Dear colleagues, dear students,

Although I would like to use the pre-holiday time mainly to thank the employees for their year-round work and to wish the students a wonderful holiday after successful exams, unfortunately, neither this year the Faculty of Science is granted a well-deserved rest. In connection with the establishment of the CATRIN university institute, the Rector of the university submitted a proposal for the settlement of buildings and property (available here), which should be approved by the UP Academic Senate on June 22. The Academic Senate of the Faculty of Science will also deal with the situation this Wednesday, June 15, 2022.

In terms of assets, which are to be transferred at the expense of the Faculty of Science, the proposal itself exceeds everything that has been submitted so far in connection with the establishment of the university institute (including the proposals of the former rector, prof. Miller). The current proposal of the Rector takes from the UP Faculty of Science, without assessing the adequacy or legitimacy and without any compensation, all real estate and equipment that the representatives of the CATRIN university institute ever requested, i.e. four buildings and property for almost 700 million CZK (which is almost 30% of the faculty's assets). With the implementation of the proposal, the three departments would be completely outside the premises of the Faculty of Science, and the faculty would thus no longer be able to guarantee their proper functioning and development in the standard way. There would probably also be an operational paralysis of the entire complex in Holice. As a result, the proposed intervention will have severe economic and operational consequences for the functioning of the entire Faculty of Science - not just its part in Holice.

In this context, an immediate, loud public expression of disagreement, which the academic community of the UP Faculty of Science has already begun, is entirely appropriate. With all urgency, my dear colleagues – employees and students of the Faculty of Science, I ask and urge you to support the protests with your personal participation.

Martin Kubala
Dean

MH – Announcement of the call for the years 2023-2026

On 16 May 2022, the Ministry of Health (MH) announced a one-stage public tender for the solution of medical research and development projects.

Expected dates:

• of commencement of the solution of selected projects is May 2023
• of completion of the solution by December 31, 2026 at the latest
• the expected duration of the project is 44 months

Projects can be submitted until June 29, 2022. The faculty deadline for submitting projects is set for June 28, 2022 at 12:00 with regard to the necessary administration. The conditions of the competition and all the necessary documents can be found here (in Czech). Contact person: Marika Svrčková (marika.svrckova@upol.cz, ex. 4022).

A short reminder of the project administration manual

Submission of project application

The following steps apply to all types of projects (including European projects):

1. Completion of the electronic form “košilka” (valid from 1 June 2022) – the Department of Project Support (DPS) will help with the completion
2. Electronic consent of the head of the department and the solver
3. Electronic consent of the faculty management
4. Submission of the project application (by post, electronically, using the application, data box – depending on the rules of the grant provider)

Signing of project-related contracts (e.g. co-solution contracts, etc.)

The signing of contracts linked to the project requires the signature of the statutory representative – the Rector (or an authorized representative) on behalf of UP. Therefore, the same rules apply to the administration as when submitting project applications, except that:

a) Contract control by the UP Legal Department (provided by the DPS – approval of the faculty management is required) – please, contact the relevant project manager
b) If both parties agree with the text of the contract, signatures follow.
c) To do this, you need:

1. Completion of the electronic form “košilka” (valid from 1 June 2022) – DPS will help with the completion
2. Electronic consent of the head of the department and the solver
3. Electronic consent of the faculty management
4. Sending the contract to the RUP for the signature of the statutory representative (provided by the DPS)
5. Contract entry into the Central Contract Register (CES), contract archiving at the UP Legal Department (provided by the DPS)

Note: In the case of European projects, the electronic signature of the statutory representative of UP in the online application is required, so points 4 and 5 are omitted.

Submission of partial and final reports on the project

If the partial/final report requires the signature of the statutory representative or if the partial/final report is sent to the grant provider via the UP data box, a similar process follows, i.e.:

1. Completion of the electronic form “košilka” (valid from 1 June 2022) – DPS will help with the completion
2. Electronic consent of the head of the department and the solver
3. Electronic consent of the faculty management
4. Sending the partial/final report to the RUP for signature by the statutory representative or for sending via the UP data box (or both)

MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2022 (MSCA-PF) – call open

A call for European and global postdoctoral projects aimed at researcher mobility will be open until September 14, 2022. It is intended for young researchers who either at least defended their dissertation at the time of the closing of the call, or have achieved a maximum of 8 years from obtaining a Ph.D. (time spent e.g. on maternity leave or long-term incapacity for work and for researchers who have chosen a host institution in Europe or researchers from Europe who have chosen a host institution in a third country (i.e. not a member or associated country) can be deducted).

