News: Faculty of Science

Key topics—regulation, infrastructure, the use of AI in companies, and talent development—were on the agenda of the “Igniting AI Ambitions” conference, organised by the Czech Association for Artificial Intelligence (of which Palacký University is a member) at the Hybernia Theatre in Prague. The event featured discussions on strategic areas of AI development and digital sovereignty. It was attended by Jitka Machalová and Rostislav Vodák, representatives of the Department of Mathematical Analysis and Applications of Mathematics at the UP Faculty of Science.

The conference was structured as a series of four panel discussions involving representatives from public administration, academia, and the private sector. The debates reflected the current challenges and ambitions of the Czech Republic in the field of artificial intelligence, with the need to strategically anchor AI as a key tool for future competitiveness repeatedly emphasised.

AI Regulation

“The first panel addressed the issues of AI regulation, currently one of the hottest debated topics. There appears to be no clear consensus among European stakeholders. On the one hand, there is an emphasis on safety and regulation, which may, however, slow innovation; on the other hand, there is a push for a more flexible approach that supports faster technological development. For the academic community, this implies the need to actively monitor legislative developments, particularly in the context of developing and making proprietary models available,” said Rostislav Vodák.

The second panel discussion focused on AI infrastructure. “We learned that the current capacities of computing and storage systems in the Czech Republic are reaching their limits. The issue of digital sovereignty was also discussed—that is, to what extent data and computing capacities should be under the control of European or national entities,” added Jitka Machalová. In this context, the need for strategic decision-making by institutions regarding where data is stored and who has access to it was also raised. Another interesting topic was the possibility of hybrid computing models combining classical processors with emerging quantum technologies.

How Companies Use AI in Practice

The third panel focused on the implementation of artificial intelligence in companies. The discussion revealed that many businesses are still seeking effective ways to integrate AI into their processes. The most common uses currently centre on supporting administrative and communication activities, such as generating emails or summarising information. Examples were also given of the development of advanced AI agents that could automate the flow of information within organisations. This development raises questions for the university environment as well, particularly regarding how to guide students toward the responsible and meaningful use of AI tools.

The final panel focused on AI talent in the Czech Republic. “The discussion centred on the need to strengthen support for basic research and create conditions that would enable universities to attract and retain top experts. A key role here is played not only by state support but also by collaboration with the applied sector, which is currently focused primarily on supporting the startup ecosystem,” added Rostislav Vodák.

AI Day at Palacký University

Palacký University is a member of the Czech Association of Artificial Intelligence, with the Department of Mathematical Analysis’s Technology Platform entrusted with managing this membership. Jitka Machalová and Rostislav Vodák are active members who help connect the academic community with the national AI community.

“We would like to invite everyone interested to AI Day, themed ‘Artificial Intelligence in Education,’ which will take place on June 16, 2026, at the Faculty of Arts of Palacký University,” said Jitka Machalová.

Palacký University has recently become a member of the prestigious European network EUniverCities, which connects universities and cities across Europe. By joining this platform, the university aims to strengthen international cooperation and actively contribute to addressing current social issues. The first active step as part of its membership was the participation of university representatives at a meeting in Innsbruck at the end of March.

The EUniverCities network brings together medium-sized European cities and their universities with the aim of sharing experiences and developing cooperation in the areas of education, research, and urban development. For UP, membership represents an opportunity to participate in shaping the European agenda while drawing inspiration from international partners.

“New opportunities for cooperation and sharing experiences are opening up for us. We see this as an important step toward Palacký University playing an active role not only in the region but also at the European level,” said Tereza Kalousková, head of the Partnership Department and coordinator of network activities for UP, who attended the conference “Moving forward: Universities and Cities Shaping Health and Social Cohesion through Sport” together with Simona Šafaříková from the Faculty of Science.

Membership in EUniverCities also confirms the university’s long-term commitment to internationalisation and strengthening ties between the academic community and the city in which it operates.

You can read more about the international meeting in Innsbruck here.

 

Map of Jewish Settlement in Olomouc Wins International Award

The map, titled The Development of Jewish Settlement in Olomouc: The Geographical and Socioeconomic Structure of the Jewish Population from 1180 to 2021 (VUP, 2022), created in collaboration between the Kurt and Ursula Schubert Center for Jewish Studies at the Faculty of Arts and the Department of Geoinformatics at the Faculty of Science of Palacký University, has received the prestigious Best Map Award 2024/2025. It is awarded by the Journal of Maps (Routledge).

The award-winning map was published in the scholarly article “Development of the Jewish Settlement of Olomouc: Geographic and Socioeconomic Structure of the Jewish Population in the Period 1180–2021” (Cahová, Ivana – Barvíř, Radek, 2025, Journal of Maps 21/1.

“We are very pleased to receive this award. Our map provides a comprehensive overview of the development of the Jewish community in Olomouc from the 12th century to the present day.” Ivana Cahová, Faculty of Arts, Palacký University

The Journal of Maps, founded in 2005, is one of the leading international journals focused on cartography and geoinformation analysis. Since 2008, it has annually presented the Best Map Award to the best contribution that excels not only in its scholarly content but also in its cartographic presentation. The jury selects the winner from a shortlist of published works based on a combination of these criteria.
The jury described the winning map as an “outstanding example of historical geoinformation analysis” with “excellent use of colours and a well-thought-out panel structure that clearly guides the reader through the topic.”
A team of co-authors—at the time mainly CJS students—contributed to its creation: Kateřina Lapiszová, Pavlína Niklová, Anna Řezníčková, Nikola Svobodníková, and Václav Chalupný, in collaboration with external contributors Miroslav Papoušek, Daniel Baránek, Jakub Pospíšil, and Alexander Jeništa. The project was led by editors Ivana Cahová and Radek Barvíř.
“Our map was published as early as 2022, but it was not presented to the academic community until the recent article in the Journal of Maps, on the basis of which it received the award. We are very pleased about this. The map provides a comprehensive overview of the development of Jewish settlement in Olomouc from the 12th century to the present. It captures changes in the spatial distribution of the Jewish population in relation to historical and political shifts and supplements this with an analysis of migration patterns within Central Europe. It also includes graphical representations depicting demographic trends, the community’s socioeconomic structure and its position within urban society, as well as the linguistic and cultural diversity of the population,” summarized Ivana Cahová, head of the Kurt and Ursula Schubert Center for Jewish Studies at the Faculty of Arts, Palacký University Olomouc, on behalf of the team of creators.

She also noted that research into the history of the Jewish community in Moravia is one of the long-term priorities of Jewish studies in Olomouc. One of its goals is to make the results of scholarly research accessible to the general public in a comprehensible, visually appealing format. The award-winning map is an example of the successful integration of scientific analysis and modern visualisation methods.
The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the history of the Jewish community in Olomouc and to its placement within the broader context of Moravian and Czech history. At the same time, they open up space for critical reflection on traditional historical narratives regarding ethnic and cultural minorities.

