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Photovoltaics have become increasingly popular in recent years. People are looking for ways to save on energy costs, while environmental considerations also play a role. But in this field, there is still room for improvement. Researchers from the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS, working together with scientists from Linköping University in Sweden, have made significant progress in the development of eco-friendly solar cells. They have created organic solar cells that offer a more sustainable alternative to traditional silicon-based panels. The results of their research were published in Nature Energy.

A brief blank stare, a sense of déjà vu, loss of consciousness accompanied by convulsions, or even weeks-long confusion – epileptic seizures can manifest in many forms. Most of the time, they occur unexpectedly. But do they really? Computational neuroscientist Jaroslav Hlinka, from the Institute of Computer Science of the Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS), has been modeling the dynamics of epileptic seizures for years. His research was recently featured in the quarterly A / Magazine published by the CAS.

The Academy Assembly has elected Radomír Pánek as the nominee for the President of the Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS) for the 2025–2029 term. Chosen from four candidates, Radomír Pánek from the Institute of Plasma Physics of the CAS secured the majority vote during the 64th session of the Academy Assembly, held on 10 December 2024, at the National House Vinohrady in Prague. The Czech government will now review the nomination, and the President of the Czech Republic will officially appoint the new President of the CAS.

Four researchers from the Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS) have been awarded one of Europe’s most competitive grants, the ERC Consolidator Grant: Karel Žídek from the Institute of Plasma Physics of the CAS, Tomáš Pluskal from the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS, Martin Fotta from the Institute of Ethnology of the CAS, and Elisabeth Hehenberger from the Institute of Parasitology at the Biology Centre of the CAS. This marks a significant achievement for the CAS, which has secured the same number of Consolidator Grants as the University of Oxford, surpassing institutions like the University of Cambridge, which received one fewer grant.

Every year, tens of thousands of people in the Czech Republic experience a stroke. A team of scientists from the Institute of Biotechnology of the CAS and the Institute of Experimental Medicine of the CAS, in cooperation with experts from the Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKEM), has made significant strides in understanding how the brain recovers after a stroke. Their findings were published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

Light is a key condition for life on Earth. But it’s also a remarkable tool, particularly in fields like microscopy. We now use light to probe previously unreachable depths – such as examining the inner workings of the living brain or observing biomolecules in real time. Light also has applications in laser micro-machining, which enables the creation of bacteria-resistant functional surfaces. Learn more in this special English issue of A / Magazine – the official quarterly magazine published by the Czech Academy of Sciences.

The close relationship between house mice and humans offers scientists a unique opportunity to study historical human migrations. A recent study by researchers from the Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the CAS and the Institute of Vertebrate Biology of the CAS, published in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, brings new insights. The extensive research included genetic samples from over 8,000 mice and is reshaping our understanding of the colonization of Europe by mice, providing a fresh perspective on human–animal interactions.

In recent years, scientific knowledge has grown increasingly important as we face more and more societal challenges – and not only in Europe. Key topics such as energy, sustainable agriculture, and the resilience of our society were the focus of a Czech–German symposium of the Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the Saxon Academy of Sciences and Humanities, held at the CAS Conference Center in Liblice on 4–5 November 2024.

Bacteria-resistant shark scales, sticky gecko feet, or lotus leaves that repel water – nature designs ingenious surfaces. But can we replicate them? Read our second feature on light, first published in the 3/2024 (Czech) issue of A / Magazine, below.

Space, fungi, and European languages – nine researchers from the Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS) were awarded for their contributions across diverse fields of study. At a ceremony held on 25 October 2024, three of these scientists received the Praemium Academiae from CAS President Eva Zažímalová, while six were awarded the Lumina Quaeruntur grant. The awards constitute financial support for their ongoing research.