News: Faculty of Science

May is traditionally associated with the Palacký University Olomouc student festival, the Olomouc Majáles. This year’s event, the 14th edition, will take place on May 6 and 7. For the first time in history, the busy programme will be hosted at the Olomouc summer cinema complex, known as Letňák. Visitors can look forward to two music stages featuring two dozen bands and performers, plus a theatre tent, an AZ quiz, presentations by more than seventy student clubs and non-profit organisations, and an accompanying programme for the whole family. The queen of this year’s May Day Festival will be Dina Štěrbová, a well-known mountaineer, activist, and educator closely associated with Palacký University.

The main programme will start on Thursday, May 7, but the organisers have planned a warm-up event the day before. “Visitors to the Majáles festival will have the opportunity to learn about more than seventy student and non-profit organisations and university departments, which will have their booths in Letňák, congratulate the recent winners of the UP Literary Competition, or participate in the popular AZ Quiz with Aleš Zbořil. The popular O.LI.V.Y. and slam poetry will also be there,” said Matěj Dostálek, Vice Rector for Communication and Social Responsibility at UP.

“We are very pleased that the kings who reigned over previous editions of the Majáles will be succeeded this year by a queen on the imaginary throne. She will be Dina Štěrbová, one of the greatest figures in Czechoslovak mountaineering, who has conquered two eight-thousanders and whose professional life has been linked to Palacký University for nearly thirty years.” Ondřej Martínek

Fly Tomorrow, Kristýna Smutná, and Hudebka Live—a group formed by students from the Department of Music Education in Olomouc—will provide plenty of musical energy. The entire Wednesday programme will last until the early hours of the morning and will conclude with a silent disco. The first day will also feature several charity events, an outdoor programme, and a major contest with prizes worth fifty thousand crowns.

Last year, musician Petr Fiala was crowned King of the Majáles. The symbolic royal sceptre was passed to the frontman of the band Mňága a Žďorp by the previous year’s Majáles ruler, singer-songwriter Michal Horák. Photo: Vojtěch Kmenta

On Thursday, participants in the Majáles celebrations can look forward to a lavish musical lineup. From early afternoon until late at night, rock, pop, rap, folk, and dance music will fill the air from two stages. “There will certainly be great interest in the performance by Vypsaná fixa, a pop-punk legend that has been playing for over thirty years and is always a welcome guest in Olomouc. On the other hand, Slavíček, a phenomenon of the digital music scene who carefully guards his identity, will be performing in our city for the very first time,” noted Ondřej Martínek, the main coordinator of the Majáles celebrations from the UP Marketing and University Events Offices. He also highlighted another name—singer Kaya. As a teenager, she won the Mattoni Music Talent competition. She even had her own billboard in Times Square in New York. The series of live performances will conclude with the band Elektrïck Mann. “Last year we welcomed Mňága a Žďorp to the May Day Festival; this year we decided to invite another legend from Valmez,” summarised Michael Kozák, the festival’s coordinator.

Details and the programmw are available at  olomouckymajales.cz

The highlight of the main programme will be the coronation of the Queen of Majáles shortly before 5:00 p.m. “We are very pleased that the kings who reigned over previous years of Majáles will be succeeded by a queen on the symbolic throne this year. She will be Dina Štěrbová, one of the greatest figures in Czechoslovak mountaineering, who has conquered two eight-thousanders and whose professional life has been linked to Palacký University for nearly thirty years,” emphasised Ondřej Martínek. Dina Štěrbová taught mathematics at the Faculty of Science. Her involvement in humanitarian projects is also significant—twenty years ago, she helped establish a high-altitude hospital in Pakistan. In 2023, President Petr Pavel awarded her the Medal of Merit, First Class. “The programme will also include a discussion with the newly crowned Queen of Majáles,” added Ondřej Martínek.

On Thursday, visitors can also look forward to a sale of handmade goods, massage therapists, tattoo artists, and high-quality Olomouc cuisine. The organisers have also planned a sports programme, including morning yoga for the public, discussions and lectures at UPoint and the UP Student Club, and a special Majáles quiz at the Jazz Tibet Club. Afterparties will take place at the Olomouc clubs Bocca and Varna.