What can be the duration of the project?

• 12 – 24 months

What chance to succeed do I have?

• High – why?
• projects that reach a score of at least 70% in the evaluation process, but cannot be funded from the MSCA-PF program due to capacity reasons, can choose to participate in ERA Fellowships evaluation in projects and thus achieve the funding (applies to European trips and arrivals from and to the Czech Republic)
• projects that reach a score of at least 70% in the evaluation process, but cannot be funded by either MSCA-PF or ERA Fellowships have the opportunity to obtain funding under the national program OP JAK

If you are interested in gaining valuable experience anywhere in the world after obtaining a Ph.D., or if you are planning to hire a foreign young researcher and you are thinking about how to finance it, the MSCA-PF program is for you. More information about the program can be found here. Contact person: Marika Svrčková (marika.svrckova@upol.cz, ex. 4022).

CES – Central Contract Register

All project solvers from the Faculty of Science must send the finally signed contracts and amendments to the key user Mgr. Silvie Šavrňáková. When in doubt, always write to silvie.savrnakova@upol.cz or call +420 737 109 826.

Department of Project Support

We ask project proposers to comply with the faculty deadlines for adequate processing of applications ("zelená košilka" form and brief information about the project) by the DPS and the management of the Faculty of Science. Thank you.

TA CR – THETA Program: Announcement of the 5th public tender

The Technology Agency of the Czech Republic (TA CR) has announced the fifth public tender of the THETA Program for the Support of Applied Research, Experimental Development and Innovation. The main goal of the program is to contribute to the fulfilment of the vision of transformation, and modernization of the energy sector in accordance with the approved strategic materials. Queries may be addressed to Mgr. Silvie Šavrňáková (silvie.savrnakova@upol.cz). Faculty deadline: July 20, 2022.

TA CR – DELTA 2 Program: Announcement of the 4th public tender

The Technology Agency of the Czech Republic (TA CR) has announced the fourth public tender in the DELTA 2 Program for the Support of Applied Research, Experimental Development and Innovation. The subject of the competition is the support of international cooperation in the field of applied research through joint projects of Czech entities supported by the TA CR and foreign partners with the expected support of foreign organizations. Queries may be addressed to Mgr. Silvie Šavrňáková (silvie.savrnakova@upol.cz). Faculty deadline: July 7, 2022.

MA – public tender in research, development and innovation in 2022 „ZEMĚ”

The Ministry of Agriculture (MA) announces a one-stage public tender in research, development and innovation within the “Applied Research Program of the Ministry of Agriculture for the period 2017 – 2025, „ZEMĚ”,“ with the beginning of projects solution in 2023. Queries may be addressed to Mgr. Silvie Šavrňáková (silvie.savrnakova@upol.cz). The faculty deadline is July 8, 2022.

MF – announcement of the 4th open call from the Bilateral Relations Fund

The Ministry of Finance (MF) – National Contact Point for the EEA and Norway Grants 2014-2021 has announced the fourth Open Call for Proposals for Bilateral Initiatives from the Bilateral Relations Fund under the EEA and Norway Grants 2014-2021. Queries may be addressed to Mgr. Silvie Šavrňáková (silvie.savrnakova@upol.cz). For more information, see the provider and faculty websites. Faculty deadline: December 15, 2023.

MEYS – OP JAK is approved by the European Commission

On June 9, 2022, the European Commission officially approved the Jan Amos Komenský Operational Program. In the new period 2021–2027, 90 billion Czech crowns are earmarked to support research, development and education. The approved OP JAK Program Document is available on the OP JAK - Documents (in Czech). According to the current schedule of the OP JAK calls for 2022, calls for Top Research (07/2022) or for the Development of the Infrastructural Background of Doctoral Study Programs (10/2022) are planned in Priority 1 (Research and Development).

