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Last week, Czech academics marked the 90th anniversary of the birth of the outstanding Czech scientist and legendary inventor of the contact lens and the synthetic fibre "silon", Professor Otto Wichterle, who died five years ago. Those who had a chance to meet him, his former students and colleagues remember Otto Wichterle not only for his achievements in science and research but also for his exceptional personality.

On Wednesday, the Czech Academy of Sciences officially presented 47 outstanding young Czech scientists with the first ever Wichterle award. The award, named after the Czech chemist Otto Wichterle, who invented the contact lens, will be given each year to encourage chronically underpaid Czech scientists. Dita Asiedu was at the ceremony and spoke to the chairwoman of the Academy of Sciences, Helena Illnerova.