What do graduates say about the doctoral degree programs?

The most intellectually vibrant time of my life

“After completing my Master's degree in Pharmacy, the Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove provided me with a generous offer to undertake my doctoral studies at the Placenta in Health and Disease Team (led by Prof. Frantisek Staud). This period has been a life-changing experience for me and undoubtedly the most intellectually vibrant time of my life. Our faculty’s approach to PhD studies provides a unique opportunity for students to develop abilities as researchers while also helping you advance valuable transferrable skills, such as presentation and communication skills. The opportunities for national and international collaborations provide a fantastic platform for interdisciplinary development. The mandatory internship during PhD studies gives you a great chance to develop scientifically and personally. During my studies, I undertook a research stay in Switzerland and was given the chance to collaborate with scientists from all over the world (including Germany, Canada, Australia). Additionally, students are supported and encouraged to attend national and international conferences, which provides a perfect opportunity to meet fellow PhD students and scientists from all around the globe. PhD studies can be intellectually challenging and physically tiring; however, the program fosters great friendships, creating an essential mechanism of support during the challenges of doctoral study. There is a close working relationship among faculty staff and students, providing a space for your ideas to be challenged, developed, and become more sophisticated, which is ultimately the main goal of PhD studies. Thus, if you are considering doing a PhD, joining our faculty to endeavor in this exciting journey could be the best decision you ever made, both for your career and personal development. ”

PharmDr. Rona Karahoda, Ph.D.

Acquirement of many valuable and unforgettable experiences

“During my Master’s degree study, I already enjoyed the subject Pharmaceutical analysis. I also started working on my diploma thesis in the field of analytical chemistry, but finally I processed my diploma thesis in another field, and mainly abroad within the Erasmus program. Thanks to this experience, I expanded my knowledge in a completely different field of science. My interest to start postgraduate studies increased especially after the SVK student competition, where I had the opportunity to see a lot of topics from other fields, but mainly I won in my category. This apparent detail convinced me that I would like to continue to focus on science even after graduating. Luckily, I found the very interesting topic at Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis and Control of Chemical Drugs, so I changed my field of science again. It was an amazing choice, since it was possible to cooperate with other workers from other fields and to participate in the search for new drugs. Furthermore, I could enjoed the biggest advantages of the postgraduate study, which were multiple participation in conferences and a six-month internship in a laboratory in Norway, via the Erasmus program again. In conclusion, I would like to mention that I gained a lot of experience which I will certainly apply in the future. And the awards that I received at conferences also proved, that my idea to study postgraduate was excellent.”

PharmDr. Hana Bavlovič Piskáčková, Ph.D.

I am lucky to be a member of the Skin Barrier Research Group

“While finishing my undergraduate studies, I was not sure whether science was for me. Thus, I was feeling a bit insecure continuing for a PhD. On the other hand, the positive experience from my diploma thesis guided me to apply for a doctoral study and test my chances. I am lucky to be a member of the Skin Barrier Research Group (leader prof. Vávrová), following a research direction related to the numerous opportunities connected with Pharmaceutical Technology. During my post gradual studies, I have learned many of the important aspects of research. I also had the chance to see how research is performed in foreign institutions, thanks to my Erasmus internship in France. The other exceptional experience was my participation in international conferences (USA, Estonia, Germany), where I had the opportunity to meet successful researchers. It was always special to me to meet in person scientists that I have previously known only from their publications and have the chance to discuss with them. In addition, I am pleased that I had the opportunity to teach and participate in the practical training classes and consulting diploma theses of undergraduate students. I have to admit that the PhD studies made me realize that following an academic carrier was the best option for me, and I haven’t regretted my decision.”

Anna Nováčková, MSc.

This prestigious university is like a bond that connects me to the world

“For me, this historic, prestigious university is like a bond that connects me to the world. Joining this international family has enabled me to have a better and deeper understanding of the charm behind different cultures. Honestly, pursuing a PhD degree in a place so far away from my homeland was very challenging, but I also enjoyed the sense of achievement that came from overcoming obstacles. With its highly professional pharmaceutical education, fully equipped scientific research platform and numerous opportunities for academic activities, our faculty provides sufficient support for many students like me, and also provides a strong foundation for our future career and personal development.”

