What is it like to live and work as a researcher between Italy and the Czech Republic? In this episode, we talk with Ksenija Fonović about her international academic journey, her research focused on volunteering – as well as her experience as a postdoc at Charles University.

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This episode is part of the Charles University's CHARLESTON programme, co-funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe research and innovation programme, and was recorded at the Hyb4City (Kampus Hybernská) podcast studio.

A conversation with clinical microbiologist Jakub Hurych from the 2nd Faculty of Medicine at Charles University about what it’s like to hold two doctoral degrees, his research in the laboratory, work in the hospital, teaching, the people who influence our careers, and other topics from the life of a young scientist.

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Milena Merhoutová, a PhD student at the Faculty of Humanities, Charles University, believes that networking and motivation are the most important aspects of studying. After completing her master’s degree, she initially chose to work in the corporate sector as a project manager, but after four years, she felt it was no longer enough for her. During her studies, she spent a year abroad in the USA and Austria, where she gained many valuable experiences but also encountered significant cultural shock. Her current research focuses on rhetoric and public speaking, aiming to connect the philosophy of communication with its practical application.

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Jan Zeman highlights the necessity of building a scientific community. He talks about the Join the debate events at Kampus Hybernská and how they help to create links between postdoctoral fellows across the Charles University. 

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Lenka Slavíková talks about her experiences at universities in Missouri, USA, and Bonn, Germany. She emphasizes the importance of long-term international stays for professional development. She also describes her journey from winning her first award at the International Mathematical Olympiad to leading research at the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics at Charles University.

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Juliana Crespo Lopes talks about her experience as a postdoc at the Faculty of Education at Charles University. She shares her views on what it means to be a postdoc fellow in a foreign country in terms of everyday life and challenges in research.

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Tomáš Hodík talks about his stays at universities in Germany and the United States, and his subsequent return to the Czech Republic, specifically to the Faculty of Pharmacy at Charles University. He highlights the importance of gaining international experience and offers advice on how to secure a position at a top research institution as a postdoctoral fellow.

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Eugenia Boffo shares her experience as a postdoc at the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics at Charles University. She talks about the importance of interconnection of scientists and mentions the main differences between the position of a PhD student and postdoctoral fellow.

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