Tomas Penka | Agricultural Science and Innovation | Best Researcher Award
Mr Tomas Penka, Fakulta rybarstvi a ochrany vod Jihoceske univerzity v Ceskych Budejovicich, Czech Republic
Tomas Penka is an accomplished ecologist and PhD student at the Faculty of Fisheries and Water Protection in Vodnany, specializing in modern methods of fish breeding and biology ππ¬. He holds an MSc in Biology of the Ecosystem with a specialization in Ecology and a BSc in Biology from the University of South Bohemia πΏπ. Since 2020, he has worked as a biological specialist, contributing to scientific research and projects ππ. His research has led to multiple publications in prestigious journals, focusing on the growth, survival, and health of pikeperch and other species πβ¨.
Publication profile
Education
Tomas Penka completed his MSc. in Biology of the Ecosystem with a specialization in Ecology at the University of South Bohemia in ΔeskΓ© BudΔjovice, Faculty of Science, from 2018 to 2021. Before that, he earned his BSc. in Biology from the same university from 2015 to 2018. With a strong foundation in ecological studies, Tomas is dedicated to understanding and preserving ecosystems. πΏπ±π𧬠His academic journey reflects his passion for the natural world and commitment to environmental science, preparing him for a promising career in ecology and conservation. ππ¬β¨
Experience
As a dedicated PhD student at the Faculty of Fisheries and Water Protection in Vodnany since September 2021, I specialize in modern methods of intensive breeding, reproduction, and biology of fish π. Since October 2020, I have also served as a Biological Specialist, collaborating on scientific research projects, including NAZV, OP Fisheries, Eureka, Interreg, and H2020 ππ¬. Previously, I worked at the Biological Center of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic from May 2016 to May 2020 as a Laboratory Technician, where I processed biological material and introduced new lab methods such as radiotracking π³π¬.
Research project
From February 2024 to January 2025, Her served as the responsible researcher for a project funded by the Grant Agency of the University of South Bohemia in ΔeskΓ© BudΔjovice (GAJU). The project, 032/2023/T, focused on innovative methods for acquiring and utilizing separated sludge waste from intensive aquaculture, aiming for sustainable nutrient use in agriculture. Previously, from February 2022 to January 2023, I led another GAJU-supported project, 028/2022/T, which optimized the application of pelleted feeds with higher vitamin C content in the intensive aquaculture of pike perch (Sander lucioperca). ππ±π§π
Research focus
Tomas Penka’s research focuses on optimizing aquaculture practices, particularly for species like pikeperch and northern pike. His studies investigate various aspects, including the effects of bicultural stocking, live feed enrichments, and the use of lactic acid bacteria to enhance fish growth, health, and microbiome diversity. Additionally, he explores the impacts of different weaning times, light regimes, stocking densities, and dietary supplements on fish development and survival. Penka’s work aims to improve sustainable aquaculture systems and fish welfare through innovative techniques and detailed biochemical and genetic analyses. ππ¬πΏπ
Publication top notes
Practical application of bicultural stocking and its effects on fish growth, blood biochemistry, and solid waste elimination in recirculating aquaculture system
Live feed enrichments using microalgae for pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) larval culture
Pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) larval rearing optimization: utilization of lactic acid bacteria for improving microbiome diversity and digestive enzyme activity
Effects of weaning time, light regime, and stocking density on growth, condition, survival, and cannibalism rates in northern pike (Esox lucius L.) larvae and early juveniles under intensive culture
Effects of yeast hydrolysate supplementation in low-fish meal diets for pikeperch
The efficacy of male’s nest preparation and its effect on female’s partner selection during semi-controlled reproduction in pikeperch (Sander lucioperca)
Evaluation of different feeding frequencies in RAS-based juvenile pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) aquaculture
Fine ultrastructural features of germ cells and spermatozoa during spermatogenesis in the European grayling, Thymallus thymallus (Teleostei, Salmoniformes, Salmonidae)
Partial replacement of fish meal by soybean meal supplemented with inulin and oligofructose in the diet of pikeperch (Sander lucioperca): Effect on growth and health status
Effects of First Feeding Regime on Gene Expression and Enzyme Activity in Pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) Larvae