On October 15, 2024, the inaugural meeting of the International Scientific Advisory Board (ISAB) for the ROBOPROX project convened via Zoom, marking a significant milestone in the initiative focused on robotics and advanced industrial production. The meeting brought together a diverse group of experts from various prestigious institutions, alongside project board members and emerging researchers, fostering a collaborative environment to discuss progress, share insights, and outline future directions.
One of the key agenda items of the meeting was the election of the ISAB Chairman. Zdeněk Hanzálek, the Principal Investigator, nominated Professor Jan Karel Lenstra from CWI/Eindhoven University of Technology. The vote resulted in overwhelming support, with seven votes in favor and one abstention, solidifying Lenstra’s role in guiding the board’s strategic vision.
A highlight of the meeting was a presentation by 12 young researchers who shared their innovative achievements within the ROBOPROX project. Zdeněk Hanzálek also provided an overview of the project’s objectives and goals, setting the stage for the researchers to showcase their groundbreaking work. The presentations not only demonstrated the project’s advancements but also highlighted the potential of emerging talent in the field.
The discussion segment of the meeting delved into two critical topics – strategies for hiring postdoctoral researchers and PhD students, and insights into managing large academic projects. ISAB members contributed valuable suggestions aimed at enhancing collaboration and fostering an inclusive research environment. Key points from the discussion included:
- Encouraging students and researchers to pursue common goals to support cooperation over competition.
- Establishing small collaborative groups of researchers with similar methodological interests to enhance communication and idea-sharing.
- Emphasizing the need for increased participation of women in research groups, with a task force established to attract female talent.
- Focusing not just on intelligence but also on creativity, curiosity, and independence when selecting candidates.
- Promoting regular in-person collaboration to strengthen team dynamics.
- Implementing a mentoring initiative that connects talented students with experienced specialists worldwide for guidance and support.
- Allowing students the freedom to explore their research interests within a supportive framework to encourage innovation.
- Facilitating participation in seminars, conferences, and exchanges to broaden the students’ horizons and enhance collaborative opportunities.
- Offering short-term sabbaticals for researchers to foster relationships and evaluate potential full-time hires.
As the meeting concluded, plans for the next gathering were set for autumn 2025. The project management team, in collaboration with the newly elected chairman, will prepare an agenda that focuses on the cooperation between research groups and the activities of the Women Forum, ensuring ongoing progress and engagement.