On 6 October 2010 the Forum Science Is Alive! organised a panel discussion “Research and Innovations: Allies or Rivals?” with panellists representing the innovation industry, academic research, specialists in the Czech entrepreneurial environment and foreign experts dealing with research, development and innovations assessment.
Video record of the panel discussion is available at:
http://www.primyprenos.cz/detail.php?zaznam=1007&year=2010
A more detailed summary of the debate is attached to this report. Summary conclusions of the discussion are:

6 October 2010 – The Civic Association Forum Science Is Alive! organised a panel discussion with representatives of innovation industry, academic research, specialists in the Czech entrepreneurial environment and foreign experts in research, development and innovations assessment. “I believe that research quality must be assessed according to globally recognised criteria, and it should not be otherwise in the case of innovations supported with public funds.

On Monday 3 May 2010 the cabinet of the Czech Republic was, finally, to debate the new composition of the Council for Research, Development and Innovation (CRDI). According to the portal Aktuálně.cz Minister of Education Kopicová, however, initiated a withdrawal of this item from the agenda. The reason for her intervention was allegedly the insufficient involvement of industry representatives in this advisory body to the government.

“SCIENCE IN SOCIETY – WILL CZECH SCIENCE SURVIVE THE 2010 ELECTIONS?”
You can get an answer to this question at a discussion afternoon of the same title, dedicated to the perspectives of Czech science, organised by civic society Forum Science Is Alive! In a unique format of a panel discussion followed by “speed” dates one-on-one, representatives of political parties and prominent Czech scientists will discuss in the presence of the general public. The event will be held on Saturday, 24 April 2010 at 15:00 at the Archa Theatre.