From polarographic revolution to quantum frontiers - six decades of scientific excellence
Nestled in Prague, a city steeped in history, lies a scientific institution whose work has fundamentally shaped our understanding of the molecular world. For sixty years, the J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry has been a quiet powerhouse where cutting-edge research bridges the gap between theoretical physics and practical chemistry.
From the revolutionary method of polarography that earned its founder a Nobel Prize to today's explorations into quantum computing and clean energy, the Institute has consistently punched above its weight. This is the story of how a single scientific discovery blossomed into six decades of innovation, nurturing brilliant minds and producing research that continues to impact our daily lives through advancements in medicine, environmental protection, and technology.
of scientific excellence and innovation
awarded to founder Jaroslav Heyrovský
The Institute's story begins not with a building, but with a brilliant mind—Professor Jaroslav Heyrovský. His invention of the polarographic method in the 1920s, which allowed scientists to analyze substances using a simple dropping mercury electrode, revolutionized analytical chemistry. This groundbreaking work earned him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1959, putting Czechoslovak science firmly on the global map 3 .
The institutional journey started in 1950 with the founding of the Institute of Polarography under Heyrovský's leadership. Just two years later, a parallel institution, the Institute of Physical Chemistry, was established with Professor Rudolf Brdička as director 3 .
For two decades, these sister institutes pursued complementary research paths, merging in 1972 to form the J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry.
Institute of Polarography founded under Heyrovský's leadership
Institute of Physical Chemistry established with Rudolf Brdička as director
Jaroslav Heyrovský awarded Nobel Prize in Chemistry
Merger of the two institutes creates unified research center
Move to new building in Prague 8 with state-of-the-art facilities
Significant reforms and international collaboration expansion
Focused on refining polarographic theory and expanding its analytical applications, while also branching into other electrochemical areas like power sources and processes relevant to biological membranes 3 .
Diversified into emerging fields such as mass spectrometry, quantum chemistry, polymer science, and molecular spectroscopy 3 .
Today, the Institute's research spans an impressive spectrum, united by the common goal of understanding and manipulating matter at its most fundamental level.
Developing apparatuses for preparing cold molecular ions to advance quantum computing performance 1 .
QUEENTECInnovative photocatalysts to remove antibiotics and hazardous substances from wastewater 1 .
NanomaterialsBiosensors for early detection of dangerous substances and diseases including cancer 1 .
AMULETAdvanced batteries and hydrogen electrolyzers for renewable energy infrastructure 1 .
ECO&Stor| Project Name | Research Focus | Key Innovation |
|---|---|---|
| QUEENTEC | Quantum engineering | Cold molecular ions for quantum computing |
| AMULET | Advanced materials | Biosensors and improved battery anodes |
| ECO&Stor | Energy conversion | Hydrogen production via electrolysis |
| SenDISo | Sensor technology | Advanced detection systems |
While the Institute's research spans diverse fields, one particularly illuminating example of its groundbreaking work comes from the intersection of electrochemistry and molecular biology—the study of DNA's electrochemical properties.
For over six decades, Professor Emil Paleček and his colleagues pursued a revolutionary idea: that nucleic acids, the fundamental molecules of life, could be studied using electrochemical techniques 4 . This research direction built directly on Heyrovský's polarographic method but applied it to biological macromolecules—a novel approach at the time.
Paleček's research produced several groundbreaking findings that transformed our understanding of nucleic acids:
| Discovery | Scientific Importance | Practical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| DNA electroactivity | Challenged prevailing views of DNA as inert | Enabled new analytical methods for genetics |
| Conformational sensitivity | Provided insights into DNA structure | Detection of DNA damage and mutations |
| Protein-DNA interactions | Revealed electrochemical signatures of binding | Study of gene regulation processes |
The impact of this research extends far beyond basic science. Today, the principles established by Paleček and his colleagues underpin modern biosensors for early disease detection, including the identification of cancer biomarkers 1 . This direct line from fundamental discovery to life-saving technology exemplifies the Heyrovský Institute's approach to science.
The sophisticated research conducted at the Heyrovský Institute relies on carefully selected materials and reagents, each serving specific functions in experimental setups.
| Material/Reagent | Primary Function | Application Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Mercury electrodes | Creating renewable electrode surfaces | Traditional polarography |
| Carbon electrodes | Studying biomolecule electrochemistry | DNA conformation analysis |
| Superfluid helium | Creating extremely low temperatures | Quantum technology research |
| Nanostructured silicon | Increasing battery capacity and longevity | Advanced lithium-ion batteries |
| Specialized photocatalysts | Initiating light-driven chemical reactions | Wastewater purification |
| Ionic liquids | Serving as advanced electrolytes | Various electrochemical applications |
| Bipolar plates | Facilitating efficient energy conversion | Hydrogen electrolyzers |
As the J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry looks toward the future, its mission remains as vital as ever. Current director Martin Hof emphasizes connecting scientific research with practical applications, ensuring that fundamental discoveries find their way to addressing real-world challenges 1 . The Institute continues to build on its storied legacy while embracing emerging fields like quantum technologies, advanced materials, and sustainable energy solutions.
From its origins in polarography to its current status as a multidisciplinary research powerhouse, the Institute has demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability. It has nurtured Nobel laureates, pioneered entirely new fields of study, and developed technologies that make our world cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable.
As it moves beyond its first sixty years, the J. Heyrovský Institute stands as a testament to the enduring power of curiosity-driven research paired with practical ingenuity—a place where the spark of a single idea continues to ignite discoveries that shape our future.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1950 | Institute of Polarography founded |
| 1959 | Jaroslav Heyrovský wins Nobel Prize |
| 1972 | Merger of two institutes |
| 1988 | Move to new building |
| 2007 | Status changed to public research institution |
| 2017 | Martin Hof elected director |