this link</a></li></ul><h5><strong>SFC Europe 2025</strong></h5><ul><li>5–7 October 2025 | Basel, Switzerland</li><li><strong>Organizer:</strong> Green Chemistry Group</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/events/887">More information and registration at this link</a></li></ul><h5><strong>SciX 2025</strong></h5><ul><li>5–10 October 2025 | Covington, KY, USA</li><li><strong>Organizer</strong>: The Federation of Analytical Chemistry and Spectroscopy Societies (FACSS)</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/events/796">More information and registration at this link</a></li></ul><h5><strong>Innovate Pharma Summit</strong></h5><ul><li>7–8 October 2025 | Online</li><li><strong>Organizer: </strong>Technology Networks</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/events/918">More information and registration at this link</a></li></ul><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Technology_Networks_Innovate_Pharma_Summit_2_9ccfe6ed04.jpg" alt="Technology Networks: Innovate Pharma Summit" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Technology_Networks_Innovate_Pharma_Summit_2_9ccfe6ed04.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="640" height="360"></p><h5><strong>Shimadzu SFC User Meeting 2025</strong></h5><ul><li>8 October 2025 | Basel, Switzerland</li><li><strong>Organizer: </strong>Shimadzu Corporation</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/events/900">More information and registration at this link</a></li></ul><h5><strong>ASMS – 39th Asilomar Conference on Mass Spectrometry</strong></h5><ul><li>10–15 October 2025 | Monterey, CA, USA</li><li><strong>Organizer: </strong>ASMS</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/events/747">More information and registration at this link</a></li></ul><h5><strong>Gulf Coast Conference (GCC) 2025</strong></h5><ul><li>14–15 October 2025 | Galveston, Texas, USA</li><li><strong>Organizer: </strong>Gulf Coast Conference</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/events/905">More information and registration at this link</a></li></ul><h5><strong>Waters European Biopharma Analytical Forum</strong></h5><ul><li>15–16 October 2025 | Seville, Spain</li><li><strong>Organizer: </strong>Waters Corporation</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/events/917">More information and registration at this link</a></li></ul><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Waters_Corporation_Waters_European_Biopharma_Analytical_Forum_ec382a082e.jpg" alt="Waters Corporation: Waters European Biopharma Analytical Forum" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Waters_Corporation_Waters_European_Biopharma_Analytical_Forum_ec382a082e.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1534" height="900"></p><h5><strong>Course: HPLC Method Development</strong></h5><ul><li>15–16 October 2025 | Online</li><li><strong>Organizer:</strong> Phenomenex</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/events/738">More information and registration at this link</a></li></ul><h5><strong>Live from the Lab: Solutions for Environmental and Food Contaminant Testing</strong></h5><ul><li>16–23 October 2025 | Europe / North America / Online</li><li><strong>Organizer:</strong> Thermo Fisher Scientific</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/events/920">More information and registration at this link</a></li></ul><h5><strong>SOFT 2025</strong></h5><ul><li>26–31 October 2025 | Portland, OR, USA</li><li><strong>Organizer: </strong>Society of Forensic Toxicologists</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/events/767">More information and registration at this link</a></li></ul><h5><strong>Course: An Introduction to LC-MS</strong></h5><ul><li>27–28 October 2025 | Online</li><li><strong>Organizer</strong>: Phenomenex</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/events/734">More information and registration at this link</a></li></ul><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Phenomenex_Phenomenex_Training_Courses_2025_c4712b0acc.jpg" alt="Phenomenex: Phenomenex Training Courses 2025" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Phenomenex_Phenomenex_Training_Courses_2025_c4712b0acc.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1539" height="907"></p><h5><strong>ASMS – 36th Fall Workshop</strong></h5><ul><li>3–4 November 2025 | Seattle, WA, USA</li><li><strong>Organizer</strong>: ASMS</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/events/746">More information and registration at this link</a></li></ul><h5><strong>The International Doctoral Conference on Advances in Chemistry (IDCAC 2025)</strong></h5><ul><li>7–8 November 2025 | University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague</li><li><strong>Organizer: </strong>UCT Prague</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/events/911">More information and registration at this link</a></li></ul><h5><strong>AAPS 2025 PHARMSCI 360</strong></h5><ul><li>9–12 November 2025 | San Antonio, TX, USA</li><li><strong>Organizer: </strong>AAPS</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/events/753">More information and registration at this link</a></li></ul><h5><strong>24th Human Proteome Organization World Congress (HUPO) 2025</strong></h5><ul><li>9–13 November 2025 | Toronto, Canada</li><li><strong>Organizer: </strong>HUPO</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/events/732">More information and registration at this link</a></li></ul><h5><strong>PEGS Europe 2025</strong></h5><ul><li>11–13 November 2025 | Lisbon, Portugal</li><li><strong>Organizer: </strong>Cambridge Healthtech Institute</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/events/901">More information and registration at this link</a></li></ul><h5><strong>SETAC North America 46th Annual Meeting</strong></h5><ul><li>16–20 November 2025 | Portland, Oregon, USA</li><li><strong>Organizer:</strong> SETAC</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/events/754">More information and registration at this link</a></li></ul><h5><strong>Eastern Analytical Symposium (EAS) 2025</strong></h5><ul><li>17–19 November 2025 | Plainsboro, NJ, USA</li><li><strong>Organizer: </strong>Eastern Analytical Symposium and Exposition</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/events/902">More information and registration at this link</a></li></ul><h5><strong>Course: Troubleshoot HPLC – Identifying, Solving and Avoiding Problems</strong></h5><ul><li>18–19 November 2025 | Online</li><li><strong>Organizer:</strong> Phenomenex</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/events/740">More information and registration at this link</a></li></ul><h5><strong>Invited Lecture – Jana Roithová</strong></h5><ul><li>18 November 2025 | IOCB Prague</li><li><strong>Organizer: </strong>IOCB Prague</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/events/709">More information and registration at this link</a></li></ul><h5><strong>TIAFT 2025</strong></h5><ul><li>23–27 November 2025 | Auckland, New Zealand</li><li><strong>Organizer: </strong>The International Association of Forensic Toxicologists</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/events/768">More information and registration at this link</a></li></ul><h5><strong>Sample Preparation Seminar</strong></h5><ul><li>2–3 December 2025 | Online</li><li><strong>Organizer:</strong> Phenomenex</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/events/742">More information and registration at this link</a></li></ul>

