Pavel Martásek re-elected as Scientific Director of the BIOCEV Center
A selection committee consisting of representatives from BIOCEV partner institutions (the Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS), the Institute of Physiology of the CAS, the Institute of Microbiology of the CAS, the Institute of Experimental Medicine of the CAS, the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the CAS, the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the CAS, the First Faculty of Medicine of Charles University, and the Faculty of Science of Charles University) decided at its meeting on January 23, 2026, that the current Scientific Director, Prof. MUDr. Pavel Martásek, DrSc., will remain Scientific Director of the BIOCEV Center for another five years.
This prominent Czech scientist and physician in the field of biomedicine was successful in an open selection process, in which seven candidates applied. A ten-member committee decided on his appointment in the second round of the recruitment process.
"I highly appreciate the trust placed in me and consider my reappointment a great honor and responsibility. At BIOCEV, we have successfully built a strong community and put Czechia on the map of European science," says Pavel Martásek, adding: “We are stepping into a period that is not easy, not only in science, but also in society, both here in the Czech Republic and in a global context. BIOCEV has exceptional potential to be not only a place of cutting-edge research, but also an environment where people enjoy working, studying, and creating. My ambition is to further develop this potential together with all employees—with respect for the diversity of professions, fields, and perspectives that enrich our center. It is my wish that our work makes sense, brings us joy, and contributes to society."
Pavel Martásek has been the director of the BIOCEV project since January 1, 2013. He coordinated the preparations related to the administration and construction of the research center. After the completion of the construction phase and the sustainability of the project, he became the scientific director of the BIOCEV center in 2021.
„The current management of BIOCEV is characterized by stability, high professional level, and support for cooperation between partners, which has benefited our institution and all its employees. I am convinced that in the coming years, under the leadership of Professor Martásek, BIOCEV will continue to develop a top-notch scientific environment, of which we are proud to be a part,“ says Prof. Bohdan Schneider, Director of the Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, which, with more than 250 employees, is the only partner institution located directly in the BIOCEV center.
Pavel Martásek is a graduate of Charles University in Prague and has many years of experience in research and its organization at leading research centers in France, the USA, and Japan. He is a member of the Learned Society of the Czech Republic, the NEURON Foundation Council, the Central Bohemian Region Competitiveness Council, and other important bodies.
Pavel Martásek sees BIOCEV as an integral part of an open system of internationally significant centers of science and modern scientific education with enormous innovation potential, technology transfer, and reflection in individualized medicine. The center's role in regional development is no less important to him.