The map The Development of Jewish Settlement in Olomouc: The Geographical and Socioeconomic Structure of the Jewish Population in the Period 1180–2021 (VUP, 2022) was created with the support of the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports of the Czech Republic (project IGA_FF_2021_026). It is available in both print and digital formats on the website of the Center for Jewish Studies at the Faculty of Arts, Palacký University.

Authors: Cahová, Ivana (ed.); Barvíř, Radek; Chalupný, Václav; Jeništa, Alexandr; Lapiszová, Kateřina; Niklová, Pavlína; Papoušek, Miroslav; Pospíšil, Jakub; Řezníčková, Anna; Svobodníková, Nikola.

Due to climate change, the urban environment is becoming increasingly inhospitable for native tree species, which struggle to cope with the combination of drought, heat, and other stressors on streets heated by the summer sun. Local governments must therefore gradually adjust the species composition of urban greenery and prioritise more resilient tree species. However, this also carries numerous risks, such as the spread of invasive plant species or the use of trees that have allergenic or toxic effects. A study by researchers from the Department of Geography at Palacký University Faculty of Science highlights this issue.

The research found that the current urban environment imposes extreme demands on trees. The above-ground parts of trees are exposed to higher temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, exhaust fumes, and more frequent physical damage. The situation below the surface is no less problematic, where compacted soil, utility lines, and impervious surfaces constrain roots. This so-called “flowerpot effect” significantly reduces the vitality of trees.

Climate Stress on Urban Trees

“Native species such as linden, maple, and ash trees often exhibit severe physiological stress in urban streets today. They suffer from water shortages, dry out prematurely, and die before they can develop a functional canopy,” said Pavel Klapka from the Department of Geography. While trees were able to cope with individual stressors in the past, their current combination is now critical for them.

Urban planning practices are therefore increasingly opting for non-native tree species from Southern Europe, Asia, or North America, which are genetically better equipped to tolerate drought, high temperatures, and soil salinity. As a result, streets in Czech cities are seeing an increase in species such as hackberry, elm, ginkgo, and certain types of oak and maple. “It’s no longer just a matter of whether a tree can survive the climate stress. We must also assess its biological safety for residents,” noted René Jirmus from the Department of Geography.

Safety Aspects of Urban Vegetation

Non-native tree species can be toxic, produce strong allergens, have thorns, or exhibit invasive behaviour. Scientists are therefore studying their impact on the urban environment and human health and providing local governments with data to help them decide on the composition of public green spaces. At the same time, they emphasise that simply changing tree species is not enough. It is also crucial to transform the underground environment to allow trees to grow sufficiently and maintain a natural water and air regime.

“Dense and overgrown vegetation supports recreation during the day, but at night, it increases the feeling of insecurity. Limited visibility and reduced lighting efficiency heighten the perception of crime risk.” Pavel Klapka

The research also focused on the safety of urban greenery from biological and social risk perspectives. The team developed a biological plant hazard index that evaluates woody plants based on allergenic potential, toxicity, and mechanical risks, such as thorns. For example, in Olomouc, the analysis showed that while modern plantings in playgrounds eliminate visible risks, they are more often composed of species with higher toxicity, of which the public is currently unaware.

How Greenery Affects the Sense of Safety

The researchers also examined how people perceive the safety of green spaces. “Dense and overgrown vegetation promotes recreation during the day, but at night, it increases the feeling of insecurity. Limited visibility and dim lighting heighten perceptions of crime risk. “The design of greenery thus directly influences people’s behaviour and their sense of safety,” noted Pavel Klapka.

Experts also warned against the widespread removal of greenery from public spaces. Such an approach can lead to urban heat islands and a decline in quality of life. “The absence of shade often poses a greater health risk than the vegetation itself,” emphasised René Jirmus.

The research findings are intended to help cities manage the ongoing transformation of green infrastructure. The goal is to establish a composition and maintenance regimen for green spaces that is climate-resilient, ecologically functional, and safe for residents.

Markéta Dudková, a physician at the Third Internal Medicine Department – Nephrology, Rheumatology and Endocrinology at the Olomouc University Hospital and the Faculty of Medicine at Palacký University, received one of this year’s International Medis Awards for Medical Research from the President of Slovenia. The international competition, now in its twelfth year, recognises the outstanding research achievements of physicians and pharmacists from Central and Eastern Europe.

“I view this award as an extraordinary achievement in my career to date. It would not have been possible without the support of the entire team of rheumatologists at the Third Department of Internal Medicine who contributed to this project. Special thanks go to the head of the clinic, Professor Pavel Horák, and Associate Professor Eva Kriegová from the Institute of Immunology at the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University, and the University Hospital Olomouc, under whose leadership the research was conducted. This award represents not only a great honour for me, but also confirmation that our work is meaningful,” said the rheumatologist, who is currently on maternity leave.

Markéta Dudková specialises in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a serious autoimmune rheumatic disease in which the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues, often the skin, joints, kidneys, and brain.

The award-winning study Blood gene expression of Toll-like receptors in SLE patients with lupus nephritis or neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus, published in the journal Arthritis Research & Therapy, examines the role of Toll-like receptors, which are a key component of innate immunity.

“We compared the activity of these receptors in patients with SLE compared to healthy individuals and also examined differences among patients with various manifestations of the disease, particularly those with kidney or central nervous system damage. Our results could contribute to better diagnosis of active disease and organ damage in patients with SLE in the future. At the same time, they may help explain why treatment may not work the same way in patients with the same diagnosis,” the doctor explained.

The awards ceremony for the nine winners of this year’s 12th edition of the competition took place in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The guest of honour at the event was Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar, who also presented the awards. Learn more about the international competition here.

The main programme of Olomouc Majáles of Palacký University will take place for the first time this year at the Letňák Olomouc summer cinema complex. From Wednesday, May 6, to Thursday, May 7, this traditional student celebration of spring will feature concerts on two stages, a rich programme in the theatre tent, dozens of workshops, and presentations by more than seventy student and non-profit organisations. The coronation of the May Day King or Queen, a silent disco, and a sports programme will also be part of the festivities.

"The turn of April and May is traditionally marked by two of the largest university events in public spaces. Just a few days after the closing ceremony of the Academia Film Olomouc festival, Olomouc residents can look forward to the 14th annual student May Day festival Majáles, whose main programme will take over the entire Letňák grounds for the first time. Once again this year, the festival will offer a rich two-day schedule for visitors of all ages, spread across three stages," says Matěj Dostálek, Vice Rector for Communication and Social Responsibility at UP.

As part of the music programme, this year's Majáles festival will offer a taste of rock, pop, rap, and dance music. Bands such as Vypsaná fiXa, Elektrïck Mann, Mutanti hledaj východisko, and ATMO music will perform on two stages. Slavíček, one of the fastest-rising young artists in the Czech Republic, will be visiting Olomouc for the very first time, as will singer Kaya, the youngest Czech artist to appear on a billboard in Times Square, New York, as part of the Spotify Equal campaign. The musical lineup will also feature the popular Trocha klidu, as well as the bands Moře kuřat and Fly Tomorrow.

