Year 6 student, Kryštof Sršeň, has just achieved recognition for scientific research not normally associated with secondary school students. He has been named in a research article in the peer-reviewed international journal, Plos One.

Scientific Research

The goal of the work was to make an analogue with an increased binding affinity for the IGF2 receptor and develop a method by which this affinity could be measured. In the long run, this could help scientists find cures for some types of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. 

Otevřena věda

Kryštof was working with far more experienced scientists on the Otevřena věda programme at Akademie věd ČR. Initially, he watched the other members of the team. But as the project continued, he became relatively independent. He performed all the steps involved in protein purification from bacteria, which produced the protein they used after being genetically modified. This summer he became more involved with the genetic modification itself. Apart from a range of laboratory techniques such as working with bacteria, gel electrophoresis and high pressure liquid chromatography, Kryštof learned how to write and understand scientific papers and protocols.

Conference Presentation

He said, “I enjoyed the fact that I got to meet so many new people studying the fields of biology and chemistry. I think that it’s such an amazing opportunity for a high school student. One of the highlights was when I participated in the judged student conference at the end of the year. I had to present all my research to a relatively large audience.

I would like to thank my supervisors, Lenka and Pavlo, as well as everyone else in the group, for making the whole experience so enjoyable.”

University

Kryštof joined the programme a couple of years ago at the suggestion of his then Science teacher. He was looking for ways to improve his university application. His name on a research paper will certainly have done that!

2020 ECP graduate, David Jehlička, has recently been featured in the media where he has been described as an ‘inspiring personality’. You can read the idnes.cz interview with David via this link and watch the interview he gave to DVTV here.

London School of Economics

After receiving the Lord Holme Prize for Service to the Community for an unprecedented two years’ running, David is now preparing to attend the prestigious London School of Economics. He will study for a three-year Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Political Science. David says that it was his time at the ECP that encouraged him to think about studying abroad.

British Ambassador’s Young Person of the Year

David also holds the title The British Ambassador’s Young Person of the Year. He received his award from the Ambasador and Eva Jiřicná at a ceremony at the British Embassy last year.

Barta Scholarship

David was only able to study at the ECP thanks to a Jan Barta Scholarship. Jan also graduated from the College, in 2004. After completing his studies at University College London, he has gone on to become a successful entrpreneur and investor. His projects include ePojisteni.cz, the largest online car insurance comparison website in the Czech Republic. Jan says of the ECP “It helped me develop vital skills I prize very highly, even more than the academic experience. These include staying constantly curious, the ability to reason and solve problems and being able to give something back.” In addition to helping David, Jan generously supports several other students financially. In the past three years, two former Barta Scholars have gained places at Oxford University.

Reciprocity

The late Lord Holme was ECPs first Chairman of Governors. He always encouraged our students to ‘put something back’. Jan Barta and David Jehlička are both great examples of this guiding principle, which is something that everyone at the English College strives to achieve.