university professors. We are delighted to announce that among them are two representatives of the RECETOX Centre at Masaryk University. The highest academic title of professor was awarded to Klára Hilscherová and Petra Bořilová Linhartová.
Klára Hilscherová and Petra Bořilová Linhartová were appointed professors in the field of Environment and Health. They are among the 91 newly appointed professors whose appointment decrees were signed based on nominations submitted by the scientific and artistic councils of higher education institutions. Fourteen of the newly appointed professors come from Masaryk University.
Klára Hilscherová's long-term research focuses primarily on the ability of chemicals to disrupt hormonal regulation (endocrine disruption) and the associated risks to human health and the environment. Her research group develops and optimizes innovative approaches for studying the toxic properties of chemicals, assessing the risks of chemical mixtures, and identifying substances responsible for observed effects. She also focuses on the characterization and potential application of adverse outcome pathways and biomarkers, particularly in relation to endocrine disruption and mixtures of pollutants originating from various environmental compartments and human exposure sources.
Petra Bořilová Linhartová is a molecular geneticist whose research focuses on the etiopathogenesis of diseases, particularly genetic predisposition to complex disorders, the relationship between the host and its microbiota in health and disease (immunogenetics, oncogenetics, microbiome research), and interactions between the genome and environmental exposure factors (pharmacogenetics, epigenetics). Her work primarily addresses diseases of the orofacial region, digestive tract, and immune system. Her multidisciplinary research is carried out in collaboration with partners from academia, university hospitals, and the commercial sector, with a particular emphasis on translating research outcomes into clinical practice in accordance with the principles of personalized medicine.
The ceremonial presentation of appointment decrees took place in the Great Hall of the Karolinum in the presence of Minister of Education Robert Plaga. We warmly congratulate all newly appointed professors and wish them continued success in their professional careers and personal lives.
As part of the RECETOX Doctoral Conference held on May 27–28, doctoral students presented their research posters. The best posters received the Best Poster Award. The conference also featured doctoral state examinations, all of which were successfully passed by the twelve participating students.
On May 22, 2001, negotiators and experts on chemical management approved the text of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. To commemorate the anniversary, we spoke with JUDr. Jiří Hlaváček, Ph.D., a prominent Czech diplomat, who explains the circumstances surrounding the convention’s creation and the broader context of environmental pollution.
