Czech Academy of Sciences to focus on GM crops and energy during country’s EU presidency

Genetically modified crops, support of low-carbon energy sources and societal resilience are the main topics that the Czech Academy of Sciences wants to focus on during the Czech Republic’s six-month presidency of the EU Council which will commence from July this year. The goals of the institution were outlined by its chairwoman, Eva Zažímalová, in Prague on Wednesday.

Mrs Zažímalová said that experts from the academy will focus on explaining the importance of the scientific topics to the public. Nuclear power and renewables are the path towards a low-carbon economy that the Academy wants to propagate, she said. Meanwhile, genetically modified crops provide hope for the global population that it could have sufficient food sources despite the effects of climate change, according to the chairwoman.

Attending the conference was also Prime Minister Petr Fiala, who said in his speech that supporting scientists was one of the key priorities of his government. Mr Fiala said that he and his cabinet want to improve the country’s institutional support for research institutions, ensuring a steady supply of funding for development.