Homines scientiarum IV - Třicet příběhů české vědy a filosofie + DVD – Grygarová Dominika (2016)

The fourth volume presents personalities from the fields of biology and biochemistry. Biologist, physician, and immunologist Milan Hašek (1925–1984) is introduced by his younger colleagues Juraj Iványi and Jan Svoboda, who recount his theory of immunological tolerance and the ideologization of genetics in the 1950s. Karel Raška Jr. (*1939), a physician, molecular virologist, geneticist, immunologist, and immunopathologist based in the USA, shares memories of his famous father, epidemiologist Karel Raška (1909–1987), as well as his own life and scientific experiences. Biologist and virologist Jan Svoboda (born 1931) reflects on issues of education and democracy, while also recalling his discoveries in cellular and viral genetics – he notably contributed to elucidating the life cycle of retroviruses (e.g., leukemia, HIV). Microbiologist and molecular geneticist Helena Kopecká (born 1931) discusses her work in exile in both cultural and scientific fields – for example, she participated in the eradication of polio worldwide. Biochemist and physiologist Helena Illnerová (born 1937), the first female chairperson of the Czech Academy of Sciences, addresses not only her scientific topic of biological clocks in organisms but also the equally important issue of pedagogical activity. Biochemist Eva Zažímalová (born 1955)…