About us
About the institute
The Institute of Spa and Balneology (ILaB) is a public research institution founded in 2019 by the Karlovy Vary Region. As the only institution of its kind in the region, it systematically restores and advances scientific research in balneology — a field that stood outside the scientific mainstream in this country for decades.
Main activities of the institute
- 01
Research and development in spa care, balneology, geology, hydrogeology, balneomedicine, balneotechnology, balneoclimatology, preventive medicine, healthy lifestyle, and the social and economic sciences, together with related interdisciplinary cooperation.
- 02
Dissemination and promotion of research results through professional publications, monographs, journals and proceedings, active participation in conferences and congresses, and the organisation of professional events — including international ones — as well as educational and training activities.
- 03
Cooperation with research institutions, expert workplaces, universities and other organisations and companies in the field of research and development.
- 04
Preparation of expert studies that have the character of research, and provision of research infrastructure.
Three research domains
The institute’s research connects three domains so that its results are directly applicable in practice.
Medical & health research
The main goal is to objectively assess the effects of spa care and natural healing resources on human health.
Primarily serves spa facilities
Environmental research
We study natural healing resources, their protection and sustainable use.
Primarily serves spa towns
Socio-economic research
Evaluates the societal benefit of spa care and the conditions for its further development.
Primarily serves public administration
Cross-cutting activities
All three domains are connected by education, knowledge and technology transfer, and the communication of research results. The institute not only creates knowledge but systematically passes it on to practice, teaching and public policy.
Vřídlo — the Hot Spring, Karlovy Vary
Recognition
ESPA Innovation Award 2024
The institute’s scientific work has earned international recognition — in 2024 ILaB received the ESPA Innovation Award in the Medical Spa Scientific Research category, presented by the European Spas Association (ESPA).
Careers
Looking for a place in research that matters? The Institute of Spa and Balneology is a young, growing institution where expert work has a direct impact on practice and on the Karlovy Vary Region.