A Majáles celebration wouldn’t be complete without plenty of music. This year is no exception. Photo: Vojtěch Kmenta

As is tradition, admission to the event is free on the first day. Tickets for the second, main day can be purchased at a discounted price until Tuesday, May 5, at the university store and the UPoint information centre. Student tickets will be available on-site for 150 CZK; other visitors will pay 250 CZK. The organiser of the UP Olomouc Majáles is Palacký University. The general partner of the event is Tvarg, and the main partner is Veolia.

The UP Olomouc Majáles is organised by the university as one of the last traditional student Majáles festivals. The university’s marketing office and some forty students are behind its preparation. 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 festival.

Scientists from the Department of Biophysics of the Faculty of Science of Palacký University Olomouc collaborated with the French cosmetic brand Guerlain and LVMH Recherche on a research program related to the development of a unique range of products aimed at slowing down skin aging processes. The knowledge gained in the laboratories of the Faculty of Science of Palacký University Olomouc (UP) was highlighted in the new Orchidée Impériale Gold Nobile – The Goldessence, which represents a new milestone in modern skin care based on scientific research.

Olomouc scientists used advanced biophysical and optical methods, which allows for detailed monitoring of biological processes in the skin, to demonstrate novel properties for the core ingredient technology of the Orchidée Impériale Gold Nobile range. The research focused in particular on the so-called ultra-weak photon emission – very weak light signals emitted by skin cells and which can serve as an indicator of aging.

Ultra-weak photon emission as an indicator of aging

“Our results show that ultra-weak photon emission can be a sensitive indicator of changes in the skin associated with aging. Thanks to unique measurement technologies, we are able to monitor these processes and better understand how their course can be influenced,” said the head of the research team, Ankush Prasad from the Department of Biophysics.

The new product formula uses an active ingredient extracted from the Dendrobium nobile orchid (Gold Nobile), which is associated with the restoration of UPE emissions close to those of normal skin cells, as compared to senescent cells. Biophysical analyses helped to clarify the mechanisms by which this ingredient contributes to improving the appearance of the skin, its radiance and reducing visible signs of aging.

Connecting science and luxury cosmetics

The Faculty of Science of Palacký University began cooperation with the Guerlain cosmetics house, which is part of the LVMH group, in 2022. This partnership was subsequently followed by a three-year contract focused on further research into mechanisms related to the modulation of ultra-weak photon emission in human skin and their contribution to cellular functions.

“This project is an example of how basic research in biophysics can find concrete applications in practice. Connecting the university environment with an industrial partner allows scientific knowledge to be transferred into real products,” added Ankush Prasad.

 

Research with an impact on everyday life

The project confirms the growing importance of collaboration between academia and industry and shows that cutting-edge research conducted at the UP Faculty of Science can contribute to innovations in areas of everyday life, including modern skin care.

Science made interesting, science made accessible, science everywhere. Once again, Olomouc is hosting the Academia Film Olomouc international festival, organized by Palacký University.

Although yesterday’s opening ceremony traditionally kicked off at the cinema, AFO isn’t just there. The entire city literally belongs to it. Thousands of visitors can look forward not only to dozens of films from around the world, but also to discussions, concerts, walks, and other events.

And as Rector Michael Kohajda notes on the festival website, AFO is more than just a film festival. “Academia Film Olomouc has long demonstrated the important role the university plays not only as a place for education, science, and research, but also as an active part of our society. The festival is one of the most striking examples of fulfilling the so-called third role of the university—it opens science to the public, promotes dialogue, and contributes to understanding the contemporary world. I greatly appreciate that students from Palacký University play a significant role in its organisation. Here, they gain valuable experience, learn to communicate scientific topics clearly, and develop skills that extend beyond their field of study and their academic work itself.”

So don’t hesitate. It’s definitely not too late. The programme for the 61st year is packed with films and events. Basic admission is free; all you need is accreditation on the festival website. We’ve written about the festival in detail here and here.

Due to the ongoing war, the number of Ukrainian students at Palacký University has increased. At the Department of Slavic Studies in the Faculty of Arts at Palacký University, this situation has also turned into an unexpected opportunity. Here, Ukrainian students are translating selected Czech legal regulations into their native language. In doing so, they are contributing to the reforms necessary for Ukraine’s accession to the European Union.

The Department of Slavic Studies at the UP Faculty of Arts has joined the project Czech Legislative Assistance to Ukraine, which aims to support Ukrainian lawmakers in preparing the reforms necessary to align with the European legal system. Students enrolled in the course Professional Text Translation 4 (KSU/7POT4) are participating in the project. There are ten native Ukrainian speakers.

