Lucie Ráčková’s journey into science was anything but conventional. Before building a remarkable career as a researcher - one that has taken her from Antarctic expeditions to analogue space missions - Lucie dedicated years of her life to the arts. As a high school student, she studied the violoncello and performed piano and flute both as a soloist and in symphonic orchestras. But as graduation approached, Lucie found herself at a crossroads.
"While I enjoyed music, I lacked the absolute dedication required to truly excel,” she recalls. “That realisation led me to explore other options.”
That decision ultimately led her to Masaryk University, where her passion for science began to take shape. Drawn to the combination of physical and sociocultural anthropology offered by the Faculty of Science in Brno, Lucie decided to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology. At the same time, she pursued a Bachelor's degree in Experimental Biology with a focus on anthropogenetics - the study of human evolution - and the more she discovered, the deeper her passion for science grew.
"Over time, I fell in love with science, the power of literacy, and the thrill of uncovering hidden patterns that explain complex phenomena in our world,” she says. “When I found myself working long hours, glued to the chair, reading about stress and working with my data, I realised science is what I want to do.”
Building a Career in Science: Lucie Ráčková on the Power of Education and International Collaboration
Lucie’s scientific journey is closely tied to the academic support and opportunities she received from Masaryk University. Reflecting on her time there, she describes it as a transformative period that laid the foundation for her career.
"Masaryk University has played a crucial role in shaping my career by providing a high-quality education and a strong knowledge base,” she explains. “The professors here are excellent, and the teaching standards are high, with a strong emphasis on mastering key subjects - something I truly appreciated.”
Beyond academic rigour, Masaryk University gave Lucie the flexibility and financial support to explore new directions in her career. “During my PhD, I had the freedom to pursue two internships and an intensive course abroad, which was essential for my professional growth,” she reflects. Access to funding opportunities allowed her to participate in these experiences, shaping her academic path according to her goals.
For international students considering a career in science, Lucie highly recommends Masaryk University and Czechia as a whole. “The academic environment is rigorous yet supportive, and there are many opportunities to engage in meaningful research and gain international experience,” she notes. And beyond academics, Brno itself adds to the appeal. “Brno is an amazing place to live, especially for students. I love it here so much.”
Unique Opportunities in Czech Science and Research
What makes Czechia stand out in the scientific field? According to Lucie, one of the most remarkable opportunities is the Czech Antarctic Research Programme, operated by Masaryk University, which provides an accessible yet highly prestigious platform for scientific exploration.
"This program offers an exceptional and affordable opportunity for students to conduct scientific research in one of the most extreme environments on Earth,” she says.
Beyond Antarctica, Czechia is home to a network of specialised research labs that span a wide range of disciplines. Lucie encourages prospective students to take a targeted approach when considering research in Czechia.
"I recommend identifying individual scientists in their field of interest, reviewing their publications, and contacting them directly. This is often the best way to find exciting research opportunities and potential collaborations."
The Power of International Collaboration
Lucie emphasises that international collaboration has been one of the defining pillars of her scientific career. Her experiences working with international teams in both academic and industrial settings have broadened her perspective and shaped her professional path.
"I have some great experiences working with amazing teams in both science and industry,” she reflects. “Some of my most valuable experiences came from actively seeking opportunities - applying for international internships, study programs, and interdisciplinary projects.”
A particularly transformative moment came when Lucie participated in the Space Studies Programme at the International Space University.
"I connected with researchers, engineers, and visionaries from every continent,” she recalls. “It was one of my career's most eye-opening and rewarding experiences.”
But Lucie is also honest about the challenges of working across different cultural and professional backgrounds. “Not everything is perfect,” she admits. “I’ve encountered some uncomfortable and unfortunate situations in international collaboration.”
However, the benefits far outweigh the setbacks. “When people from different backgrounds come together, push boundaries, and build something greater than the sum of their parts - that’s what makes international collaboration not just important, but truly inspiring and rewarding.”
Lucie’s career reflects the value of combining strong academic foundations with international experience. Her story underscores the strength of Czech science and the role of institutions like Masaryk University in equipping students with the tools to succeed on a global scale.
