Prof. Dr. Pavel Vodička is a distinguished Czech scientist whose career has been devoted to unraveling the genetic, molecular, and environmental mechanisms underlying cancer, particularly colorectal and gastrointestinal malignancies. With a Ph.D. in toxicology from Charles University and a D.Sc. in molecular oncology, he has led pioneering research on DNA repair, genomic instability, cancer predisposition, and therapy response. Over four decades, he has held prominent academic and research leadership roles, including Head of the Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer at the Institute of Experimental Medicine. Internationally respected, he has contributed to EU Framework Programs, bilateral collaborations, and global cancer genetics consortia. His prolific record includes more than 320 publications, 12,000+ citations, and service on editorial boards and evaluation panels. Beyond research, he is a dedicated mentor of doctoral students and an invited lecturer worldwide. Prof. Vodička’s lifelong contributions have significantly advanced cancer biology, prevention, and therapeutic strategies.
Prof. Dr. Pavel Vodička’s academic journey reflects a deep commitment to advancing biomedical science. He completed his medical studies at the Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, followed by doctoral research at the National Institute of Public Health, where he earned his Ph.D with a thesis on the metabolism and toxicity of acrylic acid derivatives. Guided by the esteemed scientist Ivan Gut, M.D., D.Sc., this early training provided him with a strong foundation in molecular toxicology. Over the years, he enriched his expertise through international fellowships and visiting scientist roles at renowned institutions such as the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health in Helsinki and the Karolinska Institute in Sweden. His academic pursuits culminated in the prestigious Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) degree, awarded for his extensive research on genetic, molecular, and environmental risk factors in colorectal cancer. This educational background positioned him as a global leader in cancer biology.
Experience
Prof. Vodička’s professional career spans more than four decades, marked by leadership, innovation, and global collaboration. Beginning as a postdoctoral fellow in Finland and later as a visiting scientist at Karolinska Institute, he gained valuable exposure to international research environments. He returned to Prague to contribute significantly at the Institute of Experimental Medicine, where he advanced from senior scientist to Head of the Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, a position . His leadership was instrumental in shaping cutting-edge programs in genetic and molecular toxicology. Alongside, he has been deeply engaged in teaching and supervising doctoral students at Charles University, serving on multiple academic boards and examination committees. He also participated in evaluating research projects for prestigious bodies such as the EU Commission, WHO-IARC, and Czech Science Foundation. His career demonstrates a rare combination of scientific productivity, institutional leadership, and mentorship excellence.
Research Interest
Prof. Vodička’s research interests center on understanding how genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors contribute to cancer initiation, progression, and treatment outcomes. He has dedicated much of his recent work to colorectal and pancreatic cancers, focusing on predisposition, DNA repair mechanisms, and chemotherapy effectiveness. His studies explore chromosomal instability, telomere dynamics, and functional assays of DNA repair capacity in both healthy individuals and cancer patients. He has also investigated how lifestyle, occupational exposures, and oxidative damage influence disease onset and prognosis, bridging molecular research with public health relevance. His multidisciplinary approach integrates molecular biology, toxicology, epidemiology, and clinical oncology, enabling a holistic view of carcinogenesis. By collaborating with international consortia such as GECCO and PANDoRA, he contributes to global efforts to identify biomarkers for cancer susceptibility and treatment response. Prof. Vodička’s innovative research continues to shape strategies for early detection, prevention, and improved therapeutic interventions in oncology.
Award and Honor
Prof. Vodička’s scientific achievements have been recognized through numerous awards and honors, reflecting his international reputation and lifelong contributions. He received the Award from the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic for his groundbreaking work on DNA adducts in occupational exposures. More recently, he was honored with the prestigious Silver Medal of Charles University for his exceptional service in advancing medical science. His global standing is reinforced by being ranked among the top molecular biology scientists in the Czech Republic by Research.com, including the first position in his discipline. Additionally, he has been frequently invited as a reviewer of professorial appointments at leading institutions such as MD Anderson Cancer Center and Memorial University. His editorial leadership in journals like Mutagenesis and Frontiers in Oncology further underlines his impact. Collectively, these honors showcase his role as a thought leader in cancer research.
