Doctoral Summer School 2026
The National Library of Technology (NTK) is proud to announce the fifth Doctoral Summer School for Early Career Researchers. The event will take place on September 1–2, 2026 in Prague and is organized by NTK in collaboration with the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague (UCT Prague), the Czech Association of Doctoral Researchers (ČAD), and the Committee for Doctoral Studies under the Student Chamber of the Council of the Higher Education Institutions (SK RVŠ).
The Doctoral Summer School is supported by the National Centre for Information Support of Research, Development, and Innovation (NCIS R&D&I) project.
Aims
The Doctoral Summer School aims to enhance the transferable skills of early-career researchers through hand-on workshops, inspiring lectures, and networking. These skills and competences are essential for the professional development of doctoral candidates and their career advancement. The Doctoral Summer School content is designed and taught by experienced researchers and trainers.
Target Group and Eligibility
Early-career researchers:
- Doctoral candidates (enrolled in doctoral training programmes, including new enrollments)
- Postdoctoral researchers (up to 1 year since completing their PhD program)
The Doctoral Summer School will be conducted in English.
Each participant will receive a certificate after the completion of the summer school.
Please see the FAQ page to get more details.
Program Arrangement
The Doctoral Summer School is built around practical workshops that are held in small groups of up to 20 people. The participants will be divided into three groups, each of which will follow its own order of workshops within the same time slots. This system ensures that every participant takes part in all workshops and has a great learning experience.
Upon registering on the first day of the event, each participant will receive information about their group assignment and their workshop schedule. The program begins with a keynote session for all participants, followed by workshops within the individual groups. Networking activities will also be open to all Doctoral Summer School participants.
Participation Fee
Participation Fee: 1 250 CZK (please see the Registration page to get more details).
Organization Team
Naděžda Firsová 
Eliška Skládalová
Vladimíra Brychová (NTK)
Keynote & Workshops
Keynote Speech
What Comes After the PhD? Navigating the Path to Research Leadership
with Dr. Aleš Kudrnáč, a researcher at the Institute of Sociology of the Czech Academy of Sciences and an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Social Sciences, Charles University, and Dr. Tomáš Pluskal, a group leader at the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences
Moderator: Dr. Radka Pittnerová
The transition from a researcher to a leader requires more than scientific output; it demands the ability to manage international collaborations and align career pivots with personal values. In this keynote session, two researchers – Dr. Aleš Kudrnáč from the Institute of Sociology of the Czech Academy of Sciences and Dr. Tomáš Pluskal from the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences – analyze the strategic decisions that shaped their paths across international borders and diverse disciplines. You’ll hear what helped them move forward, what skills proved essential along the way, and how they navigated the opportunities available to early-career researchers.
The discussion focuses on taking ownership of career pivots and the long-term consequences of professional choices. The speakers will address the managerial shift – balancing deep research with the administrative and strategic demands of leading international projects – while aligning high-stakes progression with personal sustainability. The session concludes with a moderated discussion on how early-career researchers can craft a career that is both effective and sustainable.
Workshops
Boost Your Career Prospects: Funding Opportunities and Grant Proposal Writing
with Dr. Sabine Preusse, RaumZeit e.K. Coaching Training Beratung Company
Successful grant proposal writing is fundamental to funding a career in research. There are plenty of national and international funding programs with different funding schemes. After a brief introduction to the systemic features and other important aspects of public funding, we will focus on how to develop smart objectives and formulate outcomes and impact.
Mastering these key aspects of proposal writing will allow you
- to design an attractive proposal from the funding agencies’ perspective,
- to increase the scientific quality of your research and
- to facilitate your communication with reviewers by presenting complex ideas in an easy-to-understand way.
This is a hands-on workshop focusing on getting started with designing your own research project. You are invited to apply the outlined approaches to your current research project, or to try them out on your idea for a new one. You will receive plenty of additional materials, which will help you proceed with your project design after the workshop.
Your instructor will be Dr. Sabine Preusse, an expert in research project design and grant proposal writing with 20 years of experience in various European and German funding programs.
To prepare: We recommend you bring ideas for a new research project, for example research questions or problems you wish to solve.
Visual Communication in Research: From Exploration to Impact
with Dr. Radka Pittnerová, a strategic consultant and creative practitioner
Your research may be high-impact, but if the visual delivery is cluttered, your message gets lost. This workshop shifts the focus from “making things look pretty” to using design as a functional tool that makes your work stand out. In our workshop, we focus on the strategic use of visual communication as a tool to help you engage with your target audience.
