CATRIN’s Jakub Navařík becomes Czech Republic’s youngest-ever senator
Palacký University has a new representative in the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic. Jakub Navařík, from the Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN) at Palacký University, has been elected senator for the Přerov constituency. The 40-year-old scientist and politician is also the youngest senator in Czech history.
“My main priority is education, and that is what I would like to focus on in the Senate. Drawing on my experience at Palacký University, I believe we should, among other things, examine how academic self-governing bodies function – or fail to function. I will remain in contact with the university, although my employment commitment there will be minimal,” said Navařík.
“I would like to extend my warm congratulations to Jakub Navařík on his election to the Senate. I supported him during the election campaign and am genuinely delighted by his success. I greatly value his expertise and his ability to translate scientific research into practical applications. I believe he will also put his experience to good use in supporting education, science and our university. I would welcome more voices like his representing the university in the Senate. I hope that even some of the exceptionally vigilant guardians of the university’s interests will forgive me for this ambition. The idea that the university might also benefit from the success of someone they do not personally favour must surely be a considerable test of their generosity,” said Rector Michael Kohajda, congratulating the newly elected senator.
Jakub Navařík earned his PhD in applied physics at Palacký University, where he worked as a researcher and university lecturer. His scientific work focuses on experimental physics and the development of specialised Mössbauer spectrometers. In 2021, he founded the technology company Iron Analytics, which develops and supplies unique instruments to research laboratories around the world. He also served as a councillor responsible for education and sport in the statutory city of Přerov. He stood for election to the upper chamber of the Czech Parliament as the joint candidate of a coalition of democratic parties comprising ODS, KDU-ČSL, TOP 09 and Starostové.
“Science has taught me one fundamental lesson that I apply throughout my life – even the most complex problems can be solved if we break them down into smaller steps. I want to bring the same approach to national politics and make it more relevant to our everyday lives,” said Navařík.
In the second round of voting held over the weekend, the newly elected senator defeated his opponent and fellow Přerov city councillor, Mayor Petr Vrána (ANO). Navařík secured 56.91 per cent of the vote, compared with Vrána’s 43.08 per cent.
