Associate Professor Ing. Hynek Roubík, Ph.D., - BioResources & Technology Director and the Vice-dean for Science, Research and Doctoral Study at the Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences (FTA) in the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CZU)
His motto is “Fearless minds, endless potential.” A powerful quote under which the BRT operates.
Read all about the multifaceted career of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hynek Roubík
– story-based resume format –
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hynek Roubík’s journey in science and research began with a deep passion for addressing the pressing issues of global sustainability and community resilience. His career is marked by a commitment to the intersection of scientific inquiry and real-world application, particularly in the areas of sustainability, bioeconomy, renewable energy, waste management and sustainable development in tropical regions.
CURRENT ROLES
Since 2024, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Roubík has been serving as the Vice-Dean for Science, Research, and Doctoral Study at the Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences (FTZ). His academic and professional roots at the Czech University of Life Sciences (CZU) run deep; he has been a part of the faculty since 2018. As an Associate Professor and academic staff member, he has shaped the future of many students while simultaneously spearheading numerous research projects. He leads and mentors a diverse group of 20 employed members within his research division, ranging from junior and early-career researchers to seasoned experts. His dedication to education is clear, having successfully mentored 23 students at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, all of whom have defended their theses under his guidance.
Among his notable roles is leading the BioResources & Technology (BRT) Division, formerly known as the Biogas Research Team (BRT), which he founded in 2018, focusing on the development of biogas technologies as sustainable solutions for communities in developing regions. In 2024, the Biogas Research Team (BRT) was strategically transformed into the BioResources & Technology (BRT) Division as its scope and focus have expanded its focus not only to biogas research but also to bioresources management and sustainable technologies in general. In 2024, he also established a new unit within the BRT, the Agri Policy Lab, dedicated to shaping evidence-based agricultural policies. The Agri Policy Lab aims to be a catalyst for sustainable and inclusive development in the agricultural sector, linking results with evidence-based suggestions for policymakers.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hynek Roubík's scientific outputs as a researcher are reflected in his portfolio of over 100 indexed scientific publications, with 80 indexed in Web of Science (WoS) and 100 in Scopus. These works, marked by precision and depth, have garnered substantial recognition, as shown by his H-index: 16 in WoS, 19 in Scopus, and 22 in Google Scholar. Dr. Roubík’s research, which often appears in high-impact journals, primarily in the Q1 and Q2 tiers of WoS, includes six D1 publications and two papers distinguished as Highly Cited Papers. His publications underscore a commitment to advancing knowledge in his fields of expertise, reflecting his impact and dedication to science.
INTERNATIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS
In addition to his local achievements at the FTZ, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Roubík also has extensive international influence and impact. As a project coordinator and work package leader, he has contributed to numerous Horizon Europe projects, fostering collaboration across borders. Extending from Chile and Colombia, where he leads two work packages in the COMUNIDAD project integrating EGNSS and Copernicus data, to Cambodia’s V-Soil project in partnership with the UNDP, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Roubík has applied his expertise in an extensive range of international environments. A common goal binds the pursuit of these initiatives: enhancing the livelihoods of local communities through innovative and sustainable solutions. Another great example is his role as the coordinator of the Horizon Europe project BIO-CAPITAL. This Project brings together the expertise of 17 partners from 13 countries to tackle the issues of mobilising investments for protecting and restoring biodiversity by harnessing innovative financial solutions and advanced geospatial analytics. Another example is the Horizon Europe project OSIRIS, where he is among the 6 main project experts and the leader of a work package focused on open science and reproducibility of scientific results.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Roubík's contribution to academia also spans far and wide. His leadership in the CZU mobiLAB project showcases his commitment to transforming research into practical applications. He has been involved in projects across Africa, Southeast Asia, Latin America and Europe, addressing diverse global challenges—from promoting biogas technology for community resilience in Zambia to supporting bioeconomy policy development in Central and Eastern Europe through projects like BOOST4BIOEAST and CEE2ACT, his academic contributions have no borders.
One of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Roubík’s significant accomplishments have been his involvement in key international development projects funded by organizations such as the European Commission, UNDP, and the Czech Development Agency. In 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, he coordinated efforts to prevent the virus's proliferation and increase community resilience in vulnerable regions like Ethiopia and Zambia. His efforts in transforming waste into resources—such as his project on turning Moldovan wine waste into profitable products—are a testament to his belief in circular economies and sustainable resource management.