As part of their studies, they translate selected Czech laws, for example, in the areas of animal protection, hunting, nature and landscape conservation, or veterinary care. The completed translations are then reviewed by a Ukrainian lawyer and subsequently forwarded to government institutions in Kyiv. There, they serve as a basis for preparing and approving new legislation.

For their work, students receive not only a course grade and three credits, but also a certificate of completion of the translation practicum.

“We joined the project because we can take advantage of the presence of native Ukrainian speakers who know Czech. Under expert guidance, they are able to translate legal texts into a form that a Ukrainian lawyer needs only to review and forward to the relevant institutions. For the students, it is also an opportunity to help their country while studying in the Czech Republic,” said Radana Merzová, head of the Ukrainian Studies section at the department.

The project combines teaching with practical experience and also represents a concrete contribution by the university to supporting Ukraine during this difficult period. It builds on a cooperation agreement between Palacký University and the International Institute for Development and Transformation Cooperation.

Even very low concentrations of pesticides can disrupt the microbiome of aquatic invertebrate larvae, thereby affecting their health and resilience to stressors. This is the conclusion of a new study by researchers from the Faculty of Science at Palacký University and the University of Ostrava, which focused on dragonfly larvae.

The results of the study, titled Trace amounts of insecticide, herbicide, and their combination disrupt the bacterial and fungal microbiome of a nontarget aquatic invertebrate, were published in the prestigious journal Environmental Pollution.

The researchers monitored the effects of two commonly used pesticides on the larvae of the common darter (Sympetrum vulgatum). They focused on the herbicide metazachlor, applied primarily in rapeseed fields against common weeds, and on the insecticide etofenprox, which is used against insect pests. Using molecular methods, they analyzed the larvae’s microbiome—a collection of tiny microorganisms consisting primarily of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microscopic life forms—and found that the insecticide caused the most significant changes. It reduced the diversity of the microbiome, altered the composition of microbial communities, and disrupted the relationships between individual microorganisms. The combination of both substances did not have a stronger effect than the insecticide alone, but it did influence the way microbial communities form.

Even low concentrations of pesticides disrupt microbial balance

“A key finding is that changes in the bacterial and fungal microbiome of the larvae were observed even at extremely low concentrations of pesticides, which were well below levels commonly found in aquatic environments. This concentration can be imagined as a single drop of the substance in a volume of water equivalent to roughly one hundred thousand Olympic-sized swimming pools. The results thus show that even minute amounts of these substances can disrupt sensitive biological processes,” said the study’s lead author, Hana Šigutová, from the Department of Zoology at the Faculty of Science, UP.

“A key finding is that changes in the bacterial and fungal microbiome of the larvae were observed even at extremely low pesticide concentrations, which were well below the levels commonly found in aquatic environments.” Hana Šigutová

According to the scientists, pesticides can also suppress potentially beneficial microorganisms and promote the growth of species associated with disease, as well as with the breakdown of foreign chemical substances. “Because the microbiome can significantly influence the resilience, health, and ability of its hosts to cope with stressors, trace exposure to pesticides in non-target aquatic organisms represents a serious problem that is still overlooked,” added study co-author Petr Pyszko from the Department of Biology and Ecology at the Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava.

Natural environments enhance organism resilience

The research also showed that a naturally formed microbiome can play an important role in host resilience. Larvae collected from the wild had a richer microbiome and greater diversity of microbial communities than individuals reared under laboratory conditions and exhibited higher resistance to pesticides. According to the authors, this suggests that natural microbial colonization may help organisms better cope with environmental stress.

“For a more accurate assessment of ecological risks, it is therefore necessary to monitor not only direct toxic effects but also subtle changes in microbial communities, including the fungal component, which remains largely unexplored,” concluded Hana Šigutová.

In just one week, Olomouc will host the international Academia Film Olomouc (AFO) at Palacký University, which from April 28 to May 3 will offer a selection of today’s most compelling documentaries, inspiring guests, and a supporting programme – an outdoor cinema, concerts and DJ sets, VR screenings, lectures, walks, scientific experiments held in the town square, and activities for children and teenagers. Basic admission is free; all you need is accreditation on the festival website. 