Yu Zhang, MSc.

Excellent opportunity

“Being a masters and Ph.D. student at the Faculty of Pharmacy at Charles University has been an excellent opportunity. Doing a Ph.D. in this faculty helped me explore the different sides of science and bring out the best in me. Great opportunities, collaborations with scientists worldwide, and high-qualified staff all contribute to creating a high impact and competitive scientific profile.

Cultural diversity in this faculty is a huge advantage, where you can meet different people from different countries and continents; which is one of the reasons of our faculty's great research success. In this faculty, I felt home away from home.”

Dimitrios Vagiannis, MSc.

I have received guidance and support in a very international, professional, and friendly manner

“It is not unusual for one to feel fear and tension while defending their Ph.D. thesis. You are presenting four years' worth of work in front of many people, ones who will question you about details. On the contrary, this was not my case. I was presenting my work to a group of people whom I am proud to call family. I was happy and excited to be there with them and share what we have collectively achieved. Throughout my years of study, I have received guidance and support in a very international, professional, and friendly manner. Carrying out expirements, assisting in teaching, supervising students, attending international conferences, and publishing were simply inexplicable. Completing my higher education study here better shaped me as a researcher, improved my skills, and further promoted my critical thinking. I am ready now for the next chapter, thank you FAF, thank you my mentors, thank you my colleagues.”

Ghada Bouz, M.Sc., Ph.D.

Study here helps you to imagine a better world

“I am so proud for being accepted at this prestigious university. Why to study here? There are a lot of reasons why: because you can start now to become what you want to be, because it provides highest level training and rewards merit, because it is your passport to the world. Our faculty, thanks to its international vocation, is related with the most important universities in the world, in a continuous exchange of students and teachers. An experience studying or working abroad is the best way to understand the world and pay new ways for your future. Study here helps you to imagine a better world and work to contribute to it, projects, initiatives and research facilities for developing new ideas, innovation and knowledge for facing global challenges.”

Maria Carmen Catapano M.Sc., Ph.D.

I met the very best ones in research

“The idea to continue with postgraduate studies at the Department of Inorganic and Organic Chemistry began with my thesis in which I dealt with the synthesis of ceramide analogs and the evaluation of their impact on the skin barrier with the help of permeation experiments. I was fascinated by the wide array of options to examine the skin barrier: from chemical synthesis to biological material to the use of biophysical measurements. During my studies (which involved a six month fellowship in Germany), I became familiar with many methods, some of which I also helped to put into practice in our workplace. Thanks to my supervisor (Prof. Kateřina Vávrová) and financial aid from several sources, I learned to present the results of my work at many domestic and foreign conferences. I got to know not only interesting places, but more importantly, I was able to meet the leaders of skin barrier research. I have also received several awards for my work and I can say that for me, doctoral studies brought a lot of valuable experience and enriched my life, both professionally and personally.”

PharmDr. Barbora Školová, Ph.D., Josef Hlavka Award winner

First of all, you must enjoy science and research!

“After completing my master’s degree in pharmacy, I joined a work group dealing with the skin barrier at the Department of Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry. I definitely don’t regret engaging in research as part of my postgraduate studies. Thanks to that, I have been able to see peek inside the world of science that had already attracted me while I was completing my master’s studies. On the other hand, science and research are relatively demanding. You have to dedicate quite a lot of time and effort to it and remember not to give up if you fail. What do I think is most important about working in research? The fact that you must enjoy science! There’s nothing like the pure joy you experience when the results of an experiment that you have worked on can be published in a journal.

What I view positively is mainly the diversity of methods and scientific approaches that I have learned - from organic synthesis to biophysical and analytical methods to working with biological materials. The doctoral degree program gave me the option to present the results of my work both at domestic and international conferences and participate in fellowships abroad. I was able to learn how research is financed and how to file grant applications, while as a lecturer I was engaged in teaching master’s students and I organized different events to promote both the faculty itself and science in general. I want to stay engaged in research and completing a doctoral degree program is a good starting point to do just that.”

