EP2: Scientist Michal Šimíček

Despite being only 35, Michal Šimíček heads the Blood Cancer Research Group in Ostrava, a team doing very exciting work in the field of cell therapy. This ground-breaking treatment involves using live immune system cells to target certain kinds of tumors and Šimíček’s aim is to create universal cells that could be taken from any donor, so making the treatment way more affordable than it is now.

In this episode of Czech Next Wave, the recipient of the prestigious Neuron prize for young scientists discusses how seemingly revolutionary cell therapy (including the dramatic sounding “suicide gene”) works, how it compares to chemotherapy, the patriotic aspect of moving back to his native region – and his perhaps surprising second profession.

Czech Next Wave is produced jointly by the Czech Centres network and Radio Prague International. It introduces listeners around the world to emerging, exciting and highly talented young Czech in various areas of the arts and beyond.