A Career Crossroads: The Postdoctoral Dilemma for Women in Science
One of the most revealing insights Lucie shared reflects the deep structural challenges facing young women in science, especially during the postdoctoral stage. The postdoc period is often positioned as a crucial proving ground for early-career scientists. Still, it comes with a unique and complex set of pressures beyond academic performance for women.
"At an age when many women are naturally considering having children, they are simultaneously expected to spend one or two years abroad, often with minimal financial security,” she explains.
Lucie clarified that the requirement to complete a postdoc abroad applies primarily to those who completed their education in Czechia - which can differ from an international student's experience. Those who have completed a postdoc overseas are in a much stronger position to secure future grants and establish stable academic careers. This expectation places additional pressure on early-career scientists, particularly women who might be balancing professional advancement with family planning.
"PhD students in Czechia are usually paid close to a minimum wage, part of which is a stipend, meaning it doesn’t contribute towards maternity leave,” Lucie points out. This leaves female scientists facing financial insecurity and limited institutional support at precisely the moment they might want to start a family.
Lucie underscores that this isn’t just a women’s issue - it’s a threat to the long-term health of the Czech scientific community. “If we want Czechia to not only have a healthy birthrate but also a successful scientific community, something needs to change,” she states.
Advice for Young Women in Science
Despite these challenges, Lucie remains optimistic and determined to help others succeed. Her advice for young women considering a career in science is both practical and inspiring:
- Dream big and explore your passions - “You don’t need to have all the answers right away. What’s important is never telling yourself that something is beyond your reach.
- Protect your work and set boundaries - “Ensure your contributions are recognised and valued. No experience is valuable unless it results in a publication, a funded research position, or a formal project role.”
- Stand up against misconduct - “If you witness bullying, discrimination, or scientific misconduct, don’t ignore it. Support those affected and hold institutions accountable.”
"Success in science - or any field - is not about being naturally gifted but about perseverance, continuous learning, and determination,” Lucie emphasises. “Nobody is born a great scientist - it takes years of practice and experience.”
Balancing Science and Life: A Glimpse into Lucie’s World
Lucie’s life is a balancing act between her professional ambitions, scientific research, and personal life, and she’s found a routine that works for her. Her day typically starts early with a walk with her dog or a gym session to get energised for the challenges ahead. After that, she headed to work at Honeywell, holding a scientific position in the industry.
"My time is spent problem-solving, collaborating with talented colleagues, and contributing to innovative projects,” she says. “Even though my day job is demanding, I still make time for my passion for research. In the evening, I dedicate time to advancing my scientific ideas, either studying, writing, or working on projects at the university.”
Balancing a demanding full-time job with scientific research is no small task, but Lucie credits her success to a strong support system. “I’m fortunate to have an amazing fiancé who is incredibly supportive of both my professional and personal goals. He plays an essential role in helping me stay focused and energised - whether it’s keeping me fed, providing feedback on my work, or offering emotional support during challenging times,” she reflects.
Despite her busy schedule, Lucie makes time to unwind. She loves climbing, weight training, running, swimming, and taking long walks with her dog. Evenings are often spent watching her favourite TV shows (The Office, Rick and Morty, and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia) or playing video games like Kingdom Come or Baldur’s Gate.
"What really recharges me is getting outside for an adventure, particularly in the mountains, and then unwinding in a sauna to reflect and relax,” she shares. “But honestly, when I’m truly exhausted, you’ll probably find me on the couch, eating potato chips, and scrolling through Instagram! It’s all about balance.”
Looking to the Future
Lucie’s future is just as ambitious as her present. She works at Honeywell on an exciting project focused on human-automation teaming to develop a digital co-pilot for aviation.
"It’s a fascinating field, and I’m thrilled to be part of a team shaping the future of aviation technology,” Lucie says.
At the same time, Lucie remains committed to her passion for space exploration and scientific research. She maintains a small employment position at the Faculty of Medicine and has submitted several research proposals while working on multiple papers.
But Lucie’s biggest dream remains in the stars. “I still nurture my ambition to become an astronaut,” she says. “I’m seeking new experiences and skills to help me prepare for that. I’m excited for what the future holds and am keeping my focus on the opportunities that may come my way - both in space exploration and scientific research.”
Her story reflects a rare blend of focus, adaptability, and perseverance. Lucie's drive to explore and uncover new frontiers remains as strong as ever, whether in the lab, in the sky, or beyond the Earth’s atmosphere.