Prof. Hanka served abroad for the main part of his professional career, mostly at the WolfsonCollege (University of Cambridge). He graduated from the Czech Technical University in Prague in 1968, in 1972 acquired Ph.D. from University of Strathclyde (Glasgow). His core specialization is Medical Informatics and Knowledge management. In the UK, he has been several times elected as a member of Royal Society (UK). The Czech Academy of Sciences granted him a medal for contribution to Mathematics.

Lately, the Resolution on Priorities of targeted scientific research, experimental development and innovations (R&D&I), approved by the Government of the Czech Republic, has been of a high significance to further development of the Czech science. Prof. Haňka was one of the leading personalities participating on preparations of this strategic plan.

The core of R&D&I program, that should be followed up until 2030, is development of knowledgeable society in the Czech Republic. Strong emphasis is being placed on environmental sustainability not only from the market perspective but mainly focusing the influence of society on the environment and vice versa. Regarding social concerns, the phenomenon of ageing society takes a significant stake in the topics related to social policy transformation. Government has introduced steps towards accomplishing these goals that mainly counts on transformation of public institutions and their management strategies. This strategic plan will primarily be financed from governmental expenditures on R&Đ&I. (In the budget set for the year 2012, ca 1,8% of expenditures are designated for this purpose.

The priorities Hanka has set for his post as a Chief Scientific Advisor, are development of intercommunication within the scientific institutions, which should lead to higher effectiveness of research. Synchronization of Schemes of Evaluation methodology and Financing of scientific projects in the Czech Republic should lead to better decision making in project planning. Staying focused, knowledgeable and stable in targeting particular and specific issues should be of core interests of the Czech scientific community and to the Czech Republic in general.