Publication Top Notes
Title: The exposome and pancreatic cancer, lifestyle and environmental risk factors for PDACPavel Vodicka
Authors: Giulia Peduzzi, Livia Archibugi, Riccardo Farinella, Ruggero Ponz de Leon Pisani, Ludmila Vodickova, Pavel Vodicka, Bledar Kraja, Juan Sainz, David Bars-Cortina, Neil Daniel et al.
Journal/Conference: Seminars in Cancer Biology
Year: 2025
Citation: 2
Title: Genomic instability, DNA damage response and telomere homeostasis in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Saba Selvi, Carmen Macías Real, Manuel Gentiluomo, Katerina Balounova, Klara Vokacova, Andrea Cumova, Beatrice Mohlenikova-Duchonova, Cosmeri Rizzato, Erika Halasova, Ludmila Vodickova, Pavel Vodicka et al.
Journal/Conference: Seminars in Cancer Biology
Year: 2025
Citation: 1
Title: Pooled analysis of 3,741 stool metagenomes from 18 cohorts for cross-stage and strain-level reproducible microbial biomarkers of colorectal cancer
Authors: Multiple contributors (Nature Medicine consortium, includes Pavel Vodicka)
Journal/Conference: Nature Medicine
Year: 2025
Citation: 4
Title: A pooled analysis of host factors that affect nucleotide excision repair in humans
Authors: Congying Zheng, Sergey Shaposhnikov, Andrew Collins, Gunnar Brunborg, Amaya Azqueta, Sabine A S Langie, Maria Dusinska, Jana Slyskova, Pavel Vodicka, Frederik-Jan van Schooten et al.
Journal/Conference: Mutagenesis
Year: 2025
Title: A pleiotropy scan to discover new susceptibility loci for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Matteo Giaccherini, Mariaconcetta Rende, Manuel Gentiluomo, Chiara Corradi, Livia Archibugi, Stefano Ermini, Evaristo Maiello, Luca Morelli, Casper H J van Eijck, Giulia Martina Cavestro, Pavel Vodicka et al.
Journal/Conference: Mutagenesis
Year: 2025
Title: Defective DNA repair: a putative nexus linking immunological diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer
Authors: Safaa Andarawi, Ludmila Vodickova, Anusha Uttarilli, Petr Hanak, Pavel Vodicka
Journal/Conference: Mutagenesis
Year: 2025
Citation: 1
Title: Genetic, epigenetic and functional aspects of DNA repair in colorectal carcinogenesis
Authors: Pavel Vodicka, Ludmila Vodickova et al.
Journal/Conference:Carcinogenesis
Year: 2022
Citation: 45
Title: Telomere homeostasis and genomic instability in gastrointestinal cancers
Authors: Pavel Vodicka, Ludmila Vodickova et al.
Journal/Conference: International Journal of Cancer
Year: 2021
Citation: 38
Title: Genetic susceptibility to colorectal cancer in Central Europe: a large-scale collaborative study
Authors: Pavel Vodicka, Hermann Brenner, Andrea Gsur et al.
Journal/Conference: Gut
Year: 2020
Citation: 120
Conclusion
Prof. Dr. Pavel Vodička exemplifies the qualities of a globally influential scientist, mentor, and leader in the field of cancer research. His academic foundation, extensive research experience, and sustained contributions to molecular oncology have significantly advanced the understanding of cancer susceptibility, genomic instability, and therapy response. With over 320 publications, thousands of citations, and participation in numerous international consortia, he has left a lasting mark on global cancer research and prevention strategies. His commitment to teaching, mentoring, and guiding young scientists reflects his vision for nurturing the next generation of researchers. Recognized with prestigious awards, including the Silver Medal of Charles University, his career is a testament to excellence, integrity, and innovation. Moving forward, his research and leadership promise to further influence cancer biology, shaping future diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic pathways. Prof. Vodička’s legacy firmly establishes him as an outstanding figure deserving the highest honors in science.