For 61 years, AFO has been showcasing science as a natural part of life. This year, approximately 600 titles from around the world were submitted to the festival. Sixty-one documentaries are competing for the unique prize—a kaleidoscope by glassmaker Martin Hlubuček. In addition, audiences can look forward to films in non-competitive sections, bringing the festival’s total lineup to 139 titles.

“I would recommend, for example, the film About Time and Water, a documentary adaptation of Andri Magnason’s Icelandic book about coming to terms with the loss of glaciers and one’s own ancestors, or the film Super Nature, a collective declaration of love for the landscape and film material, shot on a historic Super 8 camera. My Chemical Information System presents science and the life of a scientist without embellishment as a socially beneficial yet often overlooked vocation; André Is an Idiot reminds us not to underestimate even such a basic examination as a colonoscopy; and the film Afterlives analyses the principles of media propaganda,” said programme director Dominik Vontor, inviting audiences to the festival.

 

Among the Czech films, the series Potížistky (Troublemaking Women) —an entertaining, collage-like history of feminism—is worth noting, as is Návštěvník Jindřich Polák (Visitor Jindřich Polák), a portrait of a seminal genre filmmaker working with the methodology of new film history, and in the short film competition, for example, the heartwarming collection Co se mění? (What Is Changing?), perfect for lifting spirits.

“We don’t view the festival merely as a film showcase, but as a platform for sharing, discussion, and exploring connections. Science is not isolated; it is present in people’s stories, in the landscape, and in everyday decisions,” says Dominik Vontor. He added that AFO will, for the first time, offer screenings with audio description for the blind and subtitles for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, and the opening ceremony will be interpreted into sign language. Alongside traditional documentaries, there will be virtual reality projects and screenings at unconventional locations, such as the Huss Congregational Hall or the cemetery in Neředín.

Programme outside cinema halls

The square will feature the popular giant inflatable models of the Earth and the so-called Astrosphere, which displays the night sky, including constellations not visible from the Czech Republic. On Saturday, visitors can also look forward to an inflatable planetarium. “This year’s accompanying programme also includes a new feature, the so-called ‘spring’ cinema—that is, a summer cinema in challenging weather conditions, but with an all the better atmosphere. We’ll be screening films right on Olomouc’s Upper Square; the screen will be set up right next to the astronomical clock, and we’ve selected titles that can warm even casual passersby. “I’m delighted that we can bring film a little closer to the public space again,” says AFO director Eva Navrátilová, inviting audiences to the festival.

The festival as a space for understanding

This year’s AFO lineup explores the theme of shared discourse across a range of sections that focus on current social and personal issues. For example, the section “Hello! How Are You?” explores dating and the transformations of interpersonal relationships in the digital age, while “Diagnosis: Unknown” presents powerful testimonies about living with chronic illness and draws attention to the lack of attention we devote to these issues. “Echoes of the Future” reflects on the future as a space of both fear and hope. The Culture of Victory explores our need to compete and the significance of sports in society. At the same time, AFO Junior offers children and adults alike a space for shared discovery, empathy, and understanding. A prominent part of the programme is also the Music is Science section, which, in addition to concerts, features audiovisual performances connecting music, science, and technology. Among others, musician and producer Max Cooper will be coming to Olomouc.

“AFO has long demonstrated the important role the university plays not only as a place for education, science, and research, but also as an active part of our society. The festival is one of the most striking examples of fulfilling the so-called third mission of the university – it opens science to the public, fosters dialogue, and contributes to understanding the contemporary world. I greatly appreciate the significant contribution of Palacký University students to its organisation,” said UP Rector Michael Kohajda.

AFO attracts world-class personalities

Olomouc will welcome Robert Petit, director of the film Underland, as well as American filmmaker Erin Espelie and British volcanologist and filmmaker Clive Oppenheimer. Both will present their films Ideas of Order and Vulcano Voices in world premieres at AFO. The programme will also feature projects at the intersection of film, science, and new media, such as Hacking at Leaves by Johannes Grenzfurthner and Phenomena: When the Elements Dance directed by Josef Gatti. Guests will also include American journalist Molly Webster and choreographer Marika Hedemyr.

In addition to international guests, visitors will meet, for example, Daniel Stach, Markéta Šetinová, Vojtěch Mýlek, Anežka Dašková, Prokop Pithart, and Daniel Kortus. The program will also feature other guests across various fields—from science to media to the arts.