Over the years, Dr. Roubík’s expertise has been highly sought after for a wide range of initiatives, from promoting renewable energy in Sri Lanka to advising on biogas power plants in Vietnam. His role as a scientific expert on projects like Phosphogypsum Processing to Critical Raw Materials (ERA-MIN) has also reinforced his reputation as a leading figure in the realm of sustainability and renewable energy. Specifically in the narrow field of finding solutions for dealing with phosphogypsum waste, he was, for example, invited as an expert speaker by the Lithuanian Ministry and the Ministry of Morocco (read all about it here & here). One of his other noteworthy initiatives is the establishment of the AgriSci-UA platform, which unites 7 universities in Ukraine and the Czech Republic for the Scientific Enhancement of HEIs in Ukraine. This Platform provides researchers with grants and opportunities for knowledge exchange and skill development.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Roubík’s contribution to science and international cooperation is not just theoretical but has a tangible, on-the-ground impact. His projects and research, often conducted in collaboration with various international partners, demonstrate a clear vision for the future—one where innovative science can be applied to solve the world’s most complex challenges. A testament to this is the over 990 biogas plants built around the world through collaboration and partnership. Such achievements showcase his commitment and passion for his work and vision.
In every role he has undertaken, from his early days as a researcher to his current position as Vice-Dean, Dr. Roubík has been driven by the belief that science can, and should, be a tool for social good. His remarkable career is a testament to his dedication to creating sustainable solutions that benefit communities worldwide, leaving a lasting impact on the future of global development and the environment.
PRESTIGIOUS MEMBERSHIPS & RECOGNITIONS
In addition to his research accomplishments, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hynek Roubík has made contributions to the academic community through his roles in various prestigious boards and councils. As an academic leader and mentor, his impact extends across the Czech University of Life Sciences (CZU) and beyond, reflecting his deep commitment to advancing education and policy in the fields of sustainability, bioeconomy, and agricultural sciences. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Roubík’s academic career is further highlighted by his role as a member of several key scientific and advisory boards. Since 2024, he has been a member of the Scientific Boards of the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, the Faculty of Agrobiology, Food, and Natural Resources, and the Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences. These memberships underscore his deep expertise and leadership within the institution, helping to shape the strategic direction of research and education.
Beyond the university, Dr. Roubík’s expertise is recognized on a national level. He serves as a member of the Advisory Board to the Czech Minister of Science (since 2023), providing insights and guidance on scientific policies that align with national development goals. He is also a member of the Council for Sustainable Development of CZU, reflecting his ongoing commitment to integrating sustainability into academia and beyond.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Roubík’s involvement in global scientific networks further amplifies his impact and international influence. As a member of ATSAF (Council for Tropical and Subtropical Agricultural Research) and the Platform for Bioeconomy of the Czech Republic, he has contributed to shaping research agendas and policies that address the pressing needs of tropical and subtropical regions. Additionally, his participation in the Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, the working group on Bioeconomy within the Ministry of Agriculture, and the ECPR Standing Group on Environmental Politics highlights his active engagement in the global scientific community, driving innovation in environmental and agricultural sciences.
Dr. Roubík’s leadership extends beyond research and academia. From 2015 to 2016, he served as Vice-Chairman and Chairman of the Student Chamber of the Council of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) of the Czech Republic, where he played a key role in shaping higher education policy. His involvement with the HEIs Council—a representative body of Czech higher education institutions—reflects his dedication to improving education systems and advocating for students' needs.
His dedication to ethical practices and academic integrity is also evident through his previous membership in the Ethical Committee of CZU (where he was among the founding members) and his service as an Academic Senator both at the university and faculty levels. His involvement in these committees demonstrates his commitment to ensuring transparency, fairness, and ethical standards in education and research.
Throughout his career, Dr. Hynek Roubík has been a steadfast advocate for sustainability, education, and bioeconomy. His leadership within scientific boards, advisory committees, and global networks reflects a career dedicated to bridging the gap between academia, policy, and real-world impact. Through his involvement in these various platforms, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Roubík continues to inspire and guide both his peers and the next generation of leaders in creating a more sustainable and equitable world.
