Transferable Skills

Interview with a Brno PhD Talent Winner: On Genetics, Research, and Motivation with Josef Bryja

Text: Linda Nosková / Photo: Simona Polcarová

Research into rare genetic diseases can have a far-reaching impact—from a better understanding of organismal development to potential future therapies. But how does a young scientist get involved in such a topic, and what does participating in a prestigious competition like PhD Talent entail? We spoke with a doctoral student Josef Bryja jr., studying Robinow syndrome to find out.

From Immunology to Developmental Biology: A Young Scientist Studies a Rare Genetic Syndrome and Wins the Brno PhD Talent

His journey into this research area, however, was anything but straightforward. “I originally studied immunology, but I was always fascinated by how a single cell develops into an entire organism,” Josef explains. A chance conversation with his future supervisor, Peter Fabian, led him to shift his focus to developmental biology. Now, he uses zebrafish as a model organism to study disruptions in WNT5A signalling, which play a key role in the skeletal abnormalities seen in Robinow syndrome.

PhD Talent: A Challenge Worth Taking

Applying for the Brno PhD Talent competition was primarily an opportunity to gain experience in grant writing and go through a competitive selection process. “The competition had three rounds—the first checked the formal correctness of the proposal, the second evaluated its scientific quality, and the third involved a defence,” he recalls. The most challenging part was finalizing the written proposal, which was crucial in the first two rounds. Compared to that, presenting the project in the final stage felt much more straightforward. Preparation involved extensive literature research and long discussions with colleagues. In science, having a great idea isn’t enough—effectively communicating it is just as important. He was thrilled when he found out he had secured funding for three years: “It was amazing to see that our work has value and that we’re heading in the right direction.”

A Research Project with Future Impact

Robinow syndrome leads to skeletal deformities, particularly limb shortening and changes in head morphology. Understanding how WNT5A signalling affects bone development could be significant for fundamental biology and future gene therapy approaches. His project is still in its early stages, focusing on developing zebrafish lines with specific mutations to replicate the human disease. “The most exciting results are still ahead,” he says. Using model organisms like zebrafish allows researchers to observe developmental processes in real-time and uncover mechanisms that apply to human biology.

Science as a Passion and a Way of Life

What excites him most about research is the thrill of discovery. “Sometimes, science can be frustrating, but when an experiment works, it’s an incredible feeling—seeing something no one has seen before,” he shares. The biggest challenge? Many researchers struggle to find a balance between work and personal life.
His greatest inspiration comes from his father (prof. Josef Bryja), a biologist who introduced him to the wonders of nature. As for other young scientists considering competitions like PhD Talent, his advice is simple: “It’s a fantastic opportunity to gain experience in grant writing and competitive selection processes. And of course, the financial support is a nice bonus,” he adds with a smile.