Statement of the Council of the Learned Society on the resignation of Helena Langšádlová

The Council of the Learned Society of the Czech Republic has received with regret the news of the resignation of the Minister for Science, Research and Innovation, Helena Langšádlová. We are concerned about the related destabilization in this strategically important ministry at the beginning of the second half of the election period and at the time of preparing the budget for next year. We thank the Minister for her cooperation to date and for everything she has done for the development of research, development, and innovation in the Czech Republic.

Comments by the President of the Learned Society, Prof. Libor Grubhoffer:

"I have been in contact with the Minister since the beginning of her engagement. She has always been interested in the activities of the Learned Society of the Czech Republic and the possibilities for our cooperation. She has participated in some of our events, most recently the conference Science Policy and Long-term Challenges for the Development of Science in the Czech Republic, which we held in the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic under the patronage of its President."

The Minister could probably be more visible in the media, but I certainly cannot agree with the opinion that she is performing poorly. On the contrary, I appreciate how quickly she has oriented herself to the complex issues of science, research, development, and innovation, even though she does not come from a scientific background."

"She has placed the necessary emphasis on the transfer of scientific and technological knowledge into practice. In this respect, I see her contribution as essential. She and her team were able to formulate and advocate a technology and knowledge transfer program and then see to its implementation. Last week, I witnessed the recognition she received when she addressed the Academic Assembly of the CAS."

"My experience with the Minister is clearly positive, and I certainly see no reason for her to leave her post and interrupt the promising work she has started."

On behalf of the Council of the Learned Society of the Czech Republic

• Prof. RNDr. Libor Grubhoffer, CSc. - Chairman
• Prof. RNDr. Martin Loebl, CSc. - 1st Vice-Chairman
• Prof. Mgr. Pavel Jungwirth, DSc. - 2nd Vice-Chairman
• RNDr. Šárka Nečasová, DSc. - Chair of the 1st Section of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
• Prof. Ing. Michal Hocek, CSc., DSc. - Chairman of Section II. of Chemical Sciences
• Prof. Lenka Karfíková, Dr. theol. - Chair of the IV. section of social sciences and humanities