Unique personality and top scientist: Jiří Damborský receives the medal of the Learned Society of the Czech Republic
A renowned expert in the Czech Republic and internationally, holder of several international patents, head of the Loschmidt Laboratories of the Faculty of Science of MU and the Protein Engineering research team of the ICRC, co-founder of the first biotechnology spin-off company of MU Enantis, holder of awards from the international scientific organization European Molecular Biology Organization, the American Howard Hughes Medical Institute Foundation, the national award Czech Head of Invention 2017 awarded by the Government of the Czech Republic and the MUNI Scientist 2020 award – this is all prof. Mgr. Jiří Damborský, Dr., who has also recently received the medal of the Learned Society of the Czech Republic. However, his great strengths are also his extraordinary humanity, empathy, and his willingness to appreciate and support every success of his team.
Photo: prof. Mgr. Jiří Damborský, Dr.
Prof. Damborský is engaged in protein engineering and development of software tools for identification and production of practically useful proteins. He has long been involved in modifying proteins so that these biomolecules are more stable and can be used more efficiently in industry and medicine. In addition to his research activities, he has an extraordinary ability to translate his findings into practice. Software tools developed by the Loschmidt laboratories are used globally in protein engineering with applications in biotechnology and biomedicine.
He is Professor of Biochemistry at the Faculty of Science, Masaryk University. He received his PhD in microbiology in 1997 and his habilitation in biochemistry in 2004. He has published over 250 original scientific papers in international journals. Within the ICRC, his team is also involved in the research of new drugs for dissolving blood clots in stroke. Damborsky has long been involved in the field of communication and popularisation of science and supports young talents in developing their scientific careers. His colleagues also appreciate the warmth with which he always motivates those around him and shows human interest in others in the team in addition to their work results.
The Learned Society of the Czech Republic has now honoured his achievements with the Medal for Merit for the Development of Science, which he received on 15 May 2023 at Karolinum in Prague. The entire team at the International Clinical Research Center (ICRC) extends its heartfelt congratulations to the Professor!
Photo: Loschmidt Laboratories team (source: https://loschmidt.chemi.muni.cz/)
Author: Marta Vrlová, M.A., MPH, Senior PR Specialist ICRC, marta.vrlova@fnusa.cz.
Media contact: Ing. Jiří Erlebach, Head of PR and Marketing Dpt, FNUSA Spokesperson, +420 543 182 006. jiri.erlebach@fnusa.cz.
