In November 2025, Czech-BioImaging welcomed members of its International Advisory Board (IAB) for a series of on-site visits to Core Facilities across the national network. The IAB visits marked an important milestone in the Performance Assessment process, which provides an independent, international evaluation of the scientific quality, user services, and strategic development of the facilities.
Over three days, IAB panels specializing in Medical Imaging, Light Microscopy, and Electron Microscopy visited facilities in Olomouc, Brno, České Budějovice, Vestec and Prague, meeting Core Facility leaders, users, and local staff. The visits offered an opportunity to discuss scientific achievements, operational challenges, and visions for future development, as well as to benchmark the facilities against leading European infrastructures.
MUNI MAFIL CEITEC visit by Prof. Uwe Himmelreich, Prof. Karel Pacák, Prof. Petr Hluštík and Prof. Daniel Jirák.
MUNI CELLIM CEITEC visit by Dr. Dušan Chorvát, Dr. Timo Zimmermann, Dr. Paula Sampaio, Dr. Marek Cebecauer and Dr. Paolo Bianchini.
BC LEM visit by Prof. Klaus Qvortrup, Dr. Julia Fernandez-Rodriguez, and Dr. Eija Jokitalo.
The on-site program concluded with a joint discussion meeting in Prague and a network dinner, where IAB members and the Czech-BioImaging Steering Committee exchanged insights and preliminary reflections.
Purpose of the Visits
The goal of the IAB evaluation is to ensure that Czech-BioImaging maintains excellence, transparency, and continuous improvement in its research infrastructure. Through direct engagement and dialogue, the IAB provides feedback that supports both strategic planning and performance-based funding decisions within the national network.
BUT BCF CEITEC visit
IEM MSC visit
CUNI CAPI visit
Outcome and Next Steps
Following the visits, Core Facility leaders will submit updated documentation for the evaluation period January 2023 – December 2025. The IAB panels will complete their assessments by May 2026, assigning ratings (A–D) that will impact facility’s total budget. The final results and recommendations will be discussed jointly with the Steering Committee in 2026, forming the basis for the next phase of strategic development across Czech-BioImaging.
