As the new head of one of the oldest learned societies in the Czech Republic, he aims to strengthen its role within the academic community, engage the younger generation, and address the challenges brought by the rapid development of artificial intelligence.

At the beginning of July, the Technical University of Liberec hosted the General Assembly of the Union of Czech Mathematicians and Physicists (JČMF). The organisation promotes the development of mathematics and physics, connects academia with primary and secondary schools, organises scientific conferences, seminars and competitions for pupils and students, and plays an important role in improving education and promoting both disciplines.

The 21st General Assembly was not only devoted to the election of the organisation's new leadership but also focused on discussions about the future challenges facing mathematics, physics, and Czech education in an era of rapid technological progress. The programme also included public lectures presenting mathematics as a discipline with tangible impacts on society and modern technologies.

During the Assembly, Professor Jiří Bouchala, Head of the Department of Applied Mathematics, was elected President of JČMF for the next four-year term. "Our priorities are to raise the profile of JČMF, secure more stable funding, involve more young people, and find ways to live and work with artificial intelligence. These are the key challenges ahead of us," Professor Bouchala summarised the priorities of the new leadership.

Professor Bouchala's research focuses primarily on mathematical and functional analysis, differential equations, mathematical modelling, and variational methods. Alongside his research and teaching activities, he has long been actively involved in promoting mathematics to the wider public. His election as President of the Union of Czech Mathematicians and Physicists represents significant recognition of his long-standing contributions to both research and education.