The Veterinary Research Institute (VRI), together with the Institute for State Control of Veterinary Biologicals and Medicines, took part in the event “Strakovka Is Alive with Agriculture”, held on 30 May 2026 in the ceremonial garden of the Straka Academy in Prague. The event offered the general public a unique opportunity to learn about the activities of organisations operating within the agricultural sector and to better understand their importance for everyday life, animal health, food safety, and public health protection. At the joint booth of VRI and ISCVBM, visitors learned about the work of both institutions, their areas of expertise, and the practical importance of veterinary research and the control of veterinary medicines. Fun quizzes and educational outreach activities were also prepared for the public. A key moment of VRI’s participation was a meeting with the highest political leadership of the Czech Republic. VRI representatives had the opportunity to briefly speak with Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, Deputy Prime Minister Karel Havlíček, and Minister of Agriculture Martin Šebestyán. During these meetings, they presented the work of VRI, its areas of expertise, achieved results, and its long-standing excellent evaluation as a departmental research institution. . “It was a highly valuable opportunity for us to show that veterinary research is not detached from everyday life. We greatly appreciate the chance to present the work of our Institute not only to the public, but also to the highest state representatives,” said Mgr. Magdaléna Crhánová, Ph.D. During the event, a number of informal meetings took place with members of other research institutes, universities, and organisations operating in the fields of agriculture, food production, and veterinary medicine. VRI representatives also spoke with the Food Ombudsman, Jindřich Fialka. The participation of VRI in the event received a very positive response from both the public and representatives of the state administration. Visitors particularly appreciated the clear presentation of the Institute’s work, the opportunity to take part in interactive activities, and the chance to learn more about how veterinary research contributes to animal health, food safety, and the protection of human health. The “Strakovka Is Alive with Agriculture” event confirmed the importance of science popularisation and open communication between research institutions, public administration, and the general public. For VRI, it was also an opportunity to highlight that cutting-edge applied research has a well-established position within the Czech agriculture, veteri nary medicine, and public health systems.
