The first KreativEU networking conference demonstrated the value of collaboration among universities, researchers, and students. High-quality discussions confirmed that KreativEU provides a platform where science, culture, and creativity converge, laying a promising foundation for future European cooperation.
The pilot networking conference KreativEU, entitled “New Trends in bioScience 3 – History, Tradition, and Innovative Approaches” was held at the Faculty of Science of the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice from October 6 to 8, 2025. The meeting attracted approximately 45 participants and 22 speakers from seven European countries, marking a significant milestone in the development of the KreativEU alliance.
The event was opened by Conference Chair Professor Ivana Kutá Smatanová, and welcome addresses were delivered by the Mayor of České Budějovice, Dagmar Škodová Parmová; USB Rector Professor Pavel Kozák; Vice-Rector for Research Associate Professor Luděk Berec; Dean of the Faculty of Science Professor František Vácha; and KreativEU consortium member at USB Ing. Lucie Jeroušková. Professor Silviu Miloiu from Valahia University of Târgoviște (Romania), a member of the KreativEU Steering Committee, represented the alliance and emphasized its vision of connecting European creativity, science, and cultural heritage through education and research collaboration.
The conference program reflected the interdisciplinary spirit of KreativEU, bridging together high science, applied research, and cultural heritage.
Lectures and discussions covered a wide range of topics:
“The Story of X-Rays Discovery” (Pavlína Řezáčová)
“Tracing the Origin of Notre Dame Timberwood” (Anna Imberty Schulz)
“Eco-Cultural Heritage” (Silviu Miloiu, Lucia Nováková, Dina Mateus)
Other distinguished international speakers included José A. Gavira-Gallardo, Sergio Martínez-Rodríguez, Jeroen R. Mesters, and Lars Redecke, whose contributions spanned fundamental research and applied science—from structural biology to materials analysis (Vít Stranák). The high level of presentations and lively discussions underscored both the depth and timeliness of the topics addressed, demonstrating how Europe’s historical and cultural roots inspire modern scientific innovation and sustainable development.
The poster session provided researchers with the opportunity to present and discuss their work in an informal, collegial atmosphere. The award for the best poster went to PhD candidate Antonín Pavelka from the Veterinary Research Institute in Brno for his contribution and clear presentation of applied scientific research possibilities. Moments spent outside the conference room—laboratory tours, informal discussions, a welcome reception, and a joint dinner—further strengthened professional and personal bonds among participants from various institutions and countries, fostering new collaborations and contacts.
The conference was made possible by the support of institutional partners and sponsors, including the University of South Bohemia, the KreativEU alliance, the Faculty of Science at USB, and supplier companies Avantor, Altium, and MTM, all of which recognized the importance of linking science with cultural and creative heritage. The successful organization was managed by the NT2025 team from the Structural Chemistry Laboratory at the Faculty of Science, USB, with invaluable support from the rectorate and faculty offices.
“It was a living laboratory of transdisciplinary dialogue—and I dare say, a kind of scientific love story between nature and culture. Thank you for your hospitality, your brilliance, and your commitment to making science not only rigorous but also beautifully human,” wrote Professor Silviu Miloiu from Valahia University of Târgoviște, a member of the KreativEU Steering Committee, in his letter of thanks.
The first KreativEU networking conference demonstrated how collaboration across disciplines and borders can advance scientific discoveries and cultural understanding. It laid a solid foundation for future KreativEU events and established České Budějovice as a lively hub of European scientific and cultural exchange.
The program and abstracts of all lectures and poster presentations were published in a special issue of the Bulletin of Czech and Slovak Crystallographic – MATERIALS STRUCTURE in Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Technology, vol. 31, issue 2a (2025), 21 pages (ISSN 1211-5894 print, ISSN 1805-4382 online).
Conference website: https://www.xray.cz/newtrends
