CATRIN-CRH welcomes Lukáš Spíchal as its new head

Formerly leading the Phenotyping research group, Lukáš Spíchal took the position in April, succeeding Ivo Frébort. With a focus on chemical biology of plant hormones, development of agrochemicals, and technologies for plant growth regulation, Spíchal aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration not only within one of CATRIN’s divisions but across the whole Institute. His appointment follows Frébort’s decision not to reapply for the leadership role.

“As the leader of the Phenotyping research group, which is interdisciplinary in its focus and personnel composition, I saw the huge potential for cooperation between the research groups not only within CATRIN-CRH, but also across CATRIN’s divisions. I tried to use this potential, and the effective building of these interactions is already reflected in successes with publications and projects, which I am sincerely happy about. The motivation to apply for the post of the head of the division was therefore, among other things, to capitalize on this experience and support these links while creating new ones,” said Spíchal.

His aims to support an even more intensive thematic networking of CATRIN-CRH’s research groups so that they are able to respond to the challenges of food security, sustainable agriculture and climate change with innovative solutions.

“I would like to further increase the project grant success rate, create strategic partnerships with research institutions at home and abroad and the commercial sphere. I would like to maximize the growth of young, promising scientists. CATRIN-CRH is already a place where many students and researchers from abroad come for both short and longer research stays. I will try to help our division, as a proud part of CATRIN, to build the reputation of Palacký University in the world,” said Spíchal, explaining another of his goals.