Identity and mission

The mission of the Institute of Spa and Balneology, a public research institution, is to revive and systematically develop scientific research in spa care and balneology and to create the scientific foundations for the further development of the Czech spa sector.

Through interdisciplinary research, we objectively evaluate the effects of comprehensive spa care and natural therapeutic resources, develop new research approaches and support the use of modern technologies in spa medicine.

We bring research findings into practice through cooperation with spa and healthcare facilities, education, expert services, and knowledge and technology transfer. In doing so, we contribute to improving professional standards, competitiveness and the long-term sustainability of the Czech spa sector.

Our vision is to develop ILaB into an internationally recognised research, expert and consultancy institution in spa care and balneology, as well as a major centre of research in the Karlovy Vary Region.

We strive to build a stable, long-term research environment that enables high-quality basic and applied research, internationally competitive results and the scientific foundations for the development of evidence-based spa care.

Our strategic priorities are to develop the Spa Research Centre, strengthen cooperation with universities, research institutions and spa facilities, and participate in international research projects. Through education, knowledge and technology transfer, and the development of an environment that supports innovation, we aim to contribute to the modernisation of spa care and its wider use in the prevention of non-communicable diseases, treatment, rehabilitation and the promotion of healthy ageing.

Our long-term ambition is to strengthen the position of the Karlovy Vary Region as a European centre of balneological research, professional education and innovation.

Scientific excellence and independence

We strive for high scientific standards, methodological rigour and objective interpretation of research findings. We uphold the principles of scientific integrity, transparency and accountability.

Interdisciplinarity

We study spa care and balneology in the context of medicine, natural sciences, technology, economics and social sciences. We consider the integration of these disciplines essential to a comprehensive understanding of spa care and its benefits.

International cooperation

We develop long-term partnerships with research and professional institutions abroad. We support international knowledge exchange, joint research initiatives and active participation in the European professional community.

Practical application of findings

We see research as a means of improving spa care, developing new methods and technologies, and advancing innovation. We strive to ensure that our findings have concrete applications in practice.

Responsibility and sustainability

We respect the unique character of natural therapeutic resources and the therapeutic spa landscape. We support their protection, responsible use and the long-term sustainability of spa destinations.

Education and knowledge sharing

We support the professional development of spa-sector staff, the education of future professionals and public engagement with science. We believe that the systematic sharing of knowledge is essential to the long-term development of the field as a whole.

Professional independence and political impartiality

We make decisions and communicate on the basis of expert knowledge, scientific evidence and the public interest. We remain independent of political and other interest groups.

What ILaB is

ILaB is a public research institution focused on basic and applied research in spa care and balneology. It builds on the historical tradition of balneological research in West Bohemia and seeks to develop it further within modern science.

It is an expert, research and consultancy partner to public authorities, universities, research organisations, and spa and healthcare facilities in the Czech Republic and abroad.

Through research, education, expert services, and knowledge and technology transfer, it contributes to the development of spa care, the protection of natural therapeutic resources and the competitiveness of the Czech spa sector.

What ILaB is not

ILaB does not provide spa treatment and rehabilitation care or operate spa stays. It is not a destination management or marketing organisation whose main purpose is to promote spa tourism.

Its role is not to endorse the effectiveness of traditional treatments uncritically, but to investigate their effects, benefits and limitations independently.

ILaB is not limited to medical research. Its work also encompasses the environmental and socioeconomic dimensions of spa care, education, innovation and the transfer of findings into practice.

The Institute of Spa and Balneology (ILaB) is a public research institution established by the Karlovy Vary Region in 2019 to revive and develop scientific research in spa care and balneology in the Czech Republic. Its work connects medical, environmental and socioeconomic research. Through the Spa Research Centre (Centrum lázeňského výzkumu), education, international cooperation and knowledge transfer, it contributes to the development of modern, evidence-based spa care and the long-term sustainability of the Czech spa sector.

The Institute of Spa and Balneology (ILaB) is a public research institution established by the Karlovy Vary Region in 2019. Its main mission is to revive and develop scientific research in spa care and balneology in the Czech Republic, building on the long tradition of balneological research in the West Bohemian spa region.

ILaB’s research is based on an interdisciplinary approach and encompasses three interconnected areas: medical and healthcare research, environmental research, and socioeconomic research. The institute focuses on objectively evaluating the effects of comprehensive spa care and natural therapeutic resources, studying the therapeutic spa landscape, using modern technologies in rehabilitation, and assessing the social and economic impacts of the spa sector.

Its key development project is the Spa Research Centre (Centrum lázeňského výzkumu, CLV), which aims to establish a stable research base, modern infrastructure and specialist capacity for the long-term development of balneological research.

Education, public engagement with science, and knowledge and technology transfer are an important part of ILaB’s work. The institute cooperates with universities, research organisations, and spa and healthcare facilities, supporting the practical application of research findings, the development of innovative solutions and the professional development of spa-sector staff.

ILaB actively develops international cooperation and participates in European professional dialogue on the future of spa medicine, prevention and healthy ageing. Through the European Spa & Longevity Living Lab, which it coordinates, it creates opportunities for research institutions, spa and healthcare practitioners, public authorities and other partners to collaborate on developing and testing innovations.

ILaB’s long-term ambition is to become an internationally recognised research, expert and consultancy institution and to help improve professional standards, competitiveness and sustainability in the Czech spa sector. It also seeks to strengthen the position of the Karlovy Vary Region as a major European centre of research and education in spa care and balneology.

Official legal name: Institut lázeňství a balneologie, v. v. i.

Abbreviation: ILaB

English name: Institute of Spa and Balneology

Legal form: Public research institution

Year established: 2019

Founder: Karlovy Vary Region

Company ID: 08122539

VAT ID: CZ08122539

Registered address: Závodní 353/88, 360 06 Karlovy Vary

Main workplace: Smetanovy sady 1145/1, 360 01 Karlovy Vary

Czech data box: i5hbibq

Website: www.i-lab.cz

Main research areas: Medical and healthcare research, environmental research, socioeconomic research

Strategic development project: Centrum lázeňského výzkumu (CLV; Spa Research Centre)

International innovation initiative: European Spa & Longevity Living Lab

ILaB advances scientific research in spa care and balneology, connects scientific knowledge with practice and contributes to the future of modern spa care in the Czech Republic and Europe.