Professor Martin Reichard from the Institute of Vertebrate Biology of the Czech Academy of Sciences has been named one of this year’s three recipients of the Praemium Academiae (Academic Premium), one of the most prestigious scientific awards granted by the Czech Academy of Sciences. The award recognizes internationally renowned researchers and provides exceptional support for the further development of their research. Martin Reichard will receive funding of up to CZK 30 million over the next six years.
The Praemium Academiae enables leading scientists to pursue ambitious research projects with greater independence and a long-term perspective. Martin Reichard will use the funding to further develop his research group focusing on evolutionary ecology and fish life-history strategies, expand international collaborations, and undertake new experimental projects.
From the Evolution of Reproductive Strategies to Ageing Research
Martin Reichard is an internationally recognized expert in evolutionary ecology. His research explores how environmental conditions and interactions between organisms shape lifespan, reproduction, and the evolution of life-history strategies. He combines field observations with laboratory experiments, primarily using freshwater fish as model organisms.
He is one of the pioneers of using African killifish as model organisms to study ageing and lifespan. These small fish have exceptionally short life cycles, making it possible to investigate the biological mechanisms of ageing within relatively short periods. Martin Reichard began developing this research model in 2006, and killifish are now widely used in biological and biomedical research worldwide.
Another major focus of his scientific work is the evolution of brood parasitism, a reproductive strategy in which animals leave the care of their offspring to another species. He also investigates cryptic biological invasions, in which non-native genetic lineages gradually replace native populations within the same species.
Internationally Recognized Research at the Institute of Vertebrate Biology
At the Institute of Vertebrate Biology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Martin Reichard has established an international research team and a unique experimental facility comprising more than 500 tanks housing over 25 fish species. His research group conducts field expeditions in Africa, Asia, and South America, and publishes its findings in leading international scientific journals, including Cell, PNAS, Nature Communications, and Science Advances.
In recognition of his scientific achievements, he has previously received the Award of the President of the Czech Science Foundation and the Otto Wichterle Award for outstanding young researchers of the Czech Academy of Sciences.
In addition to his scientific work, Martin Reichard is actively involved in science communication and has collaborated on documentary projects with organizations such as the BBC and National Geographic.
Supporting Future Scientific Discoveries
The Praemium Academiae will provide Martin Reichard with long-term financial support, enabling him not only to strengthen his established research directions but also to explore new questions in evolutionary ecology and the biology of ageing.
Alongside Martin Reichard, this year’s Praemium Academiae was awarded to physicist Jan Čížek from the Institute of Plasma Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences and sociologist Martin Lux from the Institute of Sociology of the Czech Academy of Sciences.
We warmly congratulate Martin Reichard on this outstanding achievement and wish him continued success and many exciting scientific discoveries!
Source: Czech Academy of Sciences press release, 9 November 2026.
Photo: Jana Plavec, Czech Academy of Sciences.
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