Jakub Koláček: I see the Josef Hlávka Award as a commitment to the future
The Josef Hlávka Award is among the prestigious academic honors recognizing talented students up to 33 years old. In 2024, one of the laureates was Jakub Koláček from the Faculty of Chemistry, Brno University of Technology. His exceptional academic achievements and original master’s thesis in computational chemistry earned recognition from the expert committee. His research focused on simulating particle movement within hydrogels – an area with broad applications in biomedicine and pharmacy, including drug-delivery systems and biosensors. What significance does this award hold for him, and what advice does he have for other students? Discover this and more in the following interview.
What does receiving the Josef Hlávka Award mean to you?
I deeply appreciate this award, although it was never my primary goal. I see it as recognition of my academic efforts to date and as motivation for the future. Even though I currently work in a different field, I found the topics of my thesis very interesting and meaningful. This award confirms that our research was significant and headed in the right direction. I also see it as a commitment to continue my professional growth and contribute my knowledge wherever needed.
How did you feel upon learning about the award?
It was a pleasant surprise. During studies, one focuses on the work itself rather than on possible awards. At the same time, it reinforced the idea that my work has value and contributes to advancing the field.
How did you use the financial prize associated with the award?
I invested the prize money into personal growth and relaxation after my studies. I decided to spend a month in Australia, and the financial reward came at just the right moment. Australia became a favorite destination of mine seven years ago during my English studies.
What inspired you to study computational chemistry?
I’ve always enjoyed technical subjects like mathematics, physics, and computer work. Already during my studies, I became interested in linking theoretical knowledge with practical computational methods, and chemistry seemed particularly fascinating in this regard. At the end of my first undergraduate year, Professor Pekař from the Institute of Physical and Applied Chemistry offered me the opportunity to work on computational models for chemical simulations. To me, it represented an ideal combination of chemistry, analytical thinking, programming, and scientific research.
What was the objective of your master's thesis?
The goal was to create models simulating particle motion in hydrogels – materials with a high water content used, for example, in medicine and biotechnology. I focused on mathematical models and computational simulations describing the structure, mechanical properties, and particle movement within the viscoelastic environment of hydrogels. My results suggested promising directions for future research and laid solid groundwork for further exploration.
What practical applications might your models have?
Hydrogels are used extensively in biomedicine and pharmacy as drug carriers, in tissue engineering, or in developing biosensors. My model helps predict particle behavior within these materials and optimizes their properties. Understanding particle movement is crucial – for example, ensuring effective drug concentration precisely where it’s needed. The models I developed can help scientists better simulate hydrogel behavior, facilitating new material development and reducing experimental time and costs. These methods could also be applied to other areas involving substance transport in complex environments. Additionally, I created tools within my thesis to simplify data analysis, assisting other researchers.
What potential do you see for computational chemistry?
Enormous. Computational chemistry and simulation models have tremendous potential in modern science, technology, and industry. They enable the study of complex systems that would otherwise be difficult or expensive to explore experimentally. Instead of lengthy laboratory tests, simulations can predict the properties of new materials, model chemical reactions, and optimize industrial processes. With increasing computing power and advanced algorithms, computational chemistry is becoming an efficient tool, accelerating innovation and addressing global challenges such as sustainable energy and biomaterial development.
What are your future professional goals?
Computational chemistry, or computational modeling in general, is a fascinating field that has shown me new perspectives on the intersection of theory, mathematics, and practical applications. Although I’ve always enjoyed developing simulation models, I’ve also long been involved in IT, where I currently work. Looking ahead, I plan to focus more on IT and technological areas where I can apply my analytical skills, programming experience, and problem-solving abilities effectively.
What has motivated you the most on your journey?
Honestly, I can’t point to anything specific that motivated me. It evolved naturally. Computational chemistry seemed interesting, so I pursued it. When choosing a university programme, I was deciding between chemistry and something entirely different – I considered becoming a train driver. Ultimately, chemistry won out. Similarly, my involvement in research began when Professor Pekař approached me, and since the topic fascinated me, I focused on it throughout my bachelor’s and master’s theses. However, I never set rigid goals – I simply did what felt meaningful. Moreover, the approach of professors and faculty staff was excellent. I appreciated that examinations emphasized understanding rather than memorization. I’m glad I chose this path.
What advice would you give students interested in pursuing similar awards?
Most importantly, reflect on why and how you’re doing things. If it doesn’t make sense and you’re merely aiming to finish tasks, success won’t follow. Feedback and self-reflection are critical. Everyone can improve, but only by recognizing mistakes and learning from them. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, discuss, and continually seek ways to enhance your work. The award shouldn’t be your primary goal but rather a side effect of an honest and enthusiastic approach to your field.
Do you have a favorite thought or motto that might inspire others?
I live by the idea that it’s crucial to pursue what you genuinely enjoy and to let things unfold naturally – a kind of “Hakuna Matata” philosophy from The Lion King. When you focus on what interests you, new possibilities emerge even without a concrete plan. Sometimes you just need to begin and allow the journey to guide you where you belong. I never thought I’d end up working in IT, but eventually, life naturally led me there – and I truly enjoy it.
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| Link | https://www.fch.vut.cz/en//f96620/d280442 |