What has been, but more importantly, what will be: On society and science.

In many ways, 2022 was a turning point for me personally, but also for the whole world. From my perspective, it was an incredibly short year, or rather, it was filled with so many events that you could spread them out over several years. It was as if a pandemic had ended in the world and been replaced by a war, prices for almost everything skyrocketed and there were more "disaster" reports than is reasonable. Personally, I'm lucky enough to surround myself with people who keep their heads up, try to take things as they are and don't spread negativity.

I am grateful for 2022, it is a year in which I have received a number of new work opportunities, started new projects with dear people and friends. I was able to submit my dissertation, visited many countries and fulfilled my dream of a helicopter flight over the most beautiful island in Hawaii. I am happy about all the good and the bad, I appreciate everything and I wouldn't change anything that I could influence.

I also see 2022 as a year that will open new doors for science and research. Strange as it may sound, the global challenges we have faced and continue to face are driving the emergence of new ideas and the creation of effective solutions. We need to look at new sources of energy, new technologies for the sustainability of natural resources, medicines and protective equipment, food and much more. I see great potential in science for solving many difficult challenges, but at the same time it needs to be supported by society, which in 2022 is unfortunately quite "saturated" with solving individual problems.

Now that we have entered a new year, 2023, society needs to "shake things up" and start creating new values - personal values, but also values for society as a whole. I have started by defending my many years of work and obtaining my doctorate. This is my personal value, but at the same time I see it as an obligation to people, to society. I want to pass on my knowledge and experience and also make a contribution where it is needed. The year 2023 will certainly bring more uncertainties, but I am sure that this will be offset by the opening up of new opportunities and the restoration of previous functional and natural processes. But no one can rely on good things coming by themselves. They won't.

Science will not have it easy in 2023. There are too many question marks and problems to solve. Will there be enough funding for science and research? Will we be able to solve problems quickly and efficiently enough? Will society be ready for the necessary changes? Will people be willing to trust scientists? I am in the process of finding solutions to the problems hidden in these questions, but as I have already mentioned, this requires co-operation - between scientists, society, individuals and leaders. Let's all try to get involved in solving the pressing problems in 2023 as things unfold! Let's try not to follow negative news, not to judge based on incomplete and irrelevant information, let's try to explore new opportunities and places, let's trust our judgement and not manipulative information, let's focus on our family and friends and limit our thinking to our enemies. Let's try to find meaning in what we do, and if we don't find it, let's change it!

Change, that is what will be important in 2023. We have to change a lot and I will start focussing more than before on solving the major problems and not the trivial ones. From 2023, I expect new challenges, a lot of work, a gradual stabilisation of the socio-economic situation, fewer conflicts and a return of optimism.

For me, 2023 will simply be WORK. I started too much last year to let up this year. Sitting on the couch and watching TV is just not for me, so I'm going to put my energy (that I have so far) into developing myself, science and society. I want to be involved in new projects that deal with environmental issues, work on the development and commercialisation of nanomaterials, do more to popularise science, continue the development of a big project I started with a close friend, and also do a bit more "family work" (whatever you mean by that :)

When I write it like that, it really is a lot. I've never set small goals for myself, and that's probably why I'm doing pretty well (and I'm not afraid to write that). I realised a long time ago that achieving something doesn't necessarily depend on intelligence or the ability to make world-class inventions. Sometimes you "just" have to put in enough time to achieve your goal, have a clear vision and stick to it, surround yourself with the right and positive people and "know how to talk" (you know me, I like to talk :)

In 2023, it's important to make clear choices, solve social problems, embrace failure as the next task, dedicate yourself to work, friends and family and not dwell on problems for which there is no solution... because we can't afford to waste time!

I really want everyone to have the chance to create something good that they believe in and contribute to society. I believe in science, in the people around me and in what I do. What (who) do you believe in?

Karel Havlíček, OTŽP