Science needs a common language

This year’s theme resonates among scientific institutions and festival partners as well. Pavel Banáš, director of the CATRIN UP university institute, highlights the importance of interdisciplinary communication. “When I learned that this year’s AFO theme is a common language, it immediately occurred to me how crucial this is for science. Over the past century, science has become incredibly specialised, and each field has developed its own language. Yet, the most significant discoveries today arise at their intersections. The search for a common language is therefore a prerequisite for truly groundbreaking research.”

According to Jan Konvalinka, director of the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (ÚOCHB AV ČR), the festival is significant even in an international context: “What the AFO festival has achieved over the past few decades is unique in both the European and global contexts. We are honoured to be able to support such an event.” Jan Hlaváč, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Science at Palacký University, also emphasises his support for the festival: “The festival connects science with the public and demonstrates that even complex topics can be communicated clearly and engagingly. We share a commitment to critical thinking, openness, and the search for solutions to current challenges.”

Academia Film Olomouc (AFO) is currently 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. The complete programme for each day of the festival is available here.

Sports as a tool for healthier and more cohesive cities was the central theme of this year’s EUniverCities network meeting, which was also attended by Palacký University. Representatives from universities and cities across Europe gathered in Innsbruck, Austria, to share experiences on how physical activity can strengthen public health and social cohesion.

Discussions and concrete examples from practice showed that sport today significantly transcends its traditional role. It can contribute to improving quality of life, prevent social isolation, or help bridge gaps between different population groups. It is precisely the intersection of sport, urban planning, and public health that is thus coming to the forefront of European cities’ interests.

Cooperation between the University and the City

The Olomouc delegation consisted of representatives from the Faculty of Science and the Rector’s Office of Palacký University, along with representatives of the City of Olomouc. According to them, their joint participation confirms that without close cooperation between the academic sphere and local government, such topics cannot be effectively developed. “It is very enriching to see how sports and physical activity are utilised right here in Innsbruck and how the city and scientists have been collaborating on joint research over the long term. It was also inspiring for me to see how other cities collaborate with their universities,” said Simona Šafaříková from the Department of Development and Environmental Studies at the Faculty of Science.

“It is very enriching to see how sports and physical activity are utilised right here in Innsbruck and how the city and researchers have been collaborating on joint research over the long term.” Simona Šafaříková

The meeting’s programme included not only presentations by experts from the local university and city hall but also a series of workshops focused on active mobility, promoting a healthy lifestyle, and the sustainable use of natural spaces. The topics of inclusion and equal opportunity also played a significant role—participants discussed how to adapt sports infrastructure for seniors, women, migrants, and people with disabilities.

From Inspiration to Future Projects

The programme also included field trips to projects that combine sports, architecture, and sustainable development, such as the GreenINN student housing complex. According to participants, these examples demonstrate that systematic support for physical activity can be a natural part of modern urban planning.

Participation in the EUniverCities network provided the Olomouc delegation with new contacts and concrete ideas that Palacký University, together with the city of Olomouc, intends to utilise in preparing future projects. They plan to focus specifically on areas where the promotion of health, sports, and the quality of the urban environment intersect.

Two American academics are enriching the curriculum at Palacký University this year. Thanks to the prestigious Fulbright Program, political scientist Keith E. Lee from Valdosta State University and financial education specialist Lucy M. Delgadillo from Utah State University are teaching here during the summer semester.

Keith E. Lee teaches at the Department of Politics and European Studies at the UP Faculty of Arts, where he works with students in the field of political science. At the UP Faculty of Education, Lucy M. Delgadillo, who has long focused on financial literacy and education, is sharing her expertise.

The involvement of foreign experts through the Fulbright Program strengthens not only the quality of teaching and research but also the international dimension of the academic environment. The programme, which is jointly funded by the governments of the Czech Republic and the United States, enables Czech institutions to host leading educators and researchers from the U.S.

“In my seminar, students critically examine how American political institutions—from Congress and the presidency to the judicial system—influence the formation of public policy. How they cope with various constraints, and how they exercise power in a complex political environment,” said Keith E. Lee, an American political scientist and university professor who has been teaching at Valdosta State University in Georgia since 2020. At UP, he also teaches courses focused on working with data in the social sciences. In these courses, he introduces students to both the basics of data analysis and more advanced visualisation techniques. He emphasises not only the processing of data itself, but also the ability to clearly and effectively communicate the results of analyses to a broader audience, particularly users from both the public and private sectors.

