USTAV FYZIKALNI CHEMIE J. HEYROVSKEHO AV CR, v. v. i.

Their core work

The J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry is a leading Czech Academy of Sciences institute specializing in physical chemistry, electrochemistry, and surface science. Their work spans from fundamental molecular-level research — mass spectrometry, ion-molecule reactions, spin dynamics in magnetic nanostructures — to applied domains like electrochemical conversion of renewable energy into fuels and irradiation-driven nanofabrication. They are particularly strong in catalysis, nanocatalysis, and advanced microscopy techniques, and have invested significantly in building institutional research capacity through an ERA Chair program worth nearly €2.5M.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In their early H2020 period (2015–2018), the institute focused on analytical chemistry techniques — particularly mass spectrometry and ion-molecule reactions — alongside 2D materials (graphene) and magnetic nanostructures. From 2019 onward, a clear shift emerged toward energy conversion (solar fuels, electrochemistry, circular economy), nanofabrication, and advanced imaging. The ERA Chair award in 2018 signaled a deliberate institutional pivot toward catalysis and nanocatalysis as core strategic priorities.

The institute is consolidating around electrochemistry, catalysis, and nanoscale imaging — positioning itself as a physical chemistry hub for sustainable energy and advanced materials characterization.

How they like to work

Primarily a consortium participant (11 of 14 projects), though capable of leading when the topic aligns with core strengths — they coordinated ELCOREL on electrochemical conversion and secured the prestigious ERA Chair. With 270 unique partners across 28 countries, they operate as a well-connected node in European research networks rather than a tight-knit repeat-partner group. This breadth suggests they are easy to integrate into new consortia and bring credibility to proposals.

Extensive European network spanning 270 unique consortium partners across 28 countries, reflecting broad integration into the EU research landscape. Their participation in flagship programs (Graphene Flagship) and infrastructure coordination actions gives them connections well beyond the Czech research community.

What sets them apart

As part of the Czech Academy of Sciences, this institute carries the legacy of Jaroslav Heyrovský — the only Czech Nobel laureate in chemistry — and remains one of Central Europe's strongest physical chemistry labs. Their rare combination of fundamental molecular science with applied electrochemistry and nanofabrication makes them a versatile partner who can contribute both deep theoretical understanding and experimental capability. The ERA Chair investment demonstrates institutional ambition to grow beyond traditional strengths into catalysis and sustainable energy.

Highlights from their portfolio

• J. Heyrovsky Chair
  Largest project at €2.48M — an ERA Chair award signaling EU recognition of the institute's potential and a strategic institutional transformation toward catalysis.
• ELCOREL
  Coordinated this MSCA training network on converting renewable electricity into fuels, placing the institute at the center of a European doctoral training effort.
• ONEM
  Their most recent and second-largest project (€885K) on optical near-field electron microscopy, representing their push into advanced imaging at the intersection of optics and electrochemistry.