A leading Czech scientist has been honoured for his
decades-long contribution to international scientific conferences, with a
career that began with “the stage fright of a beginner”.
Jiří Drahoš received the award for Long-Term Contribution to
the Meetings Industry at the Prague Convention Bureau’s Ambassador Awards
Evening at the Residence of the Mayor of Prague
Reflecting on his career-spanning affiliation with the International Congress of Chemical and Process Engineering (CHISA), Drahoš said: “In the 1970s,
I presented my first scientific results with the stage fright of a beginner, from the 1990s I
worked on the scientific committee of the congress and at the turn of the
millennium I was elected its chairman. For fifty years, my career in science and management has been
associated with the congress."
He added: "I am very pleased with the award I have received – in
this context, I would like to underline that the congress with a
sixty-five-year history owes for the persistent interest of participants not
only to the genius loci of Prague, but also to the excellent organising and
programming team.”
Drahoš is an expert in multiphase chemical reactors and has
played a significant role in promoting the Czech Republic as a destination for
major scientific events.
He is a former president of the European Federation of
Chemical Engineering (EFCE) and has served as First Vice-President of the Czech
Senate since 2022.
Organisers said his work had been instrumental in
strengthening Prague’s reputation as a centre for science and research. His
efforts also contributed to the city securing the World Congress of Chemical
Engineering, which is scheduled to take place in 2029.
The Ambassador Awards, now in their 15th year, recognise
individuals who help bring major international congresses and events to the
Czech capital.
The ceremony was held under the auspices of Prague’s mayor,
Bohuslav Svoboda.
Roman Muška, director of the Prague Convention Bureau, said
the awards highlighted the wider benefits of hosting professional events. He
said such gatherings, “contribute not only to the international prestige of the
metropolis, but also to the further development of individual fields”.
The awards ceremony also recognised other individuals and events
held in 2025, ranging from medical congresses to large-scale corporate
celebrations
However, it was Drahoš’s lifelong association with CHISA —
spanning half a century — that stood out as a defining contribution to both his
field and the city’s international standing.
Congress of the Year 2025
- Pavel
Těšínský
- Led
the 47th ESPEN Congress on Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism
- Attracted
nearly 4,800 international experts and supported research and education in
healthcare
Congress of the Year 2025 (up to 500 participants)
- David
Cibula
- Organised
SAGO 2025 (State of the Art in Gynaecological Oncology)
- Combined
cutting-edge science with practical demonstrations and introduced short
fitness breaks
Candidacy of the
Year 2025
- David
Jilich and Robert Hejzák
- Secured
Prague’s shortlist position to host the European AIDS Clinical Society
(EACS) Conference 2027
- Event
expected to bring around 3,500 participants
Corporate Event of the Year 2025
- Miloslav
Tuček
- Delivered
Česká spořitelna’s 200th anniversary celebration at O2 arena
- Hosted
around 14,000 attendees with a strong focus on sustainability
Inspiration of the Year 2025
- Jiří
Nehasil
- Organised
Makro Czech Gastro Fest 2025
- Highlighted
gastronomy’s role in public health, including school and hospital catering
initiatives
Written By
James Lancaster
AMI editor James
Lancaster is a familiar face in the meetings industry and international
association community. Since joining AMI in 2010, he has gained a reputation
for asking difficult questions and getting lost in convention centres. Proofer, podcaster, and panellist - in his spare time, James likes to walk,
read, listen to music, and drink beer.
