Ing. Jaroslav Tupý, DrSc. (1929-2016) was an outstanding figure at the Institute of Experimental Botany of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IEB) and a top expert in several areas of plant biology.
His fundamental research focused on pollen molecular biology and rubber tree biochemistry, where his goal was to increase the production of latex as a raw material for rubber manufacturing.
In applied research, he achieved international prominence by breeding new apple varieties that are resistant to some serious diseases. Today, Dr. Tupý's breeding programme is being further developed in our institute by his successors at the Station of Apple Breeding for Disease Resistance.
The Jaroslav Tupý Endowment Fund (Nadační fond Jaroslava Tupého, or NFJT, in Czech) was established in 2018 to honour this exceptional scientist, his extremely productive lifelong work, his love of nature and plants, his modesty, humility and readiness to help others.
We think these qualities should be an inspiration to the emerging generations of scientists. Therefore, on behalf of Dr. Tupý, we would like to encourage them, support them in the implementation of their ideas, expand their knowledge as well as their study or work opportunities.
The impulse to establish the endowment fund was given by the business partners of our institute from the American company Varieties International LLC., who respected Dr. Tupý both professionally and personally.
The purpose of the Fund is:
- to support research in plant biology,
- promote international collaboration,
- encourage cooperation between the IEB and the private sector,
- expand public interest in nature,
- support solutions to social and environmental problems of the modern world.
The NFJT supports research related to plant biology through endowment contributions. Projects can be carried out at the IEB, in the commercial field, in the public service institutions or in the non-profit sector (e.g. scientific research institutions), both in Czechia and abroad.
If all conditions are met, endowment contributions will be granted to:
- Czech and foreign students cooperating with the IEB, who are studying in master's and doctoral degree programmes focused on plant biology or related research areas,
Czech and foreign, especially young, scientists working at the IEB.