PharmDr. Andrej Kováčik, Ph.D., Josef Hlavka Award winner

Ger ready for adventure and challenges

“The doctoral degree program at the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Charles University, was a great life experience for me and has helped me in many respects. During my studies, I was able to explore an attractive and perspective topic: drug distribution (namely antiviral drugs) between the mother and the foetus during pregnancy. Over time, I learned how to properly conduct systematic research work, from the planning of experiments to their interpretation and presentation at conferences, as well as their publishing in renowned professional journals. I truly appreciate the opportunity I had to learn from experts in their fields both here and in the UK, where I was able to take part in a fellowship. I myself was able to see that postgraduate students from our faculty can successfully compete with their colleagues from prestigious centres abroad. It was both a pleasure and an adventure for me to participate in finding a solution to the given issue. Besides professional development, my doctoral studies also meant seeing the core of pharmaceutical science, both at our faculty and elsewhere, and provided an opportunity to get to know a number of great people and make new friends among them.

I would like to wish all applicants good luck with their choice and, more importantly, a lot of enthusiasm and motivation to work. You are the most important factor that determines what your studies will look like, how they will enrich you and how you will be able to take advantage of the many opportunities that are presented to you.”

Mgr. Zuzana Ptáčková, Ph.D., Bolzan Award winner

I value it very positively and recommend it

“After completing my master’s degree, just like most of my schoolmates, I spent a lot of time deciding what to do next. There were quite a lot of options, either working in a pharmacy or somewhere else. Finally, my supervisor convinced me to enrol in a postgraduate program at the Department of Pharmaceutical Technology. The beginning was not very easy, but over time, I found out that postgraduate studies open new horizons and jobs options for students. Slowly, I started to teach and, more importantly, conduct research on behalf of the department. I learned to present the results of my work in presentations and posters at conferences organized both at home and abroad. I visited several businesses and production plants dealing with the development and manufacturing of medicinal products. But what’s most important, I met many new colleagues, experts and great people. I value my studies very positively and I can strongly recommend this program to anyone who might be interested.“

Mgr. Pavel Ondrejček, Ph.D.

A doctoral degree from Charles University opens doors for you

“I chose a doctoral degree program at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Charles University, not only because I did my master’s here in pharmacy, but also because in terms of science and research, our faculty is on a high level and a doctoral degree from Charles University opens doors to a career in science. During my studies, I was able to gain a lot of practical experience with designing and conducting experiments, I prepared a grant application and subsequently, I was in charge of funding for the actual research. I was taught to work independently, not only in my own experimental work, but also in terms of assessing results and writing articles to be published in international journals with an impact factor. I presented my results in posters and gave lectures at many domestic and foreign conferences. Over the four years of my studies, I had the opportunity to travel for a six-month fellowship to the Netherlands, where I was able to further develop my skills and learn what doctoral programs look like abroad, which further broadened my horizons. I would recommend what I experienced to everyone.

I certainly do not regret my decision to spend another four years (and several months) at the faculty. I prolonged my student life, learned what science and research funding involves at a faculty in a university in the Czech Republic and enriched my personal development to the maximum extent. Therefore, don’t hesitate, find a good supervisor and put everything you have into it - it is worth it!”

PharmDr. Daniela Číhalová, Ph.D.

I have grown both professionally and personally

“The doctoral degree program in pharmacology and toxicology was a great benefit for me and I can sincerely recommend it to those who want to specialize and work in their area of expertise. Over the four years of my studies, I was able to dig deeply into chelating agents and the cardiovascular system. I participated in research projects and taught students, I presented the results of my work in specialized journals and at conferences. I got to know the academic sphere, met new colleagues and visited interesting places (such as Rome, Avignon, Paris). I have grown both professionally and personally Moreover, I would like to point out that it opened a wide range of options for me for my future, including an academic career.”

Mgr. Michal Říha, Ph.D., Josefa Hlavka Award winner

Good reasons to enrol into a doctoral degree program

There are several reasons to study a doctoral degree program.
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Charles University is the right choice!

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