OP JAK Návraty

On 1 January 2026, CPS launched the project Support for Enhancing the Professional Employment of High-Potential Researchers After a Career Break, implemented under the OP JAK – Returns call.

The aim of the project is to create conditions that enable researchers to return to active scientific work after a career interruption caused by maternity or parental leave, long-term illness, or care for a child or close person. The project strives to ensure that such a break does not result in ending or significantly slowing down their further professional development.

The total eligible project costs amount to CZK 42.95 million, and five multi-year return projects are expected to be implemented in the period 2026–2029.

Key project activities include:

• Pilot verification of the return grant scheme implementation (until 08/2026)
• Implementation of return grants (until 06/2029)
• Support for researchers on a career break (until 06/2029)

This project is co-funded by the European Union.