The Learned Society of the Czech Republic Establishes Collaboration with the Heidelberg Academy of Sciences and Humanities

On Saturday, November 16, Martin Loebl, President of the Learned Society of the Czech Republic, met in Prague with Hans-Georg Kräusslich, President of the Heidelberg Academy of Sciences (Heidelberger Akademie der Wissenschaften), to discuss potential forms of collaboration.

The meeting, attended by other members of both scientific societies, yielded several initiatives. Plans are emerging for joint multidisciplinary projects aimed at young research teams and joint discussions on science evaluation and open access. Representatives from both societies also plan to attend each other's annual ceremonial meetings in May next year.

The Heidelberg Academy of Sciences and Humanities is the scientific institution of Baden-Württemberg. It was founded in 1909 but traces its origins to the Electoral Palatinate Academy of Sciences in Mannheim (Kurpfälzische Akademie der Wissenschaften, 1763), much like the Learned Society of the Czech Republic draws its heritage from the Royal Bohemian Society of Sciences.

Virologist Hans-Georg Kräusslich works at the Center of Infectious Diseases at the Heidelberg University Hospital. He is a member of the International Advisory Board of Charles University. In 2018, he received the Gregor Johann Mendel Commemorative Medal from the Czech Academy of Sciences for contributions to biological sciences. In 2021, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by Charles University for his contributions to understanding the life cycle of HIV and his longstanding collaboration with Czech scientists, students, and research institutions.

Hans-Georg Kräusslich, President of the Heidelberg Academy of Sciences, and Martin Loebl, President of the Learned Society of the Czech Republic