Twenty years ago, Czech biologist professor Vojtěch Novotný founded a center for the research of tropical ecology in Papua New Guinea.

Pagi Toko is in the third year of his PhD studies at the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice. One day, he'll replace professor Novotný at the helm of the research center. He's an entomologist, a father of three children, a husband and a manager. His family comes from the Fore tribe where the tradition of ritually eating their deceased had been upheld until the 1960s. Pagi's grandmother is one of the last living witnesses of the kuru disease. Pagi's father died early and afterwards, Pagi's mother and her two sons had to struggle. However, fortune smiled on their family and thanks to his talent and the help of his relatives, Pagi became a role model for local children. Pagi took the audience to a remote mountain village called Jagyjes where no foreigner has set foot for 30 years, but also to České Budějovice where he's studying for his PhD.

We are thrilled to announce that MSc. Vedrana Šlipogor, Ph.D., from the FSC Department of Zoology, has been selected to participate in the prestigious 72nd Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in Physiology/Medicine on 25–30 June 2023. This remarkable achievement highlights the exceptional talent and dedication of Dr. Šlipogor in her field of expertise.

MSc. Vedrana Šlipogor, Ph.D., is a USB postdoctoral fellow of Dr. Martina Konečná, with research interests centred around evolutionary questions in behavioural ecology, ethology and comparative cognition, and particularly animal personality and its links with learning in primates (common marmosets) and subterranean rodents (naked mole-rats). Dr. Šlipogor conducted her undergraduate studies in Molecular Biology at the University of Zagreb, Croatia, interned in France and Austria, spent two field seasons in Brazil, and completed her doctoral dissertation in Biology and first postdoctoral post at the University of Vienna, before moving to the Czech Republic for her postdoctoral fellowship at USB, where she is involved in research, student supervision and teaching. For her research, Dr. Šlipogor was awarded several very competitive fellowships and grants, including L'ORÉAL-UNESCO Austria Fellowship ‘For Women in Science’.

The Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings, established in 1951, serve as a globally renowned platform for fostering exchange between Nobel Laureates and young scientists. These meetings have become a symbol of scientific inspiration, nurturing the next generation of researchers, and building enduring networks of young scientists from around the world.

The success of Dr. Šlipogor´s application to participate in this event is a testament to her outstanding contributions and potential as a rising star in the field of Physiology/Medicine. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will allow her to engage with 30–40 Nobel Laureates and join the esteemed gathering of 600 young scientists from across the globe. The Lindau Meetings provide a unique environment where knowledge is shared, perspectives are broadened, and collaborations are forged.

The University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice takes great pride in Dr. Šlipogor's achievement, as it not only showcases her individual excellence but also reflects the University's commitment to fostering a culture of research and innovation. Her participation in this prestigious event will undoubtedly enhance USB’s reputation as a hub of scientific talent and excellence.

We extend our warmest congratulations to MSc. Vedrana Šlipogor, Ph.D., for this exceptional achievement. We are confident that her participation in the 72nd Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting will be an invaluable experience, offering her unique opportunities for personal and professional growth. We eagerly anticipate the insights and inspiration she will bring back to USB and its scientific community.

For more information about the 72nd Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting and its participants see this link.