Michal Fárník

I received my Ph.D. in 1995 from the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University, Prague. From 1995 until 2005, I worked at various postdoc positions abroad in Germany and USA, e.g., Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship at the MPI für Strömungsforschung, in Göttingen, Germany, Joint Institute for Laboratory Astrophysics and Colorado University (JILA) at Boulder, USA, and Institut für Physikalische Chemie, GA Universität Göttingen. In 2005 I’ve returned to the J. Heyrovský Institute of physical chemistry of the CAS, where I’ve founded a new laboratory, which grew over in the meantime to the current Department of Molecular and Cluster Dynamics. My main expertise is in experimental chemical physics, specializing in molecular beams, clusters, mass spectrometry, laser spectroscopy etc. Our experiments are relevant to many areas such as atmospheric chemistry and astrochemistry, however, our major pursuit is fundamental science and understanding of elementary processes in the nature. 

Why I decided to become a mentor

I regard the education and teaching as the part of my work with possibly a higher and more important impact than my scientific work. Besides, I believe that the interaction with students and young scientists can enrich my work and helps me to keep a fresh view of things. Finally, I feel in debt to my old good mentors and supervisors, and mentoring the new generation could be a way to repay my debts.  

Candidate requirements

The only requirements are the ability of the student/ESR/postdoc to be able to get really excited and enthusiastic (about something, not necessarily her/his current scientific job) and willing to learn and work hard, and a good sense of humor. 

Areas of possible mentoring 

We can discuss essentially anything where I might provide any insight - the areas, which elude my expertise completely are mentioned explicitly further below.

What can you expect from me in mentoring? 

Offering good coffee or reasonable tea…

What can't you expect from me in mentoring? 

Help with any administrative work; money management and essentially anything concerning money; any advice on how to become “successful” in the worst meaning of this word.

Meeting frequency

Depends on mentee requirements (and my availability to a certain extent); prefer face-to-face meetings.

We will communicate in

Czech, English (German if necessary).

My motto

What the hell…