He is among those who are not afraid to ask the most fundamental questions: what is consciousness and how does the human mind work? Professor Horáček stands at the head of the National Institute of Mental Health and also leads the Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology at the Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University. He moves between science and clinical practice – as a researcher, psychiatrist, and psychotherapist.
In his research, he focuses on how psychedelic substances and psychiatric medications act in the brain. He uses brain imaging and other modern methods to better understand disorders such as schizophrenia or severe depression. He studies how consciousness changes and how new findings can be applied in the treatment of depression or existential distress, for example in oncology patients receiving palliative care.
He is the author of more than two hundred scientific publications and the editor of several professional books. In 2022, he served as coordinator for mental health during the Czech Presidency of the Council of the European Union and has received a number of international awards. He earns respect above all by connecting cutting-edge research with real help for people.