"This year's Majáles festival programme will again take place over two days. On Wednesday, May 6, we're traditionally putting together a more alternative programme. Visitors can look forward to slam poetry, the popular improv show by the group O.LI.V.Y., panel discussions, and an evening silent disco. All of this will be complemented by concerts and interactive presentations by some seventy student associations, university workplaces, and other non-profits," says Ondřej Martínek, the main coordinator of Majáles from the UP Marketing and University Events Office. The main day of the festival, on Thursday, will feature not only the festival's headliners but also performances by buskers and DJs, a handmade zone, workshops, and an outdoor programme. "We've long designed the festival as an event where everyone can find something to their liking. It's certainly not just an event for students, even though they are the main contributors to the programme. Families with children and seniors will also have a great time," adds Martínek.

The symbolic highlight of Majáles will be Thursday's coronation of this year's Majáles king or queen. The accompanying programme will also offer a varied culinary zone, a science show, a pub quiz, and outdoor activities.

As is tradition, admission to the event is free on the first day. UP students can purchase tickets for the second, main day on-site for 150 CZK; other visitors will pay 250 CZK. Starting Tuesday, April 7, a limited number of discounted tickets will be available for advance purchase at the university store and the UPoint information centre.

The UP Olomouc Majáles is organized by the university as one of the last remaining traditional student May festivals. It is organized by the university's Marketing and University Events Office and some forty students. In the past, Josef Jařab, Jindřich Štreit, Ivana Plíhalová, Marek Eben, David Koller, Erika Stárková, Petr Fiala, Michal Horák, and Miroslav Krobot have been crowned at the event.

Details and the programme can be found at www.olomouckymajales.cz and on Facebook.

From April 28 to May 3, Palacký University’s AFO International Festival of Popular Science Films will transform Olomouc into a hub of film and science. This year’s programme is themed “A Common Language” and will feature dozens of films from around the world, debates, live podcasts, workshops, outdoor screenings, walking tours, school programmes, virtual reality experiences, and concerts.

The international competition will feature 20 titles, sixteen of which will have their Czech premiere at the festival and two their international premiere. Audiences can look forward to the film André is an Idiot, the documentary Underland about caves, laboratories, and tunnels beneath our feet, produced by Darren Aronofsky and narrated by Sandra Hüller, the new film by director Sara Dosa, Time and Water, and this year’s winner of the prestigious Sundance Film Festival, Nuisance Bear.

Audiences can also look forward to the film André is an Idiot.

Worth noting is the film Super Nature, which is a tribute to citizen science, but above all a celebration of the landscape, nature, and humanity’s relationship to it, captured on analog 8mm film and personally presented by producer Rebecca Wolf. 

Dancing Elements and Reindeer Droppings

Two directors are also returning to the festival with their feature-length debuts, having previously presented their projects in the development phase as part of the Camp 4Science workshop. This professional programme at AFO supports the creation of documentaries every year and connects filmmakers with international mentors and scientists. “Austrian-American director G. Anthony Svatek will present the film Humboldt USA. Australian filmmaker Josef Gatti will bring the film Phenomena: When the Elements Dance, which combines science, experimental imagery, and music. Its soundtrack was created by the prestigious German music producer Nils Frahm,” said programmer Ondřej Kazík.

Eleven films are competing for the jury’s favor in the Czech and Slovak film competition. Among them are new works by directors Tomáš Elíšek (On the Ground), Bibiana Beňová and Kateřina Kořínková (Troublemakers), Hana Nováková (AMOOSED: The Moose Odyssey), and Ondřej Vavrečka (1+1+1). The short film competition will feature twenty-one films divided into five thematic sections. “I recommend the section What’s Changing, which showcases warmth and a passion for scientific discovery through the lens of human resilience. The films take us, for example, to the remote valleys of Svalbard, where two zoologists study reindeer droppings, or to a dying, remote weather station in northern Sweden,” said programme director Dominik Vontor.

New European Spotlight Competition

A new addition is a competition section consisting entirely of European films focused on current social and environmental themes. Guests will include, for example, world-renowned volcanologist Clive Oppenheimer, who will present his film Volcano Voices, exploring the role of volcanoes in various cultures from their geological origins to their spiritual significance. Also featured will be the Ukrainian film No Shade In the Forest, which follows a trio of scientists mapping the impacts of war on natural ecosystems.

Volcanologist Clive Oppenheimer will present his film Volcano Voices.

Immersive projects will also compete for the AFO Award. One of them is the installation Steps of Progress, which seats visitors in authentic train seats salvaged from a decommissioned railcar. During their journey through time, they will encounter prominent figures from Czech science and technology. Swedish artist Marika Hedemyr will also attend the festival to present her augmented reality project Ashes to Ashes, set within the Central Cemetery in Olomouc-Neředín.

Love and Relationships in the Digital Age

The programme directors of the non-competitive sections demonstrate that understanding does not arise on its own—it is born from dialogue between different disciplines and worldviews. “We were inspired by our own experiences, failed dates, stories from loved ones, and the current state of society. We noticed how difficult it is to form new friendships. How dating is changing in the age of apps,” say the programmers of the Ahoj! Jak se máš? section, Karolina Matějková and Eva Suková. The programme will feature documentaries such as We Met in Virtual Reality and the film Face and Voice: The Power of Our First Impression, which explores the scientific mechanisms behind how we form an opinion of another person during the first moments of an encounter. There will also be a live recording of the Studio N podcast with Filip Titlbach and his guests from Deník N, Zdislava Pokorná and Lukáš Prchal.

 
Visitors can also attend a unique screening of the film Save Who You Can.

The section Diagnosis: Unknown focuses on diseases where diagnosis is exceptionally complex and often takes years. The series raises questions about communication between doctors and patients, as well as situations where medicine reaches its limits and people seek answers elsewhere. The programme will include screenings followed by discussions, including experiences with endometriosis, migraines, long COVID, and Crohn’s disease. A discussion hosted by Respekt magazine will address the topic of “Underfunding of Research into Chronic Diseases,” while the Psycho podcast from Radio Wave will focus on “Taboos and Silence.” Visitors can also attend a unique screening of the film Who Cares? about communication between patients and doctors in the auditorium of the UP Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry.

Sport as a Common Language

Dramaturge Zdeněk Rychtera introduces the section The Culture of Victory: “We’ll look at sport from various perspectives—as a means of self-realization, a profession, and a scientific phenomenon that touches on training or the relationship between mind and body. But we’re also interested in it as a social metaphor. After all, sport can create shared emotions and experiences that transcend the individual, whether it’s national euphoria or the idea of the Olympic ethos,” adds Zdeněk Rychtera. According to him, the documentary The Joy of Winning, narrated by Dr. Hannah Fry, is worth noting; it highlights the presence of both conscious and unconscious calculations and competitiveness in our everyday lives. Ondřej Hudeček’s film Tapes from Nagano, meanwhile, captures the role of sport as a unifying force for collective and national identity, even in times of crisis and uncertainty.

The documentary The Joy of Winning will also be screened.