To understand the reasoning behind specific design choices (the WHY), we begin by explaining the exploratory and explanatory functions of visuals, the Logic of Visual Message Transfer, and the Psychology of Visual Communication. Next, we move directly into Research Practice (the WHAT and the HOW). You will master practical principles like Contrast, Alignment, and Proximity to highlight your evidence effectively.
The heart of the workshop is the Poster Lab, where we effectively build a scientific poster. You will apply everything you’ve learned – from typography to grid systems – to create a professional, readable layout tailored to your target audience. You will leave with a strategic framework and practical knowledge on how to use the language of visuals so that it supports your daily work and helps you invite dialogue.
Your instructor, Dr. Radka Pittnerová, is a strategic consultant and creative practitioner with 20 years of experience supporting 5,000+ researchers in the international ecosystem. She merges research strategy with visual communication, using design as a functional tool to translate dense concepts into actionable career roadmaps. Currently a specialist at the University of Ostrava, she also leads the @pribehyvedy and @allaboutprojects YouTube channels.
Decision-Making Techniques for Early-Career Researchers
with Dr. Jan Froněk, an independent academic coach and soft skills trainer
“Should I build my PhD or habilitation on journal articles or on a monograph? Which journal would be most suitable for my article? Should I choose topic X or Y? Should I join a colleague’s project, or would it be better to write up my own? Is it worth attending an international conference in XYZ? Or, more broadly, should I stay or should I go?”
Academic work is, naturally, full of decisions. Let’s explore approaches that will help you feel as satisfied as possible with your final decision – and avoid lingering doubts or second thoughts.
3 hours and 4 hands-on techniques designed to make your life easier. Two tools are based on logical reasoning; the others take a more holistic approach and are also well suited to decision-making in teams.
Your instructor will be Dr. Jan Froněk, an academic coach and soft skills trainer. With extensive experience in guiding students and staff from many universities worldwide, Jan equips academics and researchers with practical tools for productivity and well-being. He is also a founding member of the Czech section of the Climate Coaching Alliance, reflecting his commitment to sustainability.
Lecturers & Instructors
Dr. Aleš Kudrnáč
Dr. Aleš Kudrnáč is a researcher at the Institute of Sociology of the Czech Academy of Sciences and an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Social Sciences, Charles University. He currently leads two major research initiatives: an interdisciplinary research team on political polarization within the OP JAK project “Beyond Security: Role of Conflict in Resilience-Building,” and his own GA ČR JUNIOR STAR project on the dynamics of adolescents’ attitudes toward outgroups.
Previously, he was a postdoctoral researcher at the Umeå University and a visiting researcher at the University of Haifa and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His research lies at the intersection of political sociology and political psychology, with a particular focus on political attitudes, democratic vulnerability, prejudice, polarization, and the effects of stress and uncertainty on public opinion. He has extensive experience with panel data, quantitative methods, and large-scale survey research, and his work connects political attitudes and behavior to insights from sociology, psychology, and health-related research.
Dr. Tomáš Pluskal
Dr. Tomáš Pluskal is a group leader at IOCB Prague, where he heads the Biochemistry of Plant Specialized Metabolites research group. Building on his PhD training from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology and a postdoctoral fellowship conducted at the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, he develops computational and biochemical approaches that support the discovery of new bioactive plant molecules. He co-authored the widely used software platform for mass spectrometry data processing called mzmine, which has successfully been commercialized by the startup mzio.
Recently, Tomáš's lab introduced a new AI-driven model for identifying unknown compounds from mass spectrometry data called DreaMS. Tomáš is a recipient of the Neuron Award for Promising Scientists, an ERC Consolidator Grant, and is a member of the EMBO Young Investigator Programme.Dr. Sabine Preusse
After obtaining her PhD in Astrophysics, Dr. Sabine Preusse decided to quit academia in 2006 and move on to project management of European Funded Research projects in the Steinbeis-Europa-Zentrum. Besides writing grant proposals and working as a project manager in the field of production technologies, she trained as a business economist (IWW) and professional business trainer.
In 2011 she went on to found her own company, RaumZeit e.K. Coaching Training Beratung, and in her role as a professional business coach now supports researchers of all levels and disciplines in grant proposal writing, research project implementation, project results dissemination and exploitation, career planning and Open Educational Resources.
