Senior Research Scientist, Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia

AGU embraces the global community and welcomes diverse leaders from around the world, representing various identities, voices, and perspectives. List any identities, voices, and perspectives you would bring, including but not limited to nationality, regional representations, racial and ethnic backgrounds, and any other identity you feel comfortable sharing.

I came from Czechia, a nice continental country located in the middle of Europe. After many years spent with the development of space instrumentation, I moved ten years ago - mainly because of my curiosity - to science. My three children are already adults, so I have enough time to do the science and other activities I love. There is nothing special in my identity, I am curious, compassionate and empathetic towards the others, spirited, broadminded, sometimes impatient, but always willing to help. I speak English, German, Russian, basic Spanish and now I am trying to learn French every day. I hope my temperament can be acceptable for a diverse community of atmospheric electricity scientists.

Volunteer experience that relates to this position:

My most relevant volunteer experience is related to the public outreach. I regularly present lightning related topics at different platforms; I take part in discussions, visit school classes. During the pandemic I took part in the project of the Czech Academy of Sciences entitled “Invite a scientist to school”; I had online discussions with about 20 groups of pupils. I continue to lecture virtually also now, when the project has already terminated.

As one of the elected leaders of your section, how will you partner with your president and president-elect to communicate with and engage your members to help implement AGU’s strategic plan including its mission and vision?

If elected, I plan to collaborate as close as possible with the president and president-elect by sharing my understanding of the AGU's strategic goals, mission and visions. I expect we will meet regularly online to discuss not only the routine activities of the section, but also the ways how we can support a broad international collaboration, public outreach, and how we can inspire next generation of scientists.

Section affiliations:

Atmospheric and Space Electricity; Planetary Sciences; Space Physics and Aeronomy