The Echoes of the Future section focuses on how people in different eras imagined the future and why it is sometimes difficult to even articulate it today. The programme therefore combines films about contemporary technologies, artificial intelligence, and space missions with historical films. An example of this connection is a double feature of the Canadian film Shifting Baselines, which explores the negative impacts of spaceflight, paired with Méliès’s legendary A Trip to the Moon (Le Voyage dans la Lune). The programme will also include the podcast The Good, the Bad, and the Critical, in which the hosts explore different eras of science fiction.

A Break from the Cinema

For those who want to take a break from the screening rooms, there’s the option of going for a walk with filmmaker Prokop Pithart. “We’ll listen to the stories of the landscape around Olomouc and discover a world we usually pass by. For in the silence and apparent calm, small dramas and grand stories of our animal and plant neighbors unfold,” invites Anna Tabášková, dramaturge of the Resilience section.

A series of lectures titled Stories of Change: Community Against Despair is also on the agenda, featuring people across the Czech Republic striving for positive change in their communities. Topics will include the Klimababičky (Climate Grandmothers) and the Zachraňme Soutok (Save the Confluence) association.

The annual collaboration with Czech Television will also feature welcome segments in a programme called Science on ČT. The film In the Service of the Mountains offers a view of the Czech mountains throughout the seasons and pays tribute to the work of the mountain rescue service; its screening will be accompanied by commentary from guests of the Jeseníky Mountain Rescue Service.

Music is Science!

The main guest will be British scientist and producer Max Cooper, whose performance in the Hussite Church will combine electronic music with generative visual projections and scientific concepts.

The main musical guest will be British scientist and producer Max Cooper. Photo: Orozco Clara

The programme will be complemented by concerts from the GUFRAU project featuring guest Victor Kal, artist Johuš Matuš, and a series of club nights with music sets prepared by DJs such as Nill Garçon, Demonika, máúcta, and Austin Powers.

Festival in the Streets

The UP to the Future university initiative will present a science programme for the whole family at Horní náměstí. Visitors can also look forward to a giant inflatable model of the Earth and the astrosphere, as well as a new open-air spring cinema.

screenings and workshops for the youngest visitors, animated film series, and workshops in collaboration with the E-bezpečí project. The AFO Junior programme for teenagers will be complemented by a screening of the film Fighting Demons with Dragons at the Malá kulturní scéna Sedmička.

Academia Film Olomouc is the largest popular science film festival in Europe. Since 1966, it has been connecting scientists, filmmakers, students, and the general public, creating a space for sharing knowledge and open debate about the world we live in. Accreditation for the 61st edition of the festival is now open; basic admission to the event is free. The program and further information are available on the website afo.cz.

Kristýna Zelená Pospíšková from the Environmental Nanotechnologies research group at CATRIN will focus on developing a new generation of biochar-based nanocomposites produced from biomass to improve their efficiency and broaden their practical use in environmental technologies. Her three-year research project has received fundingfrom the Palacký University KaMos– Return Grants programme.

Biochar-based composites represent modern and environmentally friendly materials produced through the thermal processing of biomass and its subsequent modification so that the resulting materials can effectively capture or decompose harmful substances from water or soil. By combining biochar with reactive nanoparticles or with surface-bound isolated atoms of selected metals, it is possible to obtain materials with high efficiency, stability and selectivity towards a wide range of contaminants. Worldwide, such materials are emerging as a promising alternative to more expensive or less sustainable sorbents and catalysts.

“The project focuses on developing a new generation of biochar nanocomposites prepared from both readily available and waste biomass. Together with my colleagues, I will synthesise and modify these materials using advanced methods, comprehensively characterise them and test their performance in the treatment of both model and real contaminated waters. Promising systems may subsequently serve as a basis for follow-up applied research or future innovations in the field of environmental decontamination,” explained the researcher.

The Palacký University Return Grants programme is intended for researchers and doctoral students returning to research after a career break due to parenthood, illness or caring for a close family member. Its aim is to facilitate the return to research, support the long-term sustainability of scientific careers and promote equal opportunities in academia.

“After my three-year career break due to parenthood, this call represented a unique opportunity to effectively build on my previous research activities, further develop them and fully re-engage in research within our group,” said the grant recipient.

In the past, she has focused extensively on the preparation of various types of composite materials for environmental applications (sorbents for contaminant removal) and bioapplications (carriers for enzymes and cells), with particular emphasis on their magnetic separation. In recent years, her research has concentrated on the development of composite (nano)materials based on biochar combined with metal nanoparticles and their oxides or sulfides, which form within the porous matrix during the pyrolysis of impregnated biomaterials. Selected materials have already been successfully applied in the removal of problematic organic and inorganic contaminants, as enzyme-mimicking catalysts and as photocatalytically active composites.

The project, with a budget of CZK 6.1 million, will enable the researcher to build on her previous work, renew existing collaborations and establish new partnerships, particularly within the V4 Biochar Platform, which brings together Czech and international scientists working on biochar-based materials.

Karel Eliáš, lawyer, university lecturer, and principal author of the current Czech Civil Code, received the highest honour that Palacký University in Olomouc can bestow. He became its honorary doctor. He received the title of doctor honoris causa for his extraordinary scholarly achievements and creative contributions in the field of legal science and legal culture.

The honorary doctorate was awarded to Karel Eliáš on the recommendation of the Faculty of Law's Scholarly Board and by decision of the University's Scholarly Board. He received it at a ceremony in the Archepiscopal Palace during a gathering of the academic community.

The laureate was introduced by Václav Stehlík, Dean of the UP Faculty of Law. "Professor Karel Eliáš is widely regarded by the scientific and broader legal community as one of the most important figures in Czech legal science and legal culture in general. He has made a significant contribution as the main academic and legislative author of the current Czech Civil Code in connection with the extensive recodification of Czech civil law," said Václav Stehlík, adding that the Czech Civil Code is fully comparable with the best foreign codifications of all fundamental personal and property relations. "Professor Eliáš devoted a significant part of his long-term, extensive, and erudite publishing, other scientific, and pedagogical activities to the restoration of legality within the framework of the rule of law and generally recognised legal principles in accordance with moral principles," emphasised the dean.

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Rector Michael Kohajda recalled the award winner's contribution to legal education. "It is well known that Professor Eliáš has always considered teaching to be an integral part of his work in higher education. And when I talk about teaching, I don't mean memorising legal regulations, but rather cultivating legal thinking, legal language, and a systematic, historically grounded approach to law. Moreover, his teaching style is primarily focused on dialogue with students," said Michael Kohajda.

Representatives of the university then presented Karel Eliáš with an honorary doctorate in the form of a diploma and a commemorative UP medal with a double portrait of Josef Dobrovský and František Palacký.

"I appreciate that Palacký University has decided to recognise the results of my work and my career. I thank you sincerely and with respect for this. I appreciate this extraordinary honour all the more because it is being awarded to me by the oldest university in Moravia," said Karel Eliáš. He recalled that he first visited the Olomouc Faculty of Law thirty years ago, when he attended a conference focused on the preparation of the Civil Code. "At that time, I never dreamed that the Civil Code would become my destiny and consume so many years of my life and energy."

