The 6th International Multidisciplinary Conference for Young Researchers (MCYR), organized by the BioResources and Technology Division (BRT) of the Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences (FTZ) at the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CZU), took place on October 9–10, 2025. The event gathered early-career researchers from around the world for two days of discussion, collaboration, and knowledge exchange under the theme “Science and Innovation: Advancing the Path to a Sustainable Future.” 

 

The conference served as a platform for young scientists to present their research, engage in multidisciplinary dialogue, and explore how science and innovation can drive real-world change. This year’s program reflected the growing importance of collaboration across disciplines in addressing the complex challenges of sustainability and global development. 

 

The opening session featured three keynote speakers who set an inspiring tone for the event. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hynek Roubík, Director of the BRT and Dean of the FTZ, spoke about the evolving landscape of modern research and how early-career scientists can navigate it with purpose and integrity. He emphasized the value of transparency, reproducibility, and ethical responsibility as foundations of scientific credibility, encouraging researchers to nurture their curiosity and define success through authenticity and impact. Dr. Nils Haneklaus from the University for Continuing Education Krems in Austria discussed the importance of equitable partnerships between the Global North and South, highlighting the need for fairness, mutual learning, and growth in international collaboration. Dr. Inge Stegeman from the Utrecht Young Academy and University Medical Center Utrecht in the Netherlands addressed how transparency and reproducibility strengthen research quality, education, and public trust, offering practical insights for researchers at the beginning of their scientific careers. 

 

During the opening ceremony, awards were presented for the Storytelling Competition, which celebrated the merging of research and storytelling as a powerful way to communicate science. Participants were invited to reimagine their research through narrative and creativity, fitting into one of four thematic categories aligned with international research projects and MCYR partners : OSIRIS – Open Science and Research Integrity, focusing on transparency and trust in scientific practice; COMUNIDAD – Geospatial Intelligence for Community Resilience, addressing the use of AI and mapping tools for environmental response; BIO-CAPITAL – Innovative Monitoring and Financing of Biodiversity, emphasizing new approaches to conservation; and AgriSci-UA – Applied Agri-Tech Innovation and Pre-Commercial Research, supporting early-stage technologies in sustainable agriculture. 

 

The winners demonstrated exceptional creativity and scientific depth through their submissions: 

 

Stay tuned to reading their full submissions soon! 

 

Throughout the two-day conference, participants presented their work in five scientific sessions: Climate & Sustainability, Technology & Innovation, Plants & Agriculture, Animals & Ecology, and Society & Culture. Each session reflected the diverse perspectives that make MCYR a uniquely interdisciplinary event. At the end of the first day, participants gathered for a relaxed networking evening featuring a barbecue and bonfire, where they had the opportunity to connect in an informal atmosphere. Day two also included the Poster Session, where participants showcased innovative research and exchanged ideas in an open, interactive environment. The poster session provided an opportunity for young scientists to receive feedback, connect with peers, and strengthen the collaborative network that MCYR continues to nurture year after year.  

 

The conference concluded with a closing presentation and awards ceremony. This year’s Best Presenter Awards were presented to three poster session winners - AbdulAzeez Shobajo, Miroslav Němec, and Rorai Pereira Martins-Neto - and to session winners Gayani Rajakaruna Kapukotuwa (Animals & Ecology), Tadeáš Hrušovský (Climate & Sustainability), Phiona Jackline Mukisa (Technology & Innovation), Bernard Kwamena Cobbina Essel (Society & Culture), and Radek Vítek (Plants & Agriculture). Each recipient was recognized for delivering engaging, well-structured, and impactful presentations. Their work stood out for its clarity, scientific depth, and ability to communicate complex ideas in an accessible and inspiring way. 

 

In his closing remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hynek Roubík encouraged participants to stay curious, continue pursuing meaningful research, and nurture the connections they formed during the conference.

 

 

The closing ceremony also marked the announcement of the theme for the next edition of the conference. MCYR 2026 will take place on October 8–9, 2026, under the theme “Research Innovation to Action: Pathways Toward Resilience in a Risk-Prone World.” 

 

MCYR 2025 was made possible through the hard work and dedication of the organizing team at the BioResources and Technology Division (BRT). Special recognition goes to Dr. Viktoriia Chubur, whose leadership and commitment were instrumental in bringing the conference to life. 

 

As the 2025 edition of MCYR has come to a close, the BRT extends its sincere gratitude to all participants, speakers, reviewers, and partners who contributed to its success. The BRT looks forward to welcoming participants again next year for another edition of MCYR, continuing to foster a global community of young researchers working toward a sustainable future! 

 

 

Explore the MCYR website: HERE 

 

 

For more details on BRT activities, subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on social media for regular updates and highlights!