The award is presented by ASTP, the European association of knowledge transfer professionals. A network that has two decades of experience in educating and connecting professionals working in the field.

What does this award mean to you?

For me, this award recognises the work and effort I have put into the transfer. It is also an appreciation of our entire team at CeTTAV. It is proof that even a Czech transfer agency can meet international standards of quality and professionalism. I am delighted to be part of an international community of registered technology transfer professionals who share the same passion and interest in transferring innovation from academia to society as I do. This award is also an incentive for me to further develop and improve my professional profile and to strengthen cooperation with our partners and clients.

How have the past ten years been for you in transfer?

Over the past ten years, I have had the opportunity to work with top local scientists whose enthusiasm for science and ability to look at the world through “sci-fi glasses” is extremely contagious. But at the same time, fellow academics often help me separate the wheat from the chaff and the bubbles and marketing buzz words from real progress. In my work, however, I have also met investors and managers of global concerns whose ability to get to the bottom of a problem often gives me chills.

You are an avid cyclist, what do transfer and cycling have in common?

Transfer and cycling have more in common than meets the eye. Both activities require courage, perseverance, and the ability to adapt to different conditions and situations. Sometimes it’s a marathon, sometimes you have to flex all your muscles and get out the sprint of your life. However, just like in cycling, it stands and falls on who you have on your team. That’s the secret of success for any cycling champion and we are the same in transfer.