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He devoted part of his speech to the values and attitudes that underpin the academic world and public life. He spoke about freedom, democracy, and the natural right of people to pursue their own happiness. "Neither Nazism nor communism was able to eradicate this human desire. I believe that no one else will either," he said, among other things. He also pointed to the ever-increasing legal regulation, which he described as a manifestation of legal hypochondria.

Before the meeting at the Archbishop's Palace, Karel Eliáš accepted an invitation to the Faculty of Law, where, among other things, he signed the chronicle. The faculty has been keeping it since its restoration in 1991.

Since 1990, Palacký University has awarded honorary doctorates to fifty extraordinary personalities for their contribution to knowledge, the development of society, and the dissemination of humanistic values. At the suggestion of the Faculty of Law, these were Simon Wiesenthal, Willibald Posch, Vladislav David, and Otakar Motejl. An overview of all UP honorary doctors is available on the university's website.

Karel Eliáš

In 1979, he graduated from the Faculty of Law at Charles University in Prague. In 1996, he completed his doctoral studies in commercial law at the Faculty of Law in Brno. He habilitated at the same faculty. In 2002, he was appointed professor of commercial law.

After graduating, Professor Karel Eliáš worked as a corporate lawyer. In 1991, he became a researcher at the Institute of State and Law of the Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences. He then taught at the Faculty of Law of the University of West Bohemia in Plzeň, where he headed the Department of Commercial Law, later Private Law, and subsequently served as Vice-Dean for Science and Research. Since 2016, he has been teaching at the Faculty of Law of Trnava University in Trnava.

He is a long-standing member of the Scholarly Board of the Faculty of Law at Palacký University. He serves on the disciplinary council of its doctoral programme in Theoretical Legal Sciences.

In 2012, he was inducted into the Legal Hall of Fame by the legal community for his exceptional lifetime contribution to law.

The dreaded varroosis has long been one of the leading causes of bee colony deaths, destroying entire apiaries in some areas. This threatens honey production and the many years of work beekeepers have put into beekeeping. A new four-year project supported by the National Agency for Agricultural Research (NAZV) of the Ministry of Agriculture aims to change this situation. As part of the project, scientists will present new practical solutions for diagnosing and controlling varroosis. The results, which will help monitor, prevent, and treat this disease, will be used by beekeepers themselves and by the state administration. 

"Our project is currently in its initial phase. It was created in response to a call from the Ministry of Agriculture, which requested a professional proposal on how to modernise and replace the outdated system for investigating varroa mites in bee colonies. Our team has proposed an innovative solution that combines biological research, modern technology, science communication, and direct cooperation with beekeepers," said lead researcher Jiří Danihlík from the Department of Biochemistry at the Faculty of Science.

Incorporation of modern technologies

The current mandatory monitoring of varroosis in bee colonies is conducted in winter, which is not the most suitable period for the intensity of Varroa destructor mite reproduction. The new concept proposed by Olomouc scientists envisages more flexible monitoring throughout the year. Beekeepers will also be able to use smartphones for this purpose. A specially developed application will help beekeepers with diagnostics directly in the field. Experts will thus obtain more accurate data on the actual extent of infestation and new research findings on the development of the disease in years with different weather conditions. Satellite data will also be used to monitor developments, and the Department of Geoinformatics at the Faculty of Science will be involved in processing this data. Over the next four years, scientists will test how their proposed approach works in practice.

The research part of the project builds on the UP Faculty of Science's involvement in the international COLOSS monitoring programme. Since 2014, the local team has been systematically collecting data on bee colony deaths, treatment methods, foraging conditions and other symptoms observed in bee colonies. This has resulted in an extensive database, which scientists will now subject to detailed statistical analysis. "Colleagues from the Department of Mathematical Analysis and Applications of Mathematics will participate in this. The aim is to more accurately identify the factors that affect the health of bees and, at the same time, to determine suitable strategies for beekeeping," said Jiří Danihlík.

The project will connect research with practice

The project does not only involve laboratory research. It also includes workshops, conferences, educational videos, and practical guides that offer beekeepers clear, applicable procedures for protecting their colonies.

"Cooperation with practitioners will be key. Beekeepers will provide us with samples and field data and, in turn, gain access to the latest scientific findings. Our ambition is to create a modern, data-driven varroa monitoring system that will replace the model that has been in use for decades and will better reflect the reality of the current landscape and changing conditions," added Jiří Danihlík.

The project, entitled Innovative Solutions for the Diagnosis and Control of Varroosis as an Alternative to EpM300 in the Period of Onset Climate Change, will involve collaboration between the Faculty of Science of Palacký University under the leadership of Jiří Danihlík, the Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences in Brno, headed by Roman Hobza, and the Czech Agrifood Research Center (CARC), represented by Tomáš Erban.

Aurora's third open call from the European university network Aurora aims to connect scientists and higher education institutions across Europe. In addition to purely scientific projects, it now targets activities at the intersection of research and education. The total call budget has increased by nearly half to 240,000 euros. In the two previous rounds, seven projects involving UP received support; applications for this year's round can be submitted until April 17.

The third open call, Call for Incentive Research & Education Collaboration, from the Aurora alliance—which unites nine research-oriented European universities—responds to growing interest in international collaboration and the need for stronger integration of research and education. It supports the creation of new partnerships across the alliance and the development of activities with long-term impact, whether in science or education.

Emphasis on Linking Research and Teaching

A key novelty of this year's round is the opening of space for so-called "mixed incentive projects"—projects combining research and educational components. Aurora is responding to the current trend of strengthening research-based teaching and efforts to create international study opportunities closely tied to ongoing scientific activities.

Funding of up to 20,000 euros can continue to support both purely research projects and, newly, activities that connect academic teams and students, leading to the creation of future blended intensive programmes (BIP), micro-credentials, or joint programmes. A key criterion remains international collaboration involving at least three partner institutions from the Aurora alliance and alignment with its thematic priorities, such as sustainability, health, digital society, or social innovation.

Inspiration from Previous Rounds

In the calls from the previous two years, more than 90 high-quality projects were submitted in total, with sixteen receiving support. In 2024, UP was the coordinator of one project and participated as a partner in two others. Last year, four projects involving Palacký University succeeded. UP also contributed to organizing two summer schools and sent students on short-term internships.

Thematic Schools, Seminars, and Internships

In addition to research and combined projects, the call continues to support the organization of thematic summer or winter schools, for which up to 20,000 euros can be obtained. A new feature is intensive multi-day seminars, which can serve—thanks to funding of up to 10,000 euros—as a platform for meetings of academics and students, sharing know-how, and developing new project ideas. The third key activity of the call continues to target support for mobility for early-career researchers. Master's and PhD students, as well as postdocs, can receive funding for short-term internships of up to 3 months at one of the universities in the Aurora 2030 consortium.

How to Apply?

Complete information about the call, including details on project proposal requirements and the evaluation process, is available on Aurora's central website. The deadline for submitting proposals for the current call is April 17, 2026, at 12:00.

