The Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrobiology in Vodňany celebrated one hundred years of its existence. The celebration, which commemorated this important anniversary, took place on Friday, 3^rd September 2021, and was attended by several important personalities.

The institution dealing with fisheries and hydrobiology research was established in Prague in 1921 and it moved to the south of Bohemia in 1953. In 2009, the Research Institute became part of the newly established Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters of the University of South Bohemia. And just in front of the main building of the Faculty in Vodňany, celebratory speeches were given by former directors of the Research Institute, professors Jan Kouřil, Otomar Linhart and Pavel Kozák, as well as the current director, Professor Tomáš Randák. The current Rector of the University of South Bohemia, Professor Bohumil Jiroušek, the President of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Professor Eva Zažímalová, and the Governor of the South Bohemian Region, Martin Kuba, also made speeches.

The program, moderated by Vladimír Kořen, a major promoter of science and research in the media, offered not only speeches but also the presentation of commemorative medals. Miroslava Kopicová, Pavel Punčochář, and professors Petr Ráb and Martin Flajšhans were among the personalities who contributed to research in the field of natural sciences and who received the medal. For his merit, Václav Janeček also received the medal, but due to his advanced age, the medal was additionally handed over at his home on 6^th September.

This was followed by the launch of the book Centenarian who does not age, which, in an engaging and well-founded form, presents centenarian research at the Research Institute and subsequently at the faculty through texts and photographs.

The ceremonial part of the program was followed by a rich banquet, which, in addition to traditional dishes, also included fish specialties, and a tour of the faculty’s workplaces, including a fish hatchery and selected laboratories. The whole celebration ended with a performance by a music band.