Since 2011 Sabine Preusse has given more than 150 two-day workshops on grant proposal writing and conducted more than 80 coaching sessions on grant proposal writing, research project design, and career development for young researchers, postdocs as well as professors.
Dr. Radka Pittnerová
Dr. Radka Pittnerová is a strategic consultant and creative practitioner who has spent over twenty years navigating the international research ecosystem. Her work began in technical consultancy for EU projects (from FP6 to Horizon Europe) and has since evolved into a multifaceted practice that merges research strategy with visual communication. Beyond her core work consulting on international projects, Radka has designed and led training concepts across five regional research centers in the Czech Republic, directly supporting an estimated 5,000+ researchers in career design, soft skills, networking, and project strategy.
Throughout her career, Radka has used design and visual communication as functional tools to translate dense institutional concepts into actionable formats. Her portfolio features a wide range of creative outputs, such as curating two long-term exhibitions at Sychrov Castle, designing visual frameworks for ERC grant training, or illustrating educational books for environmental organizations. Currently a communication specialist at the University of Ostrava, she is also the creative force behind the YouTube channels @pribehyvedy and @allaboutprojects, where she uses animation and humor to demystify technology transfer. As a coach and “thinking partner” for postdocs, Radka combines her expertise in research strategy with a passion for hands-on creativity, helping researchers move beyond “words” to find structural clarity in their scientific work and careers.
Dr. Jan Froněk
Dr. Jan Froněk, is an independent academic coach and soft skills trainer. He supports academics in achieving their goals – whether it’s completing a PhD, habilitation, or becoming a full professor – while maintaining their well-being. With a background in psychology, education, and coaching combined with twelve years of teaching experience at the Charles University in Prague, Jan has a deep understanding of the challenges students and academics face, such as procrastination, juggling tasks, and setting priorities. He is also passionate about sustainability projects, currently contributing to initiatives at the Prague University of Economics and Business.
Additionally, he trains academic supervisors in coaching skills, helping them foster a supportive and effective academic environment.
Program
Day 1: Tuesday, September 1, 2026
08:00–10:00 Registration & Morning Tea
09:00–09:40 NTK Tour (Optional Event)
10:00–10:15 Opening & Welcome
10:10–12:30 Keynote Panel
12:30–13:30 Lunch & Services Presentation
13:30–16:30 Workshop 1
16:30–17:00 Coffee & Networking
17:30–20:30 Social Event: Bowling Tournament
Day 2: Wednesday, September 2, 2026
08:00–09:00 Registration & Morning Tea
09:00–12:00 Workshop 2
12:00–13:00 Lunch & Services Presentation
13:00–16:00 Workshop 3
16:15–18:15 Czech Association of Doctoral Researchers Discussion Panel
The organizer reserves the right to change the scheduling of the social event. Registered participants will be notified of any changes by e-mail.
Registration
Eligibility of Participants
Open to early career researchers:
- Doctoral candidates (enrolled in doctoral training programmes, including new enrollments)
- Postdoctoral researchers (up to 1 year since completing their PhD)
Registration is open to everyone, but if you are doing your PhD outside the Czech Republic, you should be able to prove that you are a doctoral candidate (or a postdoc up to one year after completing your PhD) – by providing a confirmation either from your supervisor or your institution. The Organizing Team reserves the right to reject an application if the information provided is not verified.
Participation Fee: 1 250 CZK
The Participation Fee includes a contribution to the costs associated with the administration of the DSS, refreshments, production of training materials including related components, and participation in the social program.
The Participation Fee does not cover: travel, visa, or accommodation expenses.
All fees are quoted in CZK and include VAT 21%.
Applications will be approved on a first-come, first-served basis due to limited places. Please note that registration is open until June 15, 2026 or until the maximum number of attendees is reached.
Cancellation Conditions:
You can cancel your registration up until the first day of the DSS, but the Participation Fee will be reimbursed only in case of cancellation no later than August 17, 2026.
For more information, please see the FAQ page or contact us by email at DSS@techlib.cz.
Venue
National Library of Technology
Technická 6, 160 80 Prague 6 – Dejvice, Czech Republic
Participants are asked to make their own travel arrangements.
How to get here
The National Library of Technology (NTK) is located between Thákurova, Studentská, and Technická Streets and Flemingovo náměstí (see on Google Maps).
