Two scientists have received a special Neuron Prize for the fight against viruses. Jakub Havrlant is among their patrons

Epidemiologist Karel Raška, who contributed to the worldwide eradication of the smallpox virus, received the prize in memoriam at a gala evening at the National Opera in Prague, and the second prizewinner became virologist Tomáš Cihlář, who participated in development of the Remdesivir drug at Gilead, a US company. Remdesivir is an experimental drug that is being used to treat people experiencing severe Covid-19 symptoms, and is currently the most effective weapon against the coronavirus pandemic.

Thanks in part to the fund’s patrons, Cihlář took away a financial award of CZK 1.5 million, part of which he decided to donate to science to support young scientists, especially in the area of combating infectious diseases. “I started supporting the Neuron Endowment Fund because it helps create better conditions for Czech scientists and discover new talents. That’s why I am now so proud that we could give this prize to two exceptional professionals who through their work have helped millions of people around the world, and in these difficult times have proven that Czech science is among the best in the world,” says Jakub Havrlant in explaining why he started supporting Czech science.