Palacký University's charity campaign to buy a power generator for Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv was successfully completed in just one week. The target amount was collected thanks to the extraordinary solidarity of the university community and wider academic community in the Czech Republic. Paměť národa (Memory of Nations) was a key partner in the initiative, and Masaryk University and the Brno University of Technology also provided significant support.

The collection responded to the acute need of the Kyiv University to cope with power outages caused by ongoing attacks on civilian infrastructure. The generator will enable the university to continue teaching, operate key facilities, and maintain basic security.

"We managed to complete the collection in just one week. I consider this a success not only for the Olomouc university community, but for the entire academic community of the Czech Republic, which joined the appeal. I want to thank everyone who contributed to the collection. We have sent a clear signal that solidarity between universities is not just symbolic, but that our help has a concrete form and a concrete impact," said Michael Kohajda, rector of Palacký University.

"We feel that we are not alone – that we have reliable friends who are lending a helping hand. Together we are stronger." Kyiv University management

The generator was delivered to Kyiv at the end of last week. Palacký University decided to take advantage of the logistical opportunity when Memory of Nations was transporting other generators to eastern Ukraine.

"As soon as it became clear that the collection would be successful, we couldn't wait. Memory of Nations was organising the transport of other generators to eastern Ukraine, and it was possible to add ours. Thanks to this, we got the generator to Kyiv without delay—in a situation where time really matters," added Matěj Dostálek, Vice-Rector for Communication and Social Responsibility at UP.

The amount raised exceeded the original target. The surplus will be used by Memory of Nations to purchase additional equipment to help Ukraine overcome this difficult period under intense and inhumane attack by the Russian aggressor.

Help Ukraine with Memory of Nations. You can contribute here.

The generator was handed over to the Kyiv University thanks to the cooperation of KNU Rector Volodymyr Bugrov and Vice-Rector for International Relations Ksenia Smyrnova. University staff will put it into operation in the very near future.

The management of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv stated that the new generator "is not just technical equipment, but a light in dark times, warmth, and the opportunity to continue working and helping people even during power outages." The Ukrainian side also thanked Palacký University and its Czech partners for their important support and emphasised that solidarity and interest from abroad are extremely valuable in these difficult times: "We feel that we are not alone – that we have reliable friends who are lending a helping hand. Together we are stronger."

Palacký University has long supported Ukrainian students and academics and is involved in activities to support the attacked country. The successful collection for the generator is another concrete step that confirms the university community's belief that responsibility and solidarity are fundamental values of the academic environment.

 

A completely new mechanism that allows plants to form vascular tissue for the efficient transport of water and nutrients was published today in the prestigious scientific journal Science. Scientists from CATRIN at Palacký University and the Growth Regulators Laboratory, a joint workplace of the Institute of Experimental Botany of the Czech Academy of Sciences and the Faculty of Science at Palacký University, also participated in the research led by the University of Cambridge and the University of Helsinki. The study paves the way for future research to optimize the growth characteristics of crops important to agriculture and forestry, including the production of commercially valuable materials such as wood, paper, and bioproducts.

“This research clarifies how plants finely tune the development of vascular tissues and determine the fate of their vascular cells. The findings may influence plant traits ranging from drought resistance to root and tuber growth in food crops to wood formation,” said co-first author Raili Ruonala from the University of Helsinki.

Based on studies of a model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, scientists have uncovered the regulatory dynamics that control xylem formation. This conductive tissue acts as the plant’s “water supply,” distributing water and minerals upward while helping to strengthen the plant.  The experts then focused on thermospermine, a small positively charged polyamine molecule already known to regulate vascular cell differentiation. It turned out that the fate of some plant cells in the vascular system depends on the cooperation of two factors – thermospermine and a specific chemical modification of the ribosome – the cell’s “protein factory.” The study showed that only ribosomes carrying a specific chemical “mark” on their RNA allow thermospermine to bind properly and subsequently control cell development.

Members of the CATRIN research team have also focused on polyamines as plant growth regulators in their research into plant responses to stress. Polyamines help plants grow better and cope with stress, or, for example by influencing which genes are switched on or off in a cell and how proteins are produced. Scientists have now shown that these molecules can also directly regulate ribosomes, defining cell differentiation and development.

“These findings are significant because they are the first experimental evidence of this mechanism. In addition, polyamines are synthesized by all living organisms, which is why this research is important not only for plants but also for other organisms, including human health,” said co-author Nuria De Diego, head of the CATRIN Plant-Environment Interactions research group. Together with her colleague Sanja Ćavar Zeljković, they were responsible for measuring polyamines. They are collaborating with the University of Helsinki, the University of Cambridge, and the Polish Academy of Sciences to use this discovery to understand secondary tree growth and study certain diseases.

Ondřej Novák, the head of the Laboratory of Growth Regulators, participated in He participated in the characterization of plants with a mutation in a gene whose activity is influenced by the chemical modification of ribosomes after binding with thermospermine. “The study provides the first evidence that a polyamine can directly and specifically regulate gene expression directly at the ribosome. Detailed structural analysis further reveal precisely how thermospermine binds. The research thus uncovers a new regulatory principle and resolves a mystery known for more than 15 years. Namely, how thermospermine can activate or suppress different groups of genes as needed, but only through a ribosome with a specific chemical label,” said Novák.

Although the research was conducted on the model plant Arabidopsis, it suggests that the same signaling may occur in other plants. For example, in trees, these signals could be set to promote the formation of many conductive vessels for upward growth, while in radishes, they could be adjusted to favor storage cells in the root, allowing the plant to store more energy.

Scientists from Olomouc collaborated on the research with colleagues from the United Kingdom, Finland, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Poland, and other countries.

Palacký University Olomouc, in cooperation with Paměť národa (Memory of Nations), is launching a public donation campaign to help Taras Shevchenko National University in Kyiv. One of Ukraine's most prestigious universities has appealed to the University in Olomouc, requesting a generator to enable it to continue teaching and research during the current freezing winter, when Ukraine is facing attacks on its energy infrastructure by Russia. The generator is expected to be sent to Kyiv in the coming days.

Universities have always stood for knowledge, freedom, and responsibility in society. Today, they have another opportunity to live up to these values.

Ongoing attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure are depriving millions of people of electricity, heat, and basic security. This reality also affects academic institutions—places that are crucial for maintaining education, critical thinking, and social resilience in times of crisis.

Taras Shevchenko National University in Kyiv, one of Ukraine's most important universities, has officially approached Palacký University Olomouc with a request for help. Palacký University, in cooperation with Paměť národa (Memory of Nations), is therefore launching a donation campaign to purchase a KJ POWER KJA110 (110 kVA) diesel generator, which will enable teaching, research, and the basic functioning of the university in Kyiv to continue even during power outages and under extremely difficult conditions.

The university as a pillar of resilience

Despite blackouts, evacuations to shelters, and daily uncertainty, Kyiv University continues to teach, conduct research, and provide assistance. The university serves as a safe and stable environment not only for students and teachers, but also for the wider community. It is a place where psychological support is provided, where the continuity of education is maintained, and where the future of a country defending itself against aggression is being prepared. 

