Jan Zdražil: If our research helps someone in the future, that’s a bonus

While studying cyber security at Tomas Bata University in Zlín, Jan Zdražil realized he was drawn to science. This led him to pursue a PhD at VSB–TUO, during which he began collaborating with CATRIN on research. He supports colleagues in both plant and materials research with data acquisition, processing and analysis. Their common goal is to contribute to the development of technologies with real-world applications.

“Theory is great, but I’m more of a practical person and prefer when our results have a tangible outcome. If they also end up helping someone in the future, that’s a bonus that brings me joy. That’s why I’m grateful that, thanks to my supervisor Václav Snášel and the interest from CATRIN, I get to work on this kind of science,” says the data specialist.

The first concrete outcome of his cross-disciplinary and inter-university collaboration is the modular AMULET system, which enables faster and more accurate analysis of plant traits based on plant imaging. This could help farmers and breeders develop more resilient and higher-yielding crops. Collaborations are also beginning with chemists and materials scientists on the development of sensitive sensors for plants, another area where a solid grasp of large datasets will be essential.

Although he enjoys interdisciplinarity as a team player, he admits that communication across fields isn’t always easy. “We IT people have our own language, and colleagues from other fields see things from their own perspective, so it took a while before we really started understanding each other. But you can’t do quality research without that. So, it’s great that we’re making the effort,” he adds.

At CATRIN, he also has the chance to collaborate with his brother Lukáš and several friends. He admits that this was one of the reasons he joined CATRIN. “Our parents didn’t raise us to become scientists, but they did teach us that family comes first. That’s why I’m happy to share research and an office with my brother,” says the Olomouc native with a smile — someone who considers his hometown a great place to live.