PARTICIPANTS 2026.

Martina is a project manager at the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung in Prague, where she organises policy events on security, democracy and support for Ukraine. I work with politicians, experts and journalists. In 2023, I completed an internship in the German Bundestag through the International Parliamentary Scholarship programme. My academic background is in strategic communication and German-Czech studies, with a focus on political communication. Outside of work, my main passion and community is swing dancing, which I teach weekly in Prague and which often takes me to festivals across Europe.

Sára started her career at T-Mobile while still a student, joining the company as a trainee in the Security Awareness team. After completing her master’s degree in Criminology and Forensic Sciences, she was promoted to her current role as an Information Security Specialist, focusing primarily on risk management and business continuity. Working within a company that is part of the country’s critical infrastructure has strengthened her interest in broader security challenges and their societal impact. Her high school background in architecture shaped the way she approaches complex problems, which has been useful in the field of information security. Sára also continuously expands her knowledge in cybersecurity, so that she can contribute to raising public awareness about online safety.

Elise is 29 years old. She completed a Bachelor’s degree in Renewable Energies and a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, which strengthened her interest in how energy systems function and evolve. During her studies, she was involved in academic committees, research projects at the Institute for Technical Energy Systems, and an international DAAD-funded summer school in Kyrgyzstan, where she gained deeper insights into global energy topics. Over the years, she worked in a range of university research environments, from electromobility to vertical farming and materials science, which exposed her to different technological perspectives. She also spent time in science communication and education, adding a more societal and public dimension to her academic work. Since joining 50Hertz in Energy Data Management, she has been contributing to the development of a national data platform for energy‐market processes. Altogether, these experiences developed her long‐standing interest in the energy sector, particularly in the international links between energy technology and political relationships. She is looking forward to expand her perspectives with the opportunity of participating in the CGYPP.

Michaela is a science manager with a background in political and cultural studies. Her main professional interests include science diplomacy and communication, enhancing political education and fostering multiregional cooperation in politics and science. She is experienced in international research coordination, EU funding consulting, and multilateral network management. Michaela currently works as a project manager at the Scientific Coordination Office Bavaria-Québec/Alberta/International, where she coordinates a multiregional research network on high technologies and supports a bilateral initiative on 5G between Bavaria and the Czech Republic. Alongside this role, she gained further experience through a traineeship at the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities, focusing on funding application support and the coordination of the scholarship program for early-career researchers. Michaela holds a master’s degree in Intercultural European Studies from the University of Regensburg and Université Clermont-Auvergne in France and a bachelor’s degree in Political Sciences from LMU Munich.

Lada heads the Press Department of the Czech Senate, she has worked in the upper chamber of the Parliament for 4 years. She currently works with the media in the state administration, she also has experience with press and PR in the non-profit sector and public diplomacy – at the European Union level from the European Parliament and in the multilateral environment from the United Nations. She has supported values such as human rights, respect or democratic principles in several countries: Austria, Belgium, Brazil, the Netherlands or Spain. She is a graduate of the University of Economics. Things to remember about her: she loves running, hiking, food, she can´t function without humor. Her lifelong challenge is to learn to relax.

Jan holds a Master’s degree in Political Science from Charles University in Prague and also completed a semester abroad at the University of Trento in Italy. He currently works as a Consultant at CEC Group, where he supports the team on various projects, primarily focusing on e-commerce and healthcare. Jan first joined the firm in 2022 as an intern and, following a period abroad, returned to his current role in 2024. Alongside his consulting work, he is responsible for communication matters and the support of internal processes within the company. Prior to joining CEC, Jan worked as an Editor in the media sector and as an Account Specialist in Public Relations, specializing in media and crisis communications. Jan lives in Prague and his interests include sports, music, fine arts, culture, and photography.

Vojtěch is a structural engineer in the space industry and the Head of Strategic Communications at Koridor UA, an NGO delivering humanitarian aid in south-east Ukraine. He holds a Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, with technical expertise spanning mechanical design, structural analysis, and systems engineering. At Koridor UA, his work centers on partnerships, project coordination, and team leadership, driving initiatives focused on civilian resilience and knowledge transfer from Ukraine to the Czech Republic. His team is currently developing projects that aim to strengthen domestic resilience through accessible, low-tech solutions.

