Successful launch of Heyrovský Colloquium for young electrochemists
Exceptional interest from young scientists, inspiring lectures by world experts, and lively professional discussions - this briefly characterizes the first year of the Heyrovský Colloquium for young electrochemists, which took place on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at the J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences. More than 60 emerging electrochemists attended this unique meeting, where they had the opportunity to personally discuss with leading world authorities in the field of electrochemistry.
This unique event, organized by the J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences with the kind support of the International Society of Electrochemistry (ISE) and the Czech Chemical Society, aimed to facilitate personal meetings between the Czech scientific community and significant personalities shaping contemporary electrochemistry. This opportunity was especially valuable for young scientists at the beginning of their careers, offering them an experience beyond the scope of regular conferences.
Leading world experts as keynote speakers
The colloquium's program was built around presentations by three prominent figures in contemporary electrochemistry. The keynote speakers were Prof. Plamen Atanassov (University of California at Irvine) and Prof. Jan Rossmeisl (Copenhagen University). While Prof. Atanassov focused generally on the role of hydrogen technologies from the perspective of chemical and materials engineering, emphasizing the industrial applications of these technologies, Prof. Rossmeisl provided a comprehensive overview of modern quantum chemical methods for computational design of catalytically active materials.
A unique part of the program was also a practical workshop on scientific publishing led by Prof. Rob Hillman (University Leicester). As a long-time editor-in-chief of the prestigious journal Electrochimica Acta, he shared valuable advice and insights about publishing scientific papers and its likely development in the coming years.
Lively discussion and exchange of experience
Young electrochemists fully utilized the opportunity for open discussion with these authorities in the field. The vibrant exchange of ideas and experiences proved that the colloquium format ideally fulfills its purpose - creating space for informal meetings between the upcoming generation of electrochemists and leading figures in the field.
Successful beginning of a new tradition
The success of the first year of the Heyrovský Colloquium clearly demonstrates the necessity of such events for the development of young scientific talents. We wish all participants much success in their future scientific careers and look forward to continuing this promisingly started tradition.