MEYS – Announcement of a public tender in the INTER-EXCELLENCE II program, INTER-ACTION subprogram (LUAUS23) - bilateral projects CR-USA

The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MEYS) has announced a public tender in research, development and innovation LUAUS23 – bilateral projects between the Czech Republic and the USA within I-E II (2021-2029). The intention of LUAUS23 is to select joint research projects in the category of basic research, industrial research and experimental development, with a focus on all scientific fields. The solution period for supported projects is set at 3-5 years. Evidence of the intention of cooperation between the Czech applicant and his American partner in solving the research project will be documented by the applicant in the appendix to the project proposal “Letter of Intent”. The competition period, in which project proposals can be submitted (applicants' applications for targeted support), begins on June 9, 2022 and ends on July 25, 2022. Faculty deadline for delivery of a completed “zelená košilka” form (in Czech) and brief information about the project to the Department of Project Support to Ing. Tea Pokorná is July 18, 2022. The evaluation period will run from July 26 to November 30, 2022. Documents on the tender and detailed information can be found on the faculty's website. Queries may be addressed to Ing. Pokorná, tea.pokorna@upol.cz.

MEYS – Call for applications for a visit to the Joint Research Center Ispra for young researchers

The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MEYS) is announcing a public call for applications for 8-10 places for a 2-3 day visit to the Joint Research Centre (JRC) in Ispra, Italy (September-December 2022). The JRC is an internal scientific department of the European Commission. It provides independent, evidence-based scientific advice and thus contributes to EU policy-making. JRC Ispra is the European Commission's third largest site dedicated not only to nuclear research (nuclear security, non-proliferation, etc.) but also to non-nuclear research (sustainable resources and transport, space, security, migration, health and consumer protection, energy, climate change, growth and innovation). The JRC will provide airfare, accommodation and meals for participating young researchers. The application can be submitted by anyone who is enrolled in the Czech Republic in a Master's or Doctoral study program in a technical or scientific field related to the activities of the JRC Ispra workplace, or anyone who is a professional with a university degree obtained in the master's or doctoral study program in a technical field related to activities of the JRC Ispra workplace up to the age of 35, while the requirement is that the latter either achieved his education in the Czech Republic or works for a research organization in the Czech Republic that supports his posting to the JRC workplace. Applications are accepted until June 30, 2022. The proposed program of visits and documents for applications can be found on the faculty website (in Czech). Queries may be addressed to Ing. Pokorná, tea.pokorna@upol.cz.

The meeting of the Academic Senate FS UP will take place on June 15, 2022 at 13:00 in the big meeting room of the Dean's Office. Detailed information and materials are published on the senate website (in Czech).

Doctoral student evaluations
Students of doctoral study programmes should submit their evaluation for academic year 2021/2022 by June 30, 2022. The evaluation has to be signed by the student as well as the supervisor and the chairman of the Subject-Area Board of the student’s study programme. It has to include a written assessment of the supervisor as to whether or not he/she recommends the advancement to the next year. Even after submitting the evaluation, the student can complete the courses he/she has enrolled at in STAG until September 5, 2022. After September 5, a check will be made on the fulfilment of the conditions for advancement to the next year.
Students of the fourth and higher years, together with the evaluation, submit a request for the extension of studies. Similarly to the evaluation, the request must also include the supervisor’s statement and three signatures (student, supervisor, chairman of the Subject-Area Board).

State doctoral examination and dissertation defense

When submitting your dissertation or application for the state doctoral examination, adhere to the requirements and deadlines listed on the website in the section for Doctoral Study.

Summer office hours of the Student Affairs Office

Student Affairs Office of the Faculty of Science will be closed during the following dates: July 4 to 8, August 1 to 5.

During other days in July and August:

From August 29 to September 2 the office will be open only to students who will be enrolled in the 1st year.

CRYTUR Award

The Crytur company, in cooperation with the CareerMarket portal, has announced the ninth year of the CRYTUR Award competition for the best diploma thesis in materials science. The deadline for applications is September 30, 2022. The thesis must be prepared in Czech, Slovak or English at one of the Czech or Slovak universities. The submitted diploma thesis must deal with materials sciences (study of physical and chemical properties of materials, technology of processing and preparation of materials, application of materials in physical disciplines), must be submitted for defense in the relevant academic year with the expected date of defense in the period from October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022. Financial rewards in the total amount of CZK 90,000 have been prepared for the authors and supervisors of the three best works.

Science for the Earth – competition

Science for the Earth is a competition organized by the National Museum of Agriculture in cooperation with the Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences for the best bachelor's, master's or doctoral thesis on a topic related to agriculture. The competition is announced focusing on agricultural topics, with two current topics being preferred in 2022: Traditional Fishing and Aquaculture and Common and Non-Traditional Cereals. The deadline for sending the application is June 30, 