However, even the strongest institutions cannot cope with extreme stress without support. We are therefore facing a clear challenge today: to help our colleagues who defend the same values as we do, only in unimaginably more difficult conditions.

A call to the academic community – without borders
This donation campaign was launched on the initiative of Palacký University Olomouc, in cooperation with Paměť národa (Memory of Nations). At the same time, it is an open call to the entire academic community and all university communities – students, teachers, employees, and other universities in Czechia and abroad. Because academic solidarity knows no borders. And because the help of one university, multiplied by the support of others, has real power.

The goal is to raise funds for specific, immediately usable aid – a generator that can be sent to Kyiv in the coming days through Paměť národa. Every contribution, large or small, is an expression of solidarity and responsibility. Together, we can help ensure that education, research, and human values survive even in times of war.

Let's show that we are not indifferent to the fate of our colleagues!

Scientists describe the structure of photosystem II in green algae with extreme resistance to high light intensity

Olomouc (February 4, 2026) – An international team of scientists has described in detail the structure of photosystem II in the green microalgae Chlorella ohadii and revealed the mechanisms that enable this organism to survive and function effectively even under extremely high light intensity. Photosystem II is a key protein complex in photosynthetic organisms that converts light energy into chemical energy. The results of the research, which involved experts from the Department of Biophysics at the Faculty of Science, Palacký University Olomouc (UP FS), were published in the prestigious journal Nature Communications.

Using cryogenic electron microscopy, the researchers obtained a highly detailed structure of the photosystem II supercomplex. The analysis revealed an unusual arrangement of light-harvesting proteins that differs significantly from the structures known in higher plants and in most other algae. According to the scientists, this arrangement allows for more efficient regulation of the flow of excitation energy and protects the photosynthetic apparatus from damage at higher light intensities.

"Our results show that the photosystem II of this microalga is structurally optimised for environments with extremely variable light conditions. We have identified specific structural elements that are likely responsible for its extraordinary phototolerance," said corresponding author Roman Kouřil from the Department of Biophysics at the Faculty of Science.

Link to the article:

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-65861-2

The results of the study also provide new insights into the evolution of photosynthetic complexes. The structure of photosystem II in Chlorella ohadii combines features known from various groups of photosynthetic organisms with completely unique elements. According to Roman Kouřil, this suggests that the photosynthetic apparatus may have repeatedly adapted to extreme environmental conditions throughout evolution through relatively subtle yet functionally significant changes.

"A better understanding of these adaptive mechanisms is key to basic research on photosynthesis and may also inspire biotechnological applications," added lead author Rameez Arshad from the Department of Biophysics at the Faculty of Science.

The research involved experts from the Department of Biophysics and the Department of Experimental Biology at the Faculty of Science, Palacký University Olomouc, as well as scientists from Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, CATRIN UP, Czech Agrifood Research Center, CEITEC of Masaryk University, and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. It was precisely this interdisciplinary collaboration that made it possible to link detailed structural results with their biological and functional significance.

Measuring less than one millimeter, blind and wingless it was discovered by an international team of scientists deep in the soil in central Chile. The uniqueness of this miniature creature was confirmed by genetic analysis conducted by experts from the Czech Advanced Research and Technologies Institute (CATRIN) at Palacký University Olomouc. According to the analysis, the beetle comes from an ancient evolutionary line dating back approximately 220 million years. Experts have newly described this lineage as a separate family and named it Badmaateridae.

“Although the biodiversity of beetles outside industrially developed countries is still poorly researched, the identification of a completely new family is exceptional. The origin of the new Badmaateridae family dates back to the late Triassic period, approximately 220 million years ago. This means that it originated at the same time as mammals, but 60 to 70 million years earlier than birds and about 90 million years before flowering plants,” said Ladislav Bocák, corresponding author of the study and the head of the Biodiversity and Molecular Evolution research group at CATRIN.

Although this is an ancient species, the beetle, hidden deep in the soil, has so far escaped the attention of the scientific community. As a result of adapting to underground conditions, these beetles have small bodies, are blind, and wingless. Scientists involved in the international World Soil Fauna Project found several miniature individuals after digging about half-meter-deep pits, washing soil samples, and then drying the organic material.

“The appearance and body structure of the beetle provided almost no clues to its evolutionary relationships. Only some features indicated that it might be closely related to the elateroid families, which include the well-known fireflies, click-beetles, and soldier beetles. Thanks to advanced technologies, we were able to obtain a sufficient amount of DNA even from such a small individual, identify 4,200 genes, and compare them with potentially related groups. Thanks to this, we were able to confirm that it belongs to a completely new family and determine the age of this group,” explained Dominik Kusý, another co-author of the study. The beetle’s name is derived from the personal name Badamnyambuu, abbreviated to Badmaa. This was the name of the researcher who discovered the beetle while processing soil samples.

Badmaater is a new addition to the growing list of families and subfamilies whose larvae and sometimes adults live deep in the soil. However, even if other similar lineages are discovered, these specialized groups represent only a fraction of elateroid beetles. One reason may be limited knowledge of soil fauna in many parts of the world. Another possible explanation is that blind and wingless species are unable to disperse over long distances and are therefore particularly prone to extinction.

The research also shows how ancient lineages respond to climate change. The new family was found in the Chilean matorral, a specific region in central Chile which today has a Mediterranean climate with limited winter rainfall and dry, hot summers. However, for most of its tectonic history, it was located at high latitudes. At the same time, this area was isolated from the tropics by the extremely dry Atacama Desert and from the South American pampas by over 6,000 meters-high Andes. It can therefore be assumed that the region underwent significant aridification, i.e., the gradual drying up of the climate and landscape, in the late Tertiary and Quaternary periods.

“The study shows once again how limited our knowledge of biodiversity is and how important field research is – not only in tropical areas, but also in regions that are less species-rich at first glance, yet have a unique geological and climatic history and host a number of endemic species. Many of these areas are now threatened by urbanization, intensive agriculture, a low proportion of protected areas, and poor connectivity between them,” Bocák pointed out.

The unexpected discovery by scientists from Canada, Spain, and the Czech Republic was recently published in the scientific journal Systematic Entomology. The holotype will be deposited in the National Natural History Museum, Santiago, Chile. Paratypes can be found in the Canadian National Collection of Insects, Arachnids and Nematodes, Ottawa, Canada, and in the Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom, respectively. During two expeditions in 2022 and 2025, experts involved in the project processed several tons of soil from more than 50 locations throughout Chile.

How can we make the production of supercapacitors for energy storage more sustainable and replace the traditionally used but toxic solvent NMP (N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone)? According to scientists from CATRIN at Palacký University, the “green” solvents Cyrene and Tamisolve may be a suitable alternative. In an article published in the Chemical Engineering Journal, they have shown that these solvents can be used in production without reducing the performance of the equipment. They thus offer a path to the next generation of sustainable, high-performance supercapacitors for industrial use.

