Barbora Jankovičová: Reflections on GYSS2025

Welcome Barbora, you recently participated in Singapore's Global Young Scientists Summit (GYSS2025). What motivated you to attend this event? Could you share your overall impressions of the event?

Thank you! Attending GYSS2025 was an incredible way to start the year. I was particularly drawn to the opportunity to engage with scientists from different disciplines and exchange ideas that could enrich my research. The summit, organised by Singapore's National Research Foundation, aimed to inspire young scientists by exposing them to research beyond their primary fields. It also provided opportunities to expand their professional networks and engage in discussions with leading experts. engage in discussions with leading experts. It was a unique opportunity, with 12 Nobel laureates and other distinguished awardees present.

That sounds fascinating! Was there a particular moment or discussion that stood out to you?

Absolutely! The summit was packed with inspiring discussions and memorable encounters. Let me highlight a few key takeaways that had a lasting impact on me. If I had to pick a few key experiences, these would be my top takeaways:

Broadening Scientific Horizons

1. Meeting inspiring young scientists from diverse fields. While my expertise is in biology, I also learned about the future of space exploration, quantum optics, and Cambodia's economy. It's not every day you get such a mix of knowledge! It was also great to share the experience with my colleagues from MUNI—Hana Svozilová from CEITEC MU and Marcos González López from the Faculty of Medicine.
   
   
2. Discussing my project with Professor Tim Hunt. He won the 2001 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discovering proteins that regulate the cell cycle. He appreciated our approach of using waste plant biomass as a substrate for microbial production of useful chemicals. When I mentioned that my sister had an exam on cell cycle regulation, he laughed and sympathised, saying he always hated learning the Krebs cycle and felt for students who must study his discoveries!

Challenges and Mentorship in Science

1. A thought-provoking discussion with Professors Joan Rose and Sue Black on women in science. One of the most impactful topics was overcoming challenges through mentorship. While I have never faced discrimination in academia, some women in the discussion had. Professors Rose and Black advised them to seek out female mentors in senior positions who could empathise and help resolve such issues. More importantly, they emphasised that we should all strive to help others break down barriers. This responsibility extends not just to women in science, but to everyone and everywhere.
   
   
2. Insights from both established professors and young scientists on translating research into practice. One debate focused on ensuring that people in key decision-making positions consider scientific findings. Professor Black humorously suggested, "First, make sure scientists and experts hold those key positions!" Of course, that's easier said than done. Until we reach that ideal world, we, as scientists, must work on earning public trust through education, clear communication, and constructive dialogue with policymakers—because no one else will do it for us.

Scientific Culture and Policy in Singapore

1. Discovering Singapore's research environment and mindset. Their approach is highly strategic, focusing on fundamental and applied research within key priority areas. Project planning takes a long-term perspective, spanning 10-15 years, allowing for ambitious goals and the time needed to achieve them. Singapore's strong government support for R&D is crucial, as the country has no significant natural resources and relies on innovation to stay competitive. Perhaps their appreciation for science also stems from lived experiences—some locals still remember when their tap water wasn't drinkable, but thanks to scientific advancements, it is now. This respect for science and trust in evidence-based solutions is something that, unfortunately, seems to be fading in some parts of the world.

Those are incredible insights! Given everything you've learned, how do these experiences influence your future research and collaborations?

It absolutely was! The summit was not just about learning but also about exchanging ideas, fostering collaborations, and gaining a broader perspective on science and its role in society. I'm grateful for the opportunity to have been part of it. And if I could give one piece of advice to anyone reading this – take every opportunity to apply for these kinds of events (or anything), and don't get discouraged if it doesn't work out the first time. I applied already for GYSS2024 and was not selected, but Prof. Luděk Bláha encouraged me to try again, and a few months later, I was in Singapore!