A constructive exchange on future research collaboration with the Czech Republic

CzechGlobe is a public research institution focused on the causes and impacts of global change, addressing fluxes of energy and greenhouse gases, their effects on climate and ecosystems, and the socioeconomic implications for human society. Its work utilizes a broad range of methods, from molecular-level analysis to satellite observations. The delegation was led by Michal Marek, Director and founder of CzechGlobe, and Miroslav Trnka, senior researcher, chief scientist, and long-standing IIASA collaborator. 

The visit featured a full day of scientific exchange and strategic dialogue. Delegates met with IIASA researchers for bilateral discussions led by IIASA Biodiversity and Natural Resources Program Director, Petr Havlík, followed by an institute lecture delivered by Marek and Trnka. The program continued with a dedicated session involving the Biodiversity and Natural Resources Research Groups, again facilitated by Havlík, underscoring the strong collaborative links between the two institutions.  

“Our discussions with CzechGlobe emphasized how closely their multidisciplinary research on global change aligns with IIASA’s work and complements it. Building on our long-standing collaboration, we see clear opportunities to deepen this partnership going forward,” said Havlík. 

In the afternoon, IIASA Director General, Hans Joachim (John) Schellnhuber, chaired an open discussion on IIASA–CzechGlobe collaboration, providing a space to explore future avenues for joint research and the potential for renewed Czech participation in IIASA. Discussions touched on the Czech Republic’s long history with IIASA as a founding member, its past membership through the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, and ongoing scientific cooperation that continues despite the country not currently being an IIASA member. Existing collaborations such as work related to climate impacts and adaptation, ecosystems, and the Czech adaptation of the IIASA Global Biosphere Management Model (GLOBIOM), highlighted strong scientific alignment and mutual interest.  

“CzechGlobe’s scientific excellence and our long history of collaboration provide a strong foundation for a renewed partnership. This visit highlighted the mutual benefits that deeper engagement could bring, both for advancing integrated global change research and for supporting evidence-based policymaking,” noted Schellnhuber reflecting on the visit. 

The visit marked an important step in further developing relations between IIASA and CzechGlobe and reinforced the potential for renewed Czech participation in IIASA’s international research network.