Global LCMS Conferences and Training 2025 – LabRulez

<div><p><strong>In 2025, two outstanding young female researchers, Drs. Filipa Oliveira and Stella Gonsales, both originally from outside the Czech Republic, received prestigious JUNIOR STAR grants from the Czech Science Foundation (GAČR). JUNIOR STAR enables early career researchers to establish their own independent research groups and significantly advance their scientific careers. Their projects reflect cutting-edge research in materials science and sustainable chemistry, highlighting the international reach and welcoming research environment at UCT Prague.</strong></p><p><strong>Dr. Stella Gonsales is also a&nbsp;laureate of the Dagmar Procházková Fund, which supports promising scientific projects in sustainable and advanced organic chemistry. Another recipient of this grant is Dr.&nbsp;Anna Valunchene, whose research complements UCT Prague’s&nbsp;sustainability goals. This dual funding underlines Stella’s&nbsp;remarkable achievements and the wide scope of innovative research at UCT Prague.</strong></p><p><strong>Both Filipa and Stella are actively looking for motivated students and researchers to join their teams, offering a&nbsp;unique opportunity to work at the forefront of science in a&nbsp;vibrant and supportive environment.</strong></p></div><div><h3><strong>Interview with Filipa Oliveira: Pioneering tubular MXenes for supercapacitor energy storage</strong></h3><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/VSCHT_Praha_V_prestizni_soutezi_GACR_uspely_dve_zahranicni_vedkyne_z_VSCHT_2_da6e538579.jpeg" alt="VŠCHT Prague: JUNIOR STAR Grants at UCT Prague: Two talented women from abroad driving innovation in science: Filipa Oliveira" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_VSCHT_Praha_V_prestizni_soutezi_GACR_uspely_dve_zahranicni_vedkyne_z_VSCHT_2_da6e538579.jpeg 235w," sizes="100vw" width="1500" height="999"></p><h5><strong>Congratulations on receiving the JUNIOR STAR grant. What does this achievement mean for you and how will it influence your next steps?</strong></h5><p>Thank you. It’s&nbsp;a huge achievement to receive this prestigious grant. It gives me the opportunity to establish my own research group here at UCT Prague. The JUNIOR STAR program supports talented young scientists in building their teams and accessing resources. This means I&nbsp;now have the support to focus fully on my research about tubular MXenes and their application in supercapacitors.</p><h5><strong>Why are tubular MXenes so innovative for energy storage?</strong></h5><p>MXenes are a family of 2D materials with a layered, accordion-like structure and known for their excellent electrical conductivity. Our innovation is to produce them with a tubular morphology, combining the high conductivity and redox activity in superior ion-transport tubular architectures. Their open, hollow structure increases surface area, ion diffusion and charge transport. This could translate to faster, more efficient supercapacitors, critical for sustainable energy technologies.</p><h5><strong>How did your scientific interest lead you to this field?</strong></h5><p>Global challenges around green energy made me focus on materials that can improve energy storage. MXenes stood out because changes in the composition and structure can significantly change their properties. I&nbsp;was curious about how tuning different metallic elements in a&nbsp;tubular morphology can impact how MXenes perform and how to optimize them for practical applications.</p><h5><strong>What challenges have you encountered?</strong></h5><p>One major challenge is their stability: MXenes oxidize quickly which deteriorates performance. Another challenge is understanding how synthesis conditions of both MXenes and their precursors (MAX phases) must be adapted to create and preserve tubular morphologies since their synthesis mechanisms differ from conventional MXenes. Additionally, effectively communicating the project in the funding proposal to show to reviewers why I&nbsp;should obtain this funding was also a&nbsp;challenge, but thanks to mentorship and collaboration, I&nbsp;overcame these hurdles.</p><h5><strong>What motivates you most about working at UCT Prague?</strong></h5><p>The support from colleagues and the excellent technical infrastructure make it a&nbsp;great place to work. Also, being a&nbsp;former member of Professor Sofer’s&nbsp;leading group in 2D&nbsp;materials is inspiring and led me to this achievement.</p><h5><strong>How do&nbsp;you see your professional development going in the future?