EXPERT CONSULTANT, REVIEWER, ADVISOR & JOURNAL EDITOR
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hynek Roubík’s influence extends far beyond his desk, the research lab and the classroom. As a trusted expert and advisor, he has been called upon by numerous prestigious institutions to provide his insight and evaluation for high-impact projects and scientific publications. His contributions to advisory boards, editorial roles, and project evaluations have further solidified his position as a global leader in agricultural sciences, sustainable development, and bioeconomy. Since 2023, Dr. Roubík has served as a Member of the Editorial Board for Biosystems Diversity, and the Journal of Ecological Engineering. In addition, he contributes as an Editorial Board Member of Frontiers in Public Health, focusing on health policy, where he works at the intersection of health and environmental sciences. As a board member for Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Agrobiology, and the Bulletin of Sumy National Agrarian University, Dr. Roubík has helped shape discussions on critical issues surrounding agricultural innovations and social sustainability. His contributions to these fields demonstrate his ability to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical policy applications. Or, for example, his association with Scientia Agriculturae Bohemica as an Associate Editor since 2023 and Editor-in-Chief since 2024.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Roubík’s role in reviewing and advising is not limited to academic journals. He has been an Expert Evaluator for the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic since 2018, where he evaluates innovative projects that impact the future of science and technology in the Czech Republic. He has also been a key Expert Evaluator for the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) of the European Commission, where he has assessed projects with budgets ranging from small-scale (€3,000) to large initiatives exceeding €2,000,000. His evaluation experience extends to Erasmus+ projects, where he has played a critical role in shaping educational opportunities across Europe.
From 2019 to 2020, Dr. Roubík served as a Guest Editor for a special issue on “Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy and Climate Change/” for the International Journal of Global Energy Issues (Scopus indexed), where he brought his expertise on sustainable energy solutions to the global stage. He has also been involved in the biotechnical sciences re-accreditation for doctoral programs in Croatia in collaboration with the Agency for Science and Higher Education (ASHE).
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Roubík's advisory roles go hand in hand with his commitment to international cooperation and educational development. From 2015 to 2016, he was a Board Member of Erasmus+ for the Czech Republic, where he evaluated Erasmus+ projects, contributing to the development of international education standards. His ongoing role as a project evaluator for the Czech National Agency and the European Commission’s EACEA has seen him review over 80 projects with varying budgets, helping to ensure the success of crucial academic and scientific initiatives worldwide.
Through his advisory roles and contributions to review boards, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hynek Roubík has played a vital part in advancing both academic and practical solutions to some of the worldt’s most pressing challenges. His ability to navigate complex scientific, environmental, and policy landscapes has earned him a well-deserved reputation as a thought leader, whose influence reaches across continents and academic disciplines. His ongoing work continues to impact global conversations around bioeconomy, sustainable development, and agricultural innovation, ensuring that research and policy remain aligned with the needs of future generations.
HONOURS AND AWARDS
In 2023, Dr. Roubík was honoured with the Dean’s Award for the best publication outputs and science popularization of 2022, a testament to his ability to not only produce high-quality research but also to communicate its importance to a wider audience. His passion for sustainability was further acknowledged when he received the prestigious 1st “Roubik Award” in 2022, presented by BeFair for his contributions to sustainability issues.
Earlier in his career, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Roubík's achievements were recognized with the Award of Professor Julius Stoklasa in 2018, along with a prestigious Award from the Ministry of Agriculture in the same year. These honours highlighted his significant contributions to agricultural research and innovative approach to solving critical challenges in this field. In 2016, 2017 and 2018, he was also recognized for his academic prowess, receiving an award for the best publication output among PhD students, underscoring his early dedication to producing impactful research.
In 2017, Dr. Roubík received the Hlávka Foundation Award for his significant scientific contributions, further solidifying his standing as a rising star in his field. That year, he was again recognised for having the best publication output among PhD students.
The accolades Dr. Roubík has received over the years reflect not only his proactive research output but also his ongoing dedication to advancing scientific knowledge in ways that promote sustainability and real-world impact. Whether through his groundbreaking work in bioeconomy or his efforts to address global challenges like climate change and food security, Dr. Hynek Roubík’s career continues to be defined by excellence and innovation.