People of Brnoregion Microscopy: Tomáš Vystavěl

How did you become involved with BrnoRegion Microscopy?

Curiosity has always been my guide — from my time in academia to returning to the Czech Republic after a decade abroad, when in 2005 I joined the local Thermo Fisher Scientific. Working in the heart of Brno’s electron microscopy hub, it was almost inevitable that I would connect with the Brnoregion Microscopy community. What began as occasional contact through technical projects soon grew into deeper involvement in educational activities and shared initiatives. Over the years, I’ve enjoyed bringing an industrial perspective into this exceptional network — and learning just as much from it in return.

What role do you play in the community?

I’m part of the Education Action Group, working with Jiří Nováček, Petr Mikulík, and Miroslav Kolíbal. From an industrial perspective, I coordinate a series of lectures at major Brno universities, and one of the most important achievements has been the launch of a specialized master’s degree course in Microscopy, where we contribute directly from industry. I also help create new lectures that bring business insights to technical academia, support activities for the public and students, and take part in the Ambassadors Program for commercialization — helping scientists with brilliant ideas navigate the often-complex journey from the lab to the market.

What benefits does it bring to you?

This community is a constant source of energy and ideas. It’s inspiring to meet people who share the same passion, to see how knowledge grows when it’s exchanged, and to watch collaborations speed up innovation. It’s a reminder that even the most groundbreaking work is rarely the result of a single person — progress comes when we work together.

Do you have any message for the community?

Some of the best ideas start as small sparks, shared in the right place at the right time. Our community brings together people from many backgrounds — industry, academia, competitors, experienced scientists, engineers, and students. We don’t always see things the same way but find ways to work it out. We turn sparks into real innovations by staying curious, sharing experiences, and building on each other’s strengths. And there’s real joy in seeing how our combined efforts shape the future.