Charles University launches the Kellner Research Chair Programme

In its first round, the programme will offer two promising researchers the opportunity to spend up to five years at Charles University, with support for building their own research team and access to the facilities and expertise of one of Central Europe’s leading research universities. 

The Kellner Research Chair is open to researchers of all nationalities and disciplines who have already demonstrated international excellence and are ready to take their research careers to the next level. The programme is aimed at researchers who are between three and twelve years post-PhD and are capable of independently leading ambitious research projects and building their own research teams. The first three years of their work will be supported by The Kellner Family Foundation with CZK 8 million, followed by two further years co-funded by the host faculty. 

The programme aims to bring a new generation of international research leaders to Charles University, support the arrival of researchers from abroad as well as the return of Czech research talents working overseas, and create an environment in which outstanding research with a long-term impact on society can flourish. 

I believe that the launch of the first round of the Kellner Research Chair Programme will attract the attention of leading researchers abroad and encourage them to join the Czech academic community. Through this programme, we can offer them conditions that are competitive on an international scale and enable them to pursue excellent research at Charles University.

Tereza Bůžková

Applications can be submitted from 10 September to 9 November 2026 via the online form on the programme website. The selected laureates will begin their work at Charles University during 2027. 

“The Kellner Research Chair Programme builds on our successful Primus programme, but focuses on more experienced and internationally established researchers. We want to attract top researchers from abroad to Charles University while also supporting the return of Czech research talent. Our ambition is not only to attract outstanding individuals, but to create the conditions for them to build new research teams here and make a long-term contribution to the development of Charles University and Czech science. That is why we are also focusing on the practical aspects of their arrival, including relocation and family support. Our partnership with The Kellner Family Foundation shows that we can compete for the best research talents with leading institutions abroad,” says Assoc. Prof. Martin Vlach, Vice-Rector for Engagement and Societal Impact of Charles University. 

The Kellner Research Chair is the first Charles University programme supporting research excellence to be funded on such a scale through private philanthropic resources. It was established through a partnership between The Kellner Family Foundation, which provides the funding, Charles University and the Charles University Endowment Fund. The Foundation’s total contribution to the programme may reach up to CZK 48 million. 

“I believe that the launch of the first round of the Kellner Research Chair Programme will attract the attention of leading researchers abroad and encourage them to join the Czech academic community. Through this programme, we can offer them conditions that are competitive on an international scale and enable them to pursue excellent research at Charles University,” adds Tereza Bůžková, Executive Director of The Kellner Family Foundation. 

“Strong universities around the world are built not only on outstanding researchers, but also on the long-term support of philanthropists who want to invest in education and research. We believe that the Kellner Research Chair Programme will demonstrate that partnerships of this kind can also help advance Czech science,” adds Tomáš Vokáč, Director of the Charles University Endowment Fund.