A professor from the Faculty of Science at the University of Jan Evangelista Purkyně in Ústí nad Labem is the new head of the Czech National Cyber Security Team.
RNDr. Jan Krejčí, Ph.D., a long-time educator and cybersecurity expert from the Department of Informatics at the Faculty of Science, J. E. Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, will become the head (head coach) of the Czech Republic’s National Cybersecurity Team (NTKB ČR).
NTKB ČR officially represents the Czech Republic at international cybersecurity competitions, in particular the European Cybersecurity Challenge (ECSC) organized by the European Agency ENISA, and other specialized competitions. The coaching team is responsible for selecting and systematically preparing representatives of the Czech Republic, especially talented students from secondary schools and universities. At the same time, it determines the training concept, preparation methodology, and long-term development strategy for young professionals. An integral part of its activities is also the coordination of professional and organizational activities related to the functioning of the national team and cooperation with institutions and the professional community in building a national talent base. The position of head coach is thus one of the key expert roles in the development of cybersecurity expertise in the Czech Republic.
The head coach is appointed by the Competition Committee of the National Cybersecurity Competition. Candidates must demonstrate high professional and academic qualifications, experience in leading, organizing, and preparing professional teams, as well as long-term active participation in the cybersecurity community and competitions. The selection process also includes an assessment of the candidate’s ability to conceptually manage a team with a nationwide reach and represent the Czech Republic within the European cybersecurity community.
“The appointment to the role of head coach is both a reward for my work to date and motivation for the years to come. I see the national team as a space where future experts can grow, and I believe that we will succeed in creating an environment that will support them to the maximum,” added Jan Krejčí.
The national team, which represents the Czech Republic in international cybersecurity competitions, will have a three-member coaching team from 2026. Jana Krejčí will be joined by Gabriela Dědková, a student of the Computer Science and Mathematics Teaching program at the Faculty of Science, UJEP, who will be in charge of organizational and non-technical matters, and Antonín Liška, a former member of NTKB ČR, who will be responsible for the technical preparation and professional support of the team.
“I see the opportunity to participate in the preparation of the National Team as a great opportunity and a personal commitment. I am glad that I can combine my professional specialization with practical experience, which will also be a valuable contribution to my possible doctoral studies. I look forward to working together and helping to support the development of young talent in the field of cybersecurity,” says Gabriela Dědková.
Dr. Jan Krejčí has been involved in cybersecurity, education, research, and professional project management for more than 15 years. At UJEP, he teaches computer science didactics, network architecture, and cybersecurity, including ethical hacking.