Research fields: Evolution of galaxies, two component systems, interstellar matter and stars, star formation, stellar winds and mass recycling, feedback, chemical evolution, shells, supershells and filaments, gravitational instability, triggered star formation, initial mass function, galaxies in groups and clusters, tides, merger events, harrasment, gas stripping, formation of super-star clusters, intracluster medium. 1972 graduated from the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics of Charles University, Prague. 1977 PhD in Astronomy and Astrophysics, 1993 DSc in Astronomy and Astrophysics, 1994 Assistant Professor, 2001 Professor of Astronomy at Charles University, Prague. 1993-1996 member of the Council of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic. 1992-1996 secretary of the EAS. 1997-2003 member of the organizing committee of the IAU Commission 33. 1996-2004 Director of the Astronomical Institute, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic. Since 2004 chairperson of the National Committee of Astronomy, chairperson of the National Organizing Committee of the GA IAU 2006 in Prague. Supervisor of undergraduate and graduate students in astronomy and astrophysics. Member of International Astronomical Union and European Astronomical Society. Author and co-author of research articles in professional journals, public presentations in newspapers, magazines, radio and TV.