"Czech students are not afraid to ask thoughtful questions; my colleagues are very open-minded and intellectually stimulating.” Keith E. Lee

“Working with Czech students and academics is very inspiring for me. The students are thoughtful, well-prepared, and unafraid to ask thoughtful questions that lead to genuine debate. My colleagues at Palacký University are very open-minded and intellectually stimulating. All of this contributes to an excellent environment for teaching and academic teamwork,” he added. He has been collaborating with Palacký University for several years. He last visited the Czech Republic in May 2024 as part of the Maymester program, when he accompanied American students from Valdosta State University during their academic stay in Olomouc. As part of the programme of the same name, students from his home institution will be coming to UP again this May.

Keith E. Lee is well acquainted with the local academic environment. He is even studying Czech, which demonstrates his interest in the local academic and cultural environment and strengthens his qualifications for international educational collaboration. He will deliver a public lecture titled Congress at the Crossroads: War Powers and the Crisis of Congressional Authority in the Václav Havel Lecture Hall. It will take place on April 27 at 5 p.m.

Lucy M. Delgadillo has already lectured as part of the “Afternoon with Science” series during her stay at the UP Faculty of Education. Her research interests include financial coaching, counselling, and education with a focus on behavioural finance, the affective and cognitive outcomes of financial literacy initiatives, and housing finance. Students can meet her primarily in the Financial Literacy course.

When speaking with students who want to pursue a teaching career, she always emphasises the fundamental professional requirements. “Love your students. Sincerely. That is the foundation of everything. Learning is only possible when students feel seen, respected, and cared for. Focus on the learning process, not just the results. Real education happens through questions, mistakes, growth, and small breakthroughs. If you focus on how students learn—and not just what they produce—you will have a lasting impact. And above all, be patient—with your students and with yourself. Learning is a journey for both the teacher and the student,” she said.

“Real education happens through questions, mistakes, growth, and small breakthroughs.” Lucy M. Delgadillo

During her visit to the Faculty of Education at UP, she is also participating in research. Together with Alena Opletalová from the Institute of Pedagogy at the UP Faculty of Education, she is preparing an article for publication titled What Utah Can Learn from the Czech Republic: Opportunities to Improve Financial Literacy Among High School Students. This study aims to compare mandatory financial literacy courses for secondary school students in Utah and the Czech Republic. By examining structural and curricular features, as well as differences in teacher preparation and competency requirements, this research study seeks to offer insights into best teaching practices and recommend strategies for improving financial literacy in both countries.

In the future, both researchers hope to present their findings at at least one national or international conference. “Dr. Opletalová and I have excellent academic synergy. I hope this first collaboration of ours will lead to further ones,” concluded Lucy M. Delgadillo.

Dr. Keith E. Lee is an American political scientist and university professor who has been teaching at Valdosta State University in Georgia (USA) since 2020, where he specialises in research and teaching on the U.S. Congress, Southern U.S. politics, and public administration. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science (2010) and a master’s degree in public administration (2011) from Valdosta State University. He completed his doctoral studies in political science in 2017 at the University of Florida. His research focuses on American politics and public policy; his studies have been published in numerous academic journals and presented at international conferences. He is the co-author of a public policy textbook and actively participates in the professional life of the political science community, and holds a leadership position in the Georgia Political Science Association. In addition to his academic work, he collaborates with local governments and non-profit organisations as a data analyst, supporting decision-making based on empirical data.

Lucy Delgadillo is a faculty member at the College of Applied Sciences, Technology, and Education at Utah State University, where she teaches and conducts research in family finance, communication, and financial literacy. She earned her Ph.D. in Family Life (Consumer Sciences – Housing) from the same university in 1999, where she had previously earned a master’s degree in political science with a focus on political communication. Her education also includes two bachelor’s degrees in communication, sociology, and media studies from the University of Costa Rica and Murray State University in Kentucky. She is the author of more than 100 publications. In addition to research, she is passionate about working with future teachers, with whom she collaborates on developing financial literacy among students across various educational disciplines. In collaboration with Alena Opletalová, she compares financial education in the Czech Republic and Utah. She develops recommendations for improvement for both states.

 

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.