Honorary Consul of the Republic of Iceland in the Slovak Republic
Dr.h.c. Pavol Cekan, PhD
Pavol Čekan, PhD, is a Slovak scientist specializing in molecular biology, biochemistry, and molecular oncology. He completed his studies at the University of Iceland and has worked at prestigious institutions such as the National Cancer Institute in the USA and Rockefeller University in New York. Dr. Čekan is renowned for his work in breast cancer diagnostics and is the co-founder of the biotech company MultiplexDX, where he developed COVID-19 testing solutions (PCR and LAMP) used globally. His contributions to cancer research and diagnostics include patented RNA research, and in 2017, the Financial Times recognized him as one of Eastern Europe's 100 rising tech stars.
On a national level, Dr. Čekan became a prominent figure in Slovakia during the COVID-19 pandemic through his testing innovations and participation in the Veda pomáha initiative, providing scientific guidance to Slovak leadership. He was part of the presidential delegation to the Vatican, where MultiplexDX's PCR tests were presented as a gift. His early life in Prešov included a strong academic background and participation in chemistry olympiads, which led him to study abroad and ultimately pursue a successful international scientific career.