Our Team

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Ivan Tarant Ivan Tarant graduated from the Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering at the Czech Technical University in Prague, where he specialized in Laser Physics and Photonics. Throughout his career, he has combined scientific work with IT and currently serves as an IT Manager at the HiLASE Centre in Dolní Břežany, contributing to the development of technological infrastructure supporting cutting-edge applied research. As a scientist, he specializes in laser micromachining while also focusing on the application of modern IT approaches within a research environment. His expertise includes computational simulations, advanced computing, artificial intelligence, and the design of complex IT architectures. He applies AI not only from a theoretical perspective, but primarily in practice by addressing real scientific and technological challenges within a research institution.Read more ↗︎
Eva Rybková Eva Marie Rybková is a leadership coach who focuses on developing the ability to lead oneself and others, with an emphasis on humanity, inner balance, and long-term sustainability. In her work, she combines a holistic approach with a deep understanding of how the mind works, helping clients to find their own path to a fulfilling professional and personal life. She often guides individuals and teams through challenging life situations, transitions into new roles, or critical decisions, supporting them to navigate change with greater confidence, maintain their self-worth, and emerge from difficult moments stronger. Eva draws on her extensive experience in senior management and entrepreneurial roles, where effective communication and leadership were always the key to her success in ensuring things ran smoothly in real time across various locations. In her practice, she also builds on her knowledge of neuroscience and her long-term professional development in coaching, mentoring, and supervision. In addition to individual coaching, she works with groups and teams across organizations, schools, and sports environments. She also serves as a mentor and supervisor for other coaches and has long been dedicated to the development of leadership and communication, also in the context of family and parenting.Read more ↗︎
Marie Feřtrová Marie Feřtrová specializes in coaching and mentoring, focusing on the academic environment (PhD candidates, postdocs, and research team leaders) as well as change agents and pioneers. In her professional practice, she combines a solution-focused systemic approach with the art of listening and creating a safe environment. She often guides her clients through changes, issues of overload and prioritization, balance and joy in life, self-worth and self-confidence, key decisions, and the acquisition of new skills and habits. Marie has over 20 years of experience working in the academic, private, public, and nonprofit sectors, in both Czech and international teams. She co-founded and developed a research team and a consulting company with a focus on applied research and is well-versed in the realities of scientific work – from publishing and grants to team leadership. She has also long maintained a professional interest in issues related to higher education, science, research, and innovation.Read more ↗︎
Dominika Špirk Dominika is the granddaughter of an inventor, scientist and patent author on one side, and a professional film stuntman on the other –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ a blend of analytical thinking and the courage to try new things that continues to shape her professional path today. ▪️ 18 years of experience in Human Resources ▪️ Over 10 years of experience as a consultant and trainer ▪️ Cross-sector expertise: commerce and services, IT, energy, science and research (collaboration with organizations such as Mercedes-Benz Czech Republic, EP ENERGY TRADING, O2, and the Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences) ▪️ 10+ years of teaching in tertiary education (Faculty of Education, Charles University; VOŠES Podskalská; Newton University Prague)Read more ↗︎
Lucie Rudolecká Lucie Rudolecká is a PR Specialist for the STAR Research & Innovation Cluster. She focuses on communication, content creation, and building visibility for the Leadership Academy for Researchers and the STAR initiatives. She has experience in public relations and marketing, working with both internal and external communication, media outreach, and brand development. With a background in education, she is interested in how communication can support learning, collaboration, and the sharing of knowledge across communities. Her approach combines strategic thinking with a practical, hands-on mindset.Read more ↗︎
Klára Horová Klára Horová is a communication and PR professional currently working at the Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences. She has over 15 years of experience in communication and strategic branding in research and knowledge-based environments. In recent years, her work has focused on science communication and on supporting scientists in clearly communicating their expertise, impact, and value to academia, industry, and the wider public, including the development of personal branding strategies for senior researchers. Her approach emphasizes authenticity, clarity, and long-term reputation building.Read more ↗︎
