The PhD study programme has been successfully concluded by seventeen students, another thirteen are nearing conclusion. Only twice did we have to dismiss a PhD student before programme completion. The Hlávka prize for the most outstanding PhD student, repeartedly awarded our students, attests to the quality of our study programmes, as do the papers published in the process of writing the thesis.
We welcome applicants for our PhD programmes. We are interested in graduates of biology, biotechnology, pharmacology and medical programmes. We only admit students for “in-attendance” study programmes, i.e. regular full-time students. The applications are due to end April. Naturally, early application and well-documented interest in the field of study increase the likelihood of acceptance.
Graduate medical students, if interested, can attend our regular ‘Circle’ – a combination of informal seminars and basic lab work, comprising approx. 3 hours a week for the duration of one semester. From those who persevere we then select co-workers for our smaller-scale laboratory projects.
Applicants for a bachelor’s degree or MA thesis are accepted only rarely. However, this should not put anyone off; they are just not the most frequent type of applicant. Supposedly such applicants would be interested in working in the field of paediatric haematology and/or molecular haematology/oncology.
If interested in any form of study please contact either of the lab heads, prof. Trka or doc. Hrušák.
They want to research the diagnosis of childhood leukemia, apply the results in practice, and live meaningful lives. CLIP doctoral students share their first impressions
We asked four PhD students who enrolled in their first year at the Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology – in the CLIP group.
Barbora Dvořáková
What made you decide to do your PhD at the Second Faculty of Medicine at CLIP?
The fact that research at CLIP is directly reflected in treatment and is closely linked to diagnostics played a major role, so the work we do is visible, truly helpful, and meaningful.
What has surprised you most during your studies so far – for example, in the laboratory, at the clinic, or when working with your supervisor?
How busy the lab is and how much work and time it takes to process, analyse, and evaluate a single sample. Also, how warm and helpful everyone is here. And also, what a great research team I've joined thanks to my supervisor. Every meeting is packed not only with information and results, but also with entertaining stories.
Was there a moment when you realised you were in the right place?
I believe the crucial moment will come later — perhaps through a significant result or publication. Still, even now, I feel that I am where I’m meant to be. This feeling stems from the mutual relationships I’ve built with my colleagues at CLIP, with whom I get along very well, and from how things have been going so far in the work I do here.
What is your research, career, or personal dream — and how is your PhD helping you get closer to it?
One of my dreams is just beginning — it is connected with my desire to contribute my bit to research, diagnosis, and treatment of childhood leukemia.
Silvia Repovská
What made you decide to do your doctorate at the Second Faculty of Medicine at CLIP?
After just a few elective courses at CLIP, it was clear to me that I wanted to combine clinical work with research. I really enjoy working at the Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology in Motol, but it is a field that is constantly evolving, and research has an impact on diagnosis and treatment in real time. That's why it was important for me to gain experience in research, learn how to interpret and present scientific data well, and critically evaluate study results. CLIP has long been connecting diagnostics with research, and many members work at the intersection of both fields. I consider this a great advantage.
What has surprised you most during your studies so far?
It's still too early to say, but I think the boot camp is a great idea. As new PhD students, we got to know CLIP's activities and research groups and received valuable advice.
What is your research, career, or personal dream, and how does your doctorate help you get closer to it?
I want to combine clinical work and science in the field of pediatric hemato-oncology, but in Czechia, the "clinician-scientist" model is still organisationally and time-consuming. However, I recently returned from an internship at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in the US, where many doctors successfully combine clinical medicine with cutting-edge research, which was a very motivating experience. I believe that it is possible to gradually move in this direction in our conditions as well, and I consider PhD studies at CLIP to be a suitable start to this journey.
Michal Davidík
What made you decide to do your doctorate at the Second Faculty of Medicine at CLIP?
I thought about it for a long time... I didn't want to do clinical practice in a hospital, but I really enjoyed theory – especially hematology and immunology. I like the fact that our project works directly with patient samples from the clinic and that in the future it could bring new clinically relevant findings that can be used in therapy.
What has surprised you most during your studies so far?
Probably how the entire CLIP team is willing to help us newcomers integrate.
Was there a moment when you realised you were in the right place?
I realised this during my first interview with my supervisor, Dr Starková. It was immediately apparent that the workplace had not only a friendly atmosphere, but also a great enthusiasm for science and a willingness to help new students. This became even more apparent during the preparation for the entrance exams, when my supervisor was very willing to help me prepare.
What is your research, career, or personal dream — and how does your PhD help you get closer to it?
I think that a doctorate is absolutely essential for my future career dreams. After completing it, I would like to continue working in science and possibly also teaching.
Ema Povolná
What made you decide to do your PhD at the Second Faculty of Medicine at CLIP? Was it important to you that CLIP focuses on research that has a direct impact on diagnosis and treatment?
That was a very important reason for me. I see a very strong connection between research and clinical practice in paediatric haematology and oncology. I attended CLIP for elective courses in molecular biology. The people there talked about their work and science with tremendous enthusiasm. And when I added to that my other experiences from teaching, the haematology club, lectures, and even my haematology internship, I knew that this was where I wanted to be.
What has surprised you most during your studies so far?
Probably how supportive the environment around me is in the laboratory. I gained almost no laboratory experience during my medical studies, partly due to COVID. So I am very grateful for the patience shown to me. And then there is how my supervisor, Karolina Škvárová, supports and cultivates creativity in our research group.
What is your research, career, or personal dream—and how does your PhD help you get closer to it?
I want to live a meaningful life. However, I see it more as a task than a dream. I want to make use of what I have been given, develop it, and find my place in the world. My PhD gives me a unique opportunity to grow, learn a lot of new things, and work with people who are great experts and, above all, wonderful personalities.