Research fields: Relativistic astrophysics; radiation processes in strong gravity and their applications to active galactic nuclei and black hole candidates. 1984 graduated in Mathematical Physics from Charles University, Prague. 1989 PhD in Astronomy and Astrophysics at Charles University. 1993-1994 postdoctoral position in the International School for Advanced Studies, Trieste, Italy. 1998 Associate Professor in Astronomy and Astrophysics at Charles University. 2001 DSc in Astrophysics at the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic. 1999-2003 acting deputy of the Astronomical Institute of the Charles University. 2003 sabbatical leave at the Institute of Physics, Prague. Since 2004 research scientist at the Astronomical Institute, Head of the Group of Relativistic Astrophysics. Supervisor of undergraduate and graduate students in astronomy. Member of professional organizations: International Astronomical Union, Royal Astronomical Society, European Physical Society, Czech TEX Users Group. Author and co-author of research articles in professional journals and educational articles in magazines. Translator of science-popular books.