programme
For now, you can find the preliminary program structure, thematic blocks, plenary, and invited speakers, which we will also be updating regularly. Thank you for your patience.
08:30 – 09:00 | Registration & Coffee
09:00 – 09:30 | Opening Remarks
09:30 – 13:30 / - Conference Sessions
09:30 – 10:00 Session 1: Liberation of Pilsen and US-Belgian Presence in Pilsen
ROMAN KODET - Historical perspective on the liberation of Pilsen by US forces, including the Belgian battalion. Cold War narrative and the importance of historical truth.
10:00 – 11:00 Session 2: Education & Scientific Mobility
DANIELA LUKAVSKÁ - Study opportunities for high school and university students in the USA.
CONSTANTIN CHASSAPIS - Stevens Institute of Technology: Best practices for doctoral student exchanges.
11:00 – 11:20 / Coffee Break
11:20 – 12:20 Session 3: Science Diplomacy and International Collaboration
MICHAEL ŽANTOVSKÝ - Transatlantic relations between the Czech Republic and the USA – historical ties, contemporary diplomacy, and cultural cooperation.
JAN CHMELÍK - Opportunities for scientific and technological cooperation between the Czech Republic and the USA – support for innovation, technology transfer.
12:20 – 12:30 / Break
12:30 – 13:30 Session 4: Research examples
PETR KAVALÍŘ - International Year of Quantum Science and Technology: Research in the field of quantum technologies in the CR and around the world - international cooperation.
MILOŠ NESLÁDEK - Quantum Technologies for Sustainable Future: From Advanced Materials to Practical Applications.
13:30 / Closing & Networking Lunch
Invited Speakers
The following speakers have confirmed their participation in the workshop (in order of appearance):
Roman Kodet – university lecturer at the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen (UWB)
An expert on military and international history from the Faculty of Arts, UWB. Recipient of the Miroslav Ivanov Award for popular science literature and author of the acclaimed books The Story of the Samurai and Twilight of the Samurai, which explores Japan’s transformation in the 19th century.
Daniela Lukavská – manager of the American Center at the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen
Organizer of events related to American culture and history. She supports students in pursuing studies in the USA, manages the American library, and co-organizes annual summer language schools and the traditional Pilsen Dialogues.
Constantin Chassapis – senior vice provost for graduate education, Stevens Institute of Technology
Professor of mechanical engineering with extensive experience in computer-aided design and manufacturing, virtual labs, and automation. He plays a key role in advancing engineering education and strengthening the connection between research and teaching.
Michael Žantovský – writer, diplomat, and former spokesperson for President Václav Havel
He served as the Czech Ambassador to the United States, Israel, and the United Kingdom. A prolific translator of English-language works and author of the widely acclaimed biography Havel, published in many languages. Until 2023, he led the Václav Havel Library.
Jan Chmelík – science attaché at the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Washington, D.C.
Formerly worked at the Ministry of Industry and Trade and CzechInvest, focusing on foreign investments and supporting Czech startups in the U.S. His work bridges science, innovation, and business between the Czech Republic and the United States.
Petr Kavalíř – director of the New Technologies Research Centre (NTC) at UWB and Special Envoy for Quantum Technologies of the Czech Republic
Specialist in research and development management, technology transfer, and innovation strategies. He collaborates with both industry and government on advancing cutting-edge technologies within international frameworks.
Miloš Nesládek – professor of physics at Hasselt University, Belgium
Expert in quantum physics, nanomaterials, and advanced technologies. His interdisciplinary research connects physics, biotechnology, and engineering, with applications in health, sustainability, and computational science.