The National Institute for Research on the Socio-Economic Impact of Diseases and Systemic Risks (SYRI) will address mainly socially relevant topics. It brings together 150 scientists from three key Czech scientific institutions. According to the Deputy Minister for Science, Research and Innovation Štěpán Jurajda, the establishment of the Institute will lead to an increase in the scientific performance of Czech social sciences in international comparison. The institute brings together scientists from Masaryk University, Charles University and the Czech Academy of Sciences. It will deal with nine areas, funded by the National Renewal Plan.
Until now, scientific consortia in the Czech Republic have operated mainly on the basis of the natural sciences, while in the social sciences it is a novelty. The leader of the consortium is Masaryk University. According to its rector, Martin Bareš, SYRI is one of the most important pillars of the present. "Covid, the energy crisis, inflation and the war in Ukraine have affected everyone's lives for the third year in a row. Crises are always a burden, they bring stress and worry and have the ability to even affect the whole society. It is precisely at such times that science is the optimal tool to contribute to finding answers to questions, providing insights and offering solutions to prevent negative consequences in times of major crises. Science makes a major contribution to improving the resilience of society. That is why we are glad that the establishment of this National Institute has been made possible and that Masaryk University and its experts play an absolutely crucial role in its functioning," said Bareš.
Source: SYRI press release, photo by David Šmahel