“Supercapacitors are one of the modern technologies for storing electric energy. As sustainable energy storage becomes more prominent, it is essential to replace the hazardous solvents used in the production of supercapacitor electrodes. Our study presents Cyrene and Tamisolve as environmentally friendly alternatives to the toxic solvent NMP, which is traditionally used in production. Both tested solvents enabled the preparation of electrodes that maintain high electrochemical performance while improving environmental compatibility,” said Michal Otyepka, corresponding author of the article.

The electrodes were prepared using nitrogen-doped graphene as the active material in combination with two types of binders. The first was a common fluorinated binder (PVDF), which is widely used in industry, including in the manufacturing of battery electrodes. The researchers also tested a fluorine-free binder (PVP), which has a lower environmental impact and is more soluble in environmentally friendly solvents. Using various combinations, they monitored the performance and stability of the electrodes as well as their mechanical resistance.

“The results showed that not only can the alternative solvents Cyrene and Tamisolve fully replace the toxic solvent NMP, but also that the prepared electrodes have the necessary mechanical properties. Their compatibility with both fluorinated PVDF and non-fluorinated PVP binders, together with excellent layer uniformity and electrochemical stability, makes them ideal for use in scalable applications. This is essential for industrial production,” said the publication’s first author, Ivan Dědek.

Cyrene, or dihydrolevoglucosenone, is obtained from renewable biomass sources such as cellulose. Tamisolve (N-butyl-2-pyrrolidone) is a substance related to the commonly used NMP, but is more gentle on human health and the environment.

Supercapacitor research has been a priority at CATRIN for almost ten years. In addition to developing new active materials, such as the successful nitrogen-doped graphene (SC-GN3), it also focuses on environmentally friendly and industrially feasible manufacturing processes. The replacement of toxic NMP with the “greener” solvents Cyrene and Tamisolve confirms that more sustainable production can go hand in hand with high performance and represents an important step towards industrial implementation.

At the end of last year, Palacký University was successful with a European Commission project. It will be the host organisation for the Europe Direct regional centre for the next five years. One of the twelve Czech branches of the European information network will be located in the university shop and information centre UPoint on Horní náměstí from January. The main objective of the project is to promote systematic communication and the popularisation of topics related to the EU and European values.

"Simply put, the university will use the Europe Direct branch to bring the functioning of the European Union closer to the public, provide understandable information, and create space for dialogue on current European topics. Part of the centre's activities is regular communication on social networks, where we clearly explain European topics and respond to current events," explains Adéla Gajdošíková, coordinator of the Olomouc branch.

Another essential task of Europe Direct is to organise educational and discussion events in cooperation with several partner organisations, as well as lectures by students and teachers from UP at primary and secondary schools. "In 2026, we want to focus primarily on the topics of information literacy and the fight against disinformation, as well as debunking myths related to sustainable development. After all, the topics of resilience and sustainability are also an integral part of the university's strategic plan," adds Matěj Dostálek, Vice-Rector for Communication and Social Responsibility, under whose division the project is being implemented.

Palacký University is currently the only university with a local Europe Direct branch. In other cities, centres operate in municipal libraries, Eurocentres or city halls, for example. "We would like to make the most of the university's personnel and know-how, which has been focusing on European issues for a long time. For students of political science, journalism, or European studies, this will be a great opportunity to gain practical experience. For our teachers, it will expand the possibilities for promoting their research," says Ondřej Martínek from the UP Marketing Office, one of the project's coordinators.

Palacký University in Olomouc is founded on the principles of academic freedom, human dignity, and equal access to education. We are therefore deeply concerned about the violence, repression, and restrictions on fundamental human rights faced by the people of Iran, including members of the academic community, our students, and their families. Alarming are the actions taken against civil society and the restrictions on freedom of expression, freedom of movement, and access to information.

Through the Welcome Office of Palacký University and individual faculties, we are in direct contact with Iranian students at Palacký University. We are addressing their situation so they can continue their studies at our alma mater in an environment that respects human rights and democratic values.

Palacký University stands by all those who strive for life in a free society and a state governed by the rule of law, where education is a path to knowledge and understanding, critical thinking, and active citizenship. We uphold these values not only in words, but also through responsible action towards the people who are part of our academic community.

doc. JUDr. Michael Kohajda, Ph.D.

Rector of Palacký University Olomouc

Faculty of Health Sciences is taking a significant step forward in international cooperation. The university in Olomouc has become the first in the Czech Republic to join the Erasmus Radiography Group (ERG) – a global network of universities that focuses exclusively on exchange programmes for radiology assistants across Europe within the Erasmus+ programme.

The entry into this specialised European group brings students completely new opportunities for international mobility. The first exchange stays are planned for the beginning of 2027 in the form of three-month study stays, including clinical practice in local hospitals. Four radiology assistant students from our faculty will be able to travel abroad, and four foreign students from abroad will come to Olomouc as part of the exchange," said Lukáš Merz, Vice-Dean for International Relations and Internationalisation at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Palacký University.

Students interested in studying abroad in the next academic year can now contact Jiří Kozel, Erasmus coordinator at the Department of Radiological Methods at the Faculty of Health Sciences, directly with information about where and for how long they would like to study.

➡️ The deadline for registration of students is February 2, 2026.

➡️ The selection process for student exchanges will take place during the week from February 16 to February 20, 2026.

The coordination of activities within the ERG is provided by Jiří Kozel, Erasmus coordinator of the Department of Radiological Methods, together with Irena Jedličková from the faculty's international office and in close cooperation with the Olomouc University Hospital: Radiology Clinic, Nuclear Medicine Clinic, and Oncology Clinic. The aim is to offer students not only professional experience abroad, but also the opportunity to get to know a different healthcare system and working environment and to broaden their professional and personal horizons.

"We currently have established cooperation with universities in Bologna, Porto, Dublin, and Ljubljana. Students will be able to travel abroad under the Erasmus+ programme as early as the next academic year, during the standard Erasmus Radiography Group exchange period from the beginning of January to the end of March," said Jiří Kozel.

Clinical internship opportunities

In addition to ERG trips, students at the Department of Radiological Methods can also take advantage of Erasmus+ clinical internships, which can be completed throughout the year, most often for 2-3 months. "Last year, we managed to establish cooperation with the University of Innsbruck. In the winter semester, Lisa, a student from this university, came to us for a three-month clinical internship. Conversely, Kateřina, a student from our institute, completed a clinical internship of the same length in Innsbruck," said Jiří Kozel.

"I would like to encourage students not to be shy about this opportunity and to apply. Erasmus is not just about 'going abroad', but mainly about experiences that will advance you professionally and personally. Together with my colleague Irena Jedličková, we will do our best to ensure that our students' stay abroad is as well-prepared and meaningful as possible and that it is a real benefit for them," summarised Jiří Kozel. "Whether students are deciding on a destination, the length of their stay, or the preparation itself, we are here to help them with everything," added Irena Jedličková.

You can also find up-to-date information about Erasmus, study abroad programmes, and student experiences on social media. Follow our Facebook page. Erasmus Radiography UPOL and Instagram @erasmus_radiography_upol, where additional information will be posted regularly.