About the event

Should a research institution have a clear strategy? And does “culture eat strategy for breakfast”, or can the two go hand in hand?

We would like to invite you to our networking meetup from the Leadership Bites series, where we will explore these questions together. The session will take place on May 20, 2026, and will focus on the relationship between strategy, leadership, and organizational culture in a research environment.

Working in science is not only about excellent research results. It also requires creating an environment where people feel safe to share ideas, collaborate, and develop their potential. Aligning strategic goals with a healthy culture can therefore be a key challenge for research institutions and their leaders.

At this session, Tomáš Mocek, Head of the HiLASE Centre, and Jana De Merlier, Strategic Development Manager at the HiLASE Centre, will share their experiences from HiLASE’s journey toward aligning strategic management with building a stimulating and values-based research environment. The discussion will include both successful approaches and lessons learned along the way.

Participants will have the opportunity to exchange experiences, ask questions, and reflect together on how to build a healthy scientific culture while keeping long-term strategic goals in mind.

The programme combines a short inspiring talk, an open discussion, and networking over coffee and breakfast.

Programme

Venue: Brain4Industry (Showroom), náměstí Věslava Michalika 933, Dolní Břežany
Date: May 20, 2026 (Originally April 15th)
Time: 9:00–11:00

8:30–9:00 | Registration and morning networking
9:00–9:40 | Inspirational talk: Strategy and culture in a research institution – the HiLASE experience
9:40–11:00 | Discussion, sharing experience & networking

Event language: Czech

Speakers:
Tomáš Mocek – Head of the HiLASE Centre
Jana De Merlier – Strategic Development Manager at HiLASE Centre