The prize associated with the name of an important Czech physicist, academic, and writer, František Běhounek, is awarded by the Czech Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports in order to support and appraise Czech scientists participating in European research and development projects. The purpose of the award is also to increase the recognition of their science-research activities, successful projects, and international collaboration. The award was initiated in 2012. One of its laureates, Jiří Bártek, is associated with Palacký University.
Most cited scientist of Czech origin in the biomedical field Jiří Bártek was awarded František Běhounek Prize in December 2013 for spreading the good name of the Czech Republic in European research and development. He is the head of several prestigious European research laboratories and has also led a team of the Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine at Palacký University. He works on major projects related to cancer treatment.