The MERIT (Mobility for Excellence in Research, Innovation and Technology) programme of the Central Bohemian Innovation Centre provides PhD students from all over the world with the opportunity to develop excellent research in the Czech Republic, for instance at the HiLASE Centre. It was within the framework of this programme that the Funding Opportunities and Grant Writing workshop for MERIT-supported researchers was held at the Centre on 23 January 2025.
The workshop was conducted by speakers Jana Čejková (Technology Centre Prague), Jana de Merlier (Grant Office Manager, HiLASE Centre), Ivan Tarant (IT Manager, HiLASE Centre) and Martina Vycudilíková (Central Bohemian Innovation Centre).
“The presentation introduced the activities of the grant office and the strategic project management system focused on the financial sustainability of the centre, its success in international projects and its collaboration with industry,” Jana de Merlier comments on her contribution to the workshop. “Lessons learned, tips for writing projects and using the support of the grant office were discussed. The incentive system and idea pitches were highlighted to encourage scientists and technicians to be more active and bring new ideas. The aim is to increase staff engagement and the quality of projects.”
“My presentation focused on the possibilities of effective use of large language model (LLM) tools in writing grant applications. We discussed how to use AI for brainstorming, creative writing, validating and formatting written texts against the requirements of the calls, or how to fact-check AI-generated content,” explains Ivan Tarant.
The event also included a tour of the Centre’s scientific and industrial infrastructure. Jan Šmaus (Laser Shock Peening Specialist) presented case studies from the LSP team at the experimental hall, which is focused on practical applications, for example in transportation or the energy sector. Yuya Koshiba and Hanjin Jo (postdoctoral fellows of the Advanced Laser Development department supported by the MERIT program) discussed with the workshop participants the laser systems developed by the HiLASE Center. A glimpse into the clean labs was not to be missed.
For more information about unique opportunities at research institutions in the Central Bohemia Region (including the HiLASE Centre), visit the MERIT website.