Monika works at the Government Office of the Czech Republic as an EU Policy Officer, coordinating the preparation of national positions for European Council meetings and contributing to materials on EU topics for key decision-makers and
politicians. She has experience across the public, non-profit, and private sectors, with all her roles focused on managing international projects in current affairs, civic engagement, and education. Her academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in Area Studies from Charles University in Prague, a master’s degree in Latin American Studies from the University of Hradec Králové, and three years of study in Economics and German Law at the University of Saarland. Her experiences of living and studying not only in Germany, but also in Spain and Uruguay, have shaped her worldview, deepened her interest in global issues, and strengthened her ability to navigate diverse perspectives in a multicultural
environment.

Sophie is a Belgian-born strategic insights consultant. An engineer by training, she holds a PhD in consumer psychology and behavioural science from Erasmus University Rotterdam. She brings over a decade of experience advising senior decision-makers in highly regulated, multi-stakeholder environments on innovation, positioning, and strategy. In her political work, she focuses on enabling behaviour change in organisations and shaping effective narratives, with a particular interest in language effects, identity formation, and cross-cultural communication. Prior to settling in Germany, she lived and worked in Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands, the US and the UK. Her interest in Central Europe and its role in European security is also personal, as her mother was born in Most, in what is now the Czech Republic. She has two sons and lives in Berlin Charlottenburg.

Ella is a Criminal Investigator with the Berlin Police, focusing on complex cases related to organized crime and evolving security threats. In parallel, she advises organizations and public institutions on crisis preparedness, threat prevention, and strategic resilience. She actively contributes to security policy dialogue and moderates discussions on democratic resilience and governance in times of crisis. Having grown up near the Czech border, she developed a lasting interest in cross-border cooperation and regional security in Central Europe.

Jaromír currently works as a permanent correspondent for the Czech News Agency (ČTK) in Germany. He has held various positions at ČTK over the past twelve years. He studied German and history at the Faculty of Education and Czech-German Studies at the Faculty of Social Sciences at Charles University in Prague. During his studies, he spent time at universities in Heidelberg, Vienna, Düsseldorf, and Regensburg as part of various scholarship programs. In 2013, he participated in the International Parliamentary Scholarship (IPS) of the German Bundestag. Outside of work, Jaromír enjoys learning foreign languages, traveling, and playing sports.

Taťána is a Political Adviser at the Royal Danish Embassy in Prague. In her role, she supports the Ambassador and Deputy Head of Mission in political reporting and analysis, focusing on foreign and security policy, EU affairs, migration and the green transition, contributing to the strengthening of Danish-Czech bilateral cooperation. She also monitors political and societal developments across the Czech Republic. During the Danish EU Presidency in 2025, Tatana helped to implement a wide range of activities to advance the Presidency’s priorities and also served as liaison officer to the Czech Prime Minister’s delegation at the informal European Council meeting in Copenhagen, an experience she particularly valued. She has experience in the non-governmental sector, having served as Head of the Danish Section at the Scandinavian House, an institute promoting Nordic culture in the Czech Republic. Tatana holds an M.A. in English and American Studies and Scandinavian Studies (Danish) from Charles University in Prague, with additional academic experience at Aarhus University. She enjoys meeting inspiring people, learning new skills and embracing opportunities in personal growth. Outside of work, Tatana loves spending time with her husband and two children, particularly hiking and skiing or engaging in other outdoor activities.

Zuzana is a project manager at the Technical University of Applied Sciences Amberg-Weiden, where she connects students, institutions, and communities through international projects and educational excursions. She earned her Master’s degree in Gender Studies from Charles University in Prague and expanded her academic experience at the University of Salford and the University of Regensburg. As a freelancer, she works on inclusive international projects across Europe and contributed as a workshop leader to the Youth4Peace Project in Berlin on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Her professional background includes serving as Head of Museum Education at the History Park Bärnau-Tachov and working as a research assistant at the Flossenbürg Concentration Camp Memorial.