Marek Velas Marek Velas is an experienced Talent Development Lead and mentor with over 25 years of practice in team management, corporate restructuring, and career consulting. He has worked in IT, manufacturing, and services, gaining deep insight into various organizational structures. He specializes in talent development, leadership, personal branding, and team effectiveness. His training approach is built on practical learning and real-world situations. Marek believes in the direct applicability of knowledge and interactive education. He has successfully led projects with measurable impact on company culture and team performance. Marek is recognized for his ability to deliver tangible results and inspire growth.Read more ↗︎
Jan Brajer Jan Brajer is an innovator and technical visionary who is a leading expert in advanced laser technologies in the Czech Republic. He has long-term experience at the HiLASE Centre at the Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences. He heads the department of industrial laser applications and is also deputy director of the Centre for Science and Technology. He works at the Czech Technical University in Prague, specifically at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, where he is a research associate at the Institute of Production Machines and Equipment. He also works at the CIIRC CTU, where he supervises master’s and bachelor’s theses and actively participates in academic projects. Jan is also the chairman of the STAR Research & Innovation Cluster board, where he focuses on the strategic development of regional innovation infrastructure and connecting research organisations with industry. He is the co-author of the ‚Leadership Academy for Researchers‘ programme for scientists and his long-term goal is to support excellent science that has a concrete impact on society and the economy.Read more ↗︎
Kateřina Brejchová Kateřina specializes in adult education and enjoys helping people and companies discover new ways to develop their skills. She currently works as a corporate training manager at Brain4Industry Academy, where she designs educational programs focused on supporting people and businesses in the modern industrial environment. In addition, she has experience in the research field as well as in organizing both professional and popular science events and conferences.Read more ↗︎
Jana Puhalová Jana has been working in adult education for more than 20 years, both in the Czech Republic and abroad, often leading multicultural teams as a trainer or project manager. She studied Systems Engineering and Informatics at the Technical University of Liberec and already during her studies designed software tools for Czech clients. Later, she worked as an ISO 9001 internal auditor and as a consultant in process optimization and lean management across various companies. Over time, she moved into Learning & Development, where she has spent the past 13 years setting up educational processes and leading soft skills programs with a focus on leadership training, change management, and communication strategies. Beyond her training work, Jana is actively engaged in developing the quality of corporate education in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. She is a member of the editorial board of the Corporate Education e-journal, evaluates educational institutions for RATEA, and supports trainers in gaining the National Professional Qualification. In 2011, she received the Trainer of the Year award. She also teaches BBA, MBA, and DBA students in Prague, focusing on Lean, presentation skills, and self-management. Sport has always been an important part of her life. As a competitive athlete, Jana became interested in mental coaching, later expanded her expertise through studies of cognitive skills, and helped develop brain jogging programs in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.Read more ↗︎
Filip Kahoun Filip studied economics and management, graduated with a degree in applied psychology and went on to obtain a postgraduate doctorate in marketing and managerial psychology. He worked in the top management of multinational companies for over 15 years. He first worked as a marketing director for the Czech Republic, then for Central and Eastern Europe, and finally as CEO of a leading Czech digital agency. His teams have won numerous prestigious awards in the fields of PR, online marketing, and communications. Since 2019, Filip has devoted himself entirely to education. He lectures at Charles University and delivers training for global and local brands. He also shoots video courses for Seduo.cz, the largest Czech educational portal, where he has long been one of the five most successful authors. He is the author of the two-part book Boj o pozornost (The Battle for Attention). The first part is subtitled ‘How to Master the Most Powerful Mental Force’ and the second ‘How to Do Smart Personal Marketing’.Read more ↗︎
Radka Kozáková Radka Kozáková is a Leadership Academy Manager with extensive experience in education, science communication, and event management. She previously led PR and education at the HiLASE Centre, where she developed national programs connecting students with cutting-edge laser research and coordinated communication strategies to bring science and technology closer to the public. She also worked as Event Coordinator at the Brain4Industry Academy, organizing workshops and conferences for SMEs and industrial partners on topics such as digitalization, artificial intelligence, and new technologies. She focuses on creating environments where people can learn, connect, and share knowledge as a foundation for true innovation and long-term impact.Read more ↗︎