About Dr. Rafael Navrátil

During his BSc. and MSc. studies at the University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Rafael’s research focused on the chemistry of small reactive intermediates. As a Ph.D. student at Charles University in Professor Roithová’s research group, Rafael developed novel experimental techniques based on mass spectrometry and ion spectroscopy and applied them to study the photochemistry of ions, reactive intermediates, transition metal complexes, and reaction mechanisms. After graduating in 2019, Rafael was awarded an Experientia postdoctoral fellowship and moved to Scripps Research in La Jolla, California, USA. At Professor Phil Baran’s group, Rafael pursued research in electrochemical functionalization of unactivated C(sp³)–H bonds, including oxidation, fluorination and borylation. In 2021, Rafael returned to Charles University, where he joined Dr. Baszczynski’s reseach group. Most recently, his research has focused on the medicinal chemistry of antifungal compounds and on the development of innovative C–P and C–C cross-coupling reactions.

In 2023, Rafael was awarded a Junior star grant (24.5 million CZK/1 million EUR) of the Czech Science Foundation (GACR). This grant has enabled him to start an independent research group at Charles University. As a principal investigator, his current research focuses on the development of innovative synthetic methodologies based on transition-metal catalysis and electrochemistry with a high potential for applications in accelerated, cost- and labor-effective drug development. As an advisor, his mission is to educate a young generation of talented chemists and to empower them with advanced skills so that they can fulfill their full potential. For this purpose, he strives to foster a friendly working atmosphere, promoting creative thinking, knowledge sharing and collaborative efforts. Beyond merely supervising his students, Rafael enjoys mentoring and guiding young talents towards successful independent carriers.

Outside of the lab, Rafael enjoys spending time with his daughter, son, wife, and dog. When time allows, Rafael likes to grab a photocamera, head outside and capture fleeting moments in nature (www.rafaelnavratil.com).