Jana Sehnálková from FSV UK has become the new executive director of the Fulbright Commission in the Czech Republic

As of August 1, 2025, the J. William Fulbright Commission embarks on the next chapter of its work under the leadership of its new Executive Director Jana Sehnálková from the Institute of International Studies FSV UK. The new Executive Director was selected through a competitive process and formally appointed by the Commission’s Board of Directors.

Jana Sehnálková has been teaching at the Department of North American Studies IMS FSV UK since 2011. She continues to focus on the study of Sino-American relations in the context of the Taiwan Strait and teaches courses on American history, American political system, and U.S. domestic politics. "Jana Sehnálková is an outstanding successor. Her professional career as a university lecturer, respected American studies scholar, and expert in public diplomacy represents a necessary combination of academic expertise and diplomatic experience. At the same time, she possesses an innate understanding of all aspects of the binational governmental program," states the Fulbright Commission in its press release.

Jana Sehnálková succeeds Hana Ripková, who led the Commission for more than three decades. Hana Ripková’s exceptional achievements were recently recognized by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Jan Lipavský, who awarded her the Medal for Merit in Diplomacy. “My goal is to continue to firmly uphold the values that have long defined the Fulbright Program: quality, equality, mutual understanding, and democratic principles, thus building on the values that Hana Ripková, together with the entire team, nurtured throughout her tenure at the Commission,” noted Jana Sehnálková upon taking up her new role.

Congratulations!