Two young scientists from the Faculty of Medicine of Masaryk University have received the Brno Ph.D. Talent Award. Both agree that it´s an important motivation to push their research forward.
Brno Ph.D. Talent Awards were awarded for the thirteenth time this year. It was awarded to twenty-five young scientists from Brno universities, fifteen of whom study at Masaryk University. Among them is also Mgr. Ema Huščavová and MDDr. Haneen Tuaima from the Faculty of Medicine. In mid-March, Brno Mayor Markéta Vaňková not only congratulated them but also presented them with a scholarship cheque of CZK 330,000 at a ceremony. "Brno has long been trying to profile itself as a city of science, research and innovation. The Ph.D. Talent programme is an important part of the city's development. It has significantly helped several young scientists at the beginning of their professional careers. I am pleased that it turns out that it is money very well spent," said the Mayor during the award ceremony.
"The scholarship provides me with the resources and financial support necessary not only to pursue my academic goals and fully devote myself to my project but also to establish contacts with the Brno scientific community. In addition, I believe it is a great proof of the importance and relevance of my research topic," says Haneen Tuaima, who is researching the stem cell microenvironment at the Institute of Histology and Embryology as a member of the Jan Křivánek Research Group.
Ema Huščavová also agrees that the award has more than just a financial dimension, as important as it is for the future work of women scientists. She works at the Institute of Pathological Physiology within the Research Group of Michal Masařík and under the guidance of Ing. Tomáš Vičar, PhD, she is working on the characterization of the mechanical properties of tumour cells. "In addition to financial support, it is also a form of recognition," adds Ema Huščavová. "It motivates me to continue to grow and improve my skills, both within my project and in other areas of science and research."
The number of aspirants to receive the Brno Ph. Talent Award has recently been well over a hundred students each year, with the total number of awardees approaching three hundred since 2009, when the first edition was held. "I would like to encourage all aspiring PhD students not to hesitate to enter the competition. The participation itself was a good experience in writing and presenting a proposal for their project," says Ema Huščavová. Haneen Tuaima agrees: "It is a great investment in the future. The application process itself provides insight into how to describe your project to scientists and experts outside your research area, which is a valuable skill. I would therefore strongly encourage others to apply, even if they are hesitant."
Dr. Jana Djakow and Associate Professor Martina Kosinová from the Department of Simulation Medicine at Masaryk University Faculty of Medicine were the first women in the Czech Republic to receive degrees from international professional societies in the field of resuscitation and anaesthesiology and intensive care medicine, respectively.
At the beginning of November, six graduates of the Faculty of Medicine received the Masaryk University Vice-Rector's Award for Excellence in Doctoral Studies.
