Jáchym Sýkora

During my studies at the Christian Doppler Grammar School I took part in a project called "Cesta k vědě" - A Path to Science. It was provided in collaboration with Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering, CTU. This two-year project aimed to teach the basics of university-level mathematics and physics and give a taste of what scientific work in groups looks like. This started off my current career. Successes in competitions in mathematics and physics gave me confidence to apply to the University of Cambridge. The first attempt was unsuccessful and I spent one year studying physics at the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University in Prague. The second time I got lucky and was accepted by Peterhouse, University of Cambridge. With the support of the foundation I completed the Mathematical Tripos and received the Master of Mathematics degree. Now I work as a PhD student at the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research in Stuttgart where I focus on theory.