This conference commemorates the 80th anniversary of the US Army’s liberation of Pilsen, including the Belgian 17th Rifle Battalion. It aligns with the Year of Quantum Technologies, emphasizing the shared values of freedom and collaboration in science. The event brings diplomats, researchers, and educators together to discuss scientific diplomacy, international research collaboration, and opportunities for students and early-career scientists. The workshop will explore the historical context of Pilsen’s liberation, highlighting the US and Belgian contributions. It will also address education, scientific mobility, research, international collaboration, and diplomacy. The event will be recorded and made accessible to global audiences. The event continues the tradition of the Pilsen Talks and is organised by the research centre NTC and the American Centre Plzeň.
AGENDA OF THE CONFERENCE:
PILSEN 80: Quantum Science, Diplomacy and Freedom – Lessons from History and the Future Collaboration
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
ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES:
Informal Networking: Students and researchers will have opportunities to connect with guest speakers and experts throughout the event.
Consultations on Study & Research Opportunities: Experts from the Czech-American Center and university representatives will be available for one-on-one discussions.
Video Documentation & Outreach: The conference will be recorded for later viewing and possible further work on the topic.
REGISTRATION NEEDED:
Group/class registration: events@ntc.zcu.cz
Individual registration: https://1url.cz/Y18xf