- Metro A to Dejvická: Get off at the Dejvická station and use the Šolínova/Vysoké školy exit.
- Tram Stops: Lotyšská or Dejvická.
- Bus Stop: Dejvická.
- Drivers can park underground or use available street parking.
- Bike stands are available outside the library
Accommodation
Participants are asked to make their own accommodation arrangements. There are several hotels near the Doctoral Summer School venue:
Hotel DAP (Dům Armády Praha)
Address: Vítězné náměstí 684/4, 160 00 Praha 6 – Dejvice
Tel. + 420 973 211 444, + 420 973 211 422
or student hostels - please see the offer of hostels.
One of the student hostels close by:
Masarykova kolej (hostel)
Address: Thákurova 1, Praha 6 – Dejvice
Tel. + 420 233 051 111
FAQ
General Information about Doctoral Summer School (DSS)
DSS is a traditional summer school for doctoral candidates, organized annually by the National Library of Technology and the NCIS R&D&I project. This year’s topic is “Transferable skills for early-career researchers,” and you can find more information about the program right in the Keynote & Workshops section on our website.
DSS is traditionally conducted in English. The support team speaks both English and Czech.
On the NTK’s premises. For more information about the location, see the NTK website.
The program is spread over two days (September 1 and 2).
You can find information about the program in the Keynote & Workshops section.
To find out more about the lecturers and speakers, see our website.
Yes, we are planning a bowling tournament (subject to interest). You can actively participate by playing or passively enjoy the evening as a networking opportunity.
Yes. Registration is open to everyone, but you should be able to prove that you are a doctoral candidate (or postdoc up to one year after completing your PhD) – either by providing a confirmation from your supervisor or from your institution. If you are studying at a foreign university, please note that we can ask you for a contact for your supervisor. If you can’t provide evidence of your studies, we have the right to cancel your registration.
Attendance and Participation
Doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers within one year of PhD completion are eligible to apply for NTK’s DSS.
The DSS is in-person only.
No, DSS covers topics useful to all disciplines.
No, the DSS is in-person only, and there will be no recording.
You are welcome to participate. Participants should range from doctoral candidates (enrolled in doctoral training programs) to postdoctoral researchers (up to 1 year after completing their PhD). If you have just been admitted to a PhD program this year and aren’t officially enrolled yet, please contact us at: DSS@techlib.cz.
Please inform the organizing committee as soon as possible so that your spot can be offered to someone else. The fee of 1 250 CZK primarily covers administrative costs. Therefore, if you cancel after August 17, 2026, and do not provide a replacement participant, the fee will not be refunded.
Yes, if you are a PhD candidate (or a postdoc for up to 1 year after finishing your PhD).
Attendance for all sessions is not mandatory, though it is highly recommended to enhance the overall learning experience. The DSS has been designed to provide a comprehensive coverage of selected topics.
You will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the last day of DSS.
You can find more information about the speakers in the Lecturers & Instructors section on our website.
See the Program for detailed information about the DSS activities.
Registration and Fees
If you wish to apply, please use this registration form.
Yes, the participation fee is 1 250 CZK incl. VAT.
The participation fee can only be paid via bank transfer based on an issued invoice.
We regret that we are not able to offer any scholarships or financial aid to participants.
The participation fee does not cover travel, accommodation, or visa expenses. NTK does not provide support with travel arrangements.
You need to register online by June 15, 2026. Upon registration you will be sent an invoice for the participation fee, to be paid by the due date specified on the invoice.
Yes, the DSS capacity is limited to 60 participants.
Participants are selected on a “first come, first served” basis. The overall capacity is limited to 60 participants.
No documents are required. You just need to fill out the registration form and pay the participation fee.
Active conference participation is not possible.
You can cancel your registration until the first day of the DSS, but the participation fee will only be reimbursed in case of cancellation no later than August 17, 2026.
Please contact us at: DSS@techlib.cz
Please contact us at: DSS@techlib.cz
If you check your university email regularly, even during the summer months, then it is sufficient. We need your active email address for urgent communication with DSS participants (unexpected program changes, etc.).
Practical Information
Yes, you do. Accommodation is not organized by the DSS.
There are plenty of hotels and hostels near NTK. Please see hostels nearby, or check out Booking.com.
Soft drinks (water, coffee, tea) are provided all day long, together with some refreshments at lunchtime.
Yes, free wifi is available in the NTK building.
You can contact us at: DSS@techlib.cz
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