</strong></h5><p>The grant will help me build my own team, acquire equipment, and develop collaborations. My long-term vision is to contribute significantly to sustainable energy solutions and scientific progress both locally and internationally.</p><h5><strong>You are looking for new team members. What kind of students or scientists do&nbsp;you need?</strong></h5><p>We are currently welcoming enthusiastic master's&nbsp;students, PhD candidates, and postdocs who are passionate about materials science and eager to explore new frontiers in MXenes and energy storage. If you love curiosity-driven research and want to be part of a&nbsp;growing international team, we encourage you to join us.</p><h3><strong>Interview with Stella Gonsales: Catalysis as a&nbsp;key to polymer recycling</strong></h3><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/VSCHT_Praha_V_prestizni_soutezi_GACR_uspely_dve_zahranicni_vedkyne_z_VSCHT_3_3d0ded6274.jpeg" alt="VŠCHT Prague: JUNIOR STAR Grants at UCT Prague: Two talented women from abroad driving innovation in science: Stella Gonsales" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_VSCHT_Praha_V_prestizni_soutezi_GACR_uspely_dve_zahranicni_vedkyne_z_VSCHT_3_3d0ded6274.jpeg 233w," sizes="100vw" width="1499" height="1000"></p><h5><strong>Congratulations on your JUNIOR STAR grant and also being awarded the Dagmar Procházková Fund. What does receiving both mean to you and how will they shape your work?</strong></h5><p>Thank you. Both grants are hugely important. The JUNIOR STAR grant allows me to expand my group and resources for research into catalytic recycling of polymers, while the Dagmar Procházková Fund supports complementary projects such as synthesizing new biodegradable polymers. Together, they help tackle the plastic waste problem from multiple scientific angles.</p><h5><strong>Could you explain your research in layperson’s&nbsp;terms?</strong></h5><p>Most plastics have strong carbon-carbon bonds. We insert more cleavable double bonds into polymers that can be broken down by catalytic reactions called olefin metathesis, making recycling on a&nbsp;molecular level more feasible.</p><h5><strong>What makes the JUNIOR STAR grant particularly important for your research and career development?</strong></h5><p>The JUNIOR STAR grant is a&nbsp;prestigious and highly competitive funding opportunity aimed at excellent early-career scientists within eight years of completing a&nbsp;Ph.D. It provides up to 25&nbsp;million CZK over five years, allowing recipients to establish independent research groups and pursue innovative scientific topics. This grant is crucial for building a&nbsp;solid foundation, acquiring necessary equipment, and recruiting talented team members, enabling the pursuit of ambitious projects that can significantly contribute to both the Czech scientific community and global challenges.</p><h5><strong>What collaborations support your research?</strong></h5><p>The collaboration between UCT Prague and the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry (IOCB) of the Czech Academy of Sciences primarily provides financial and technical support. The cooperation helps with funding, access to advanced equipment, and operational resources needed for running research projects.</p><h5><strong>What advice would you give young scientists aiming to succeed?</strong></h5><p>I&nbsp;encourage thinking outside the box and combining diverse knowledge you acquire during your career to address complex problems that are exciting and relevant to you.</p><h5><strong>Your laboratory bears the name of Otto Wichterle and was ceremonially opened in the presence of Professor Kamil Wichterle. How does Wichterle’s&nbsp;legacy inspire you personally?</strong></h5><p>Wichterle’<s>’</s>s&nbsp;innovative spirit motivates me to push creative boundaries and pursue novel solutions in sustainable chemistry.</p><h5><strong>What are your visions for the future?</strong></h5><p>I&nbsp;aim to build a&nbsp;research group that advances sustainable polymer recycling, contributing to environmental responsibility and the circular economy.</p><h5><strong>You are recruiting people for your team. What skills do&nbsp;they need to have?</strong></h5><p>We are looking for talented Ph.D. students and postdocs experienced in air-sensitive catalysis techniques. If you want to contribute to transformative research in sustainable chemistry and join a&nbsp;dynamic team, this is a&nbsp;great opportunity.</p></div>

JUNIOR STAR Grants at UCT Prague: Two talented women from abroad driving innovation in science

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JUNIOR STAR Grants at UCT Prague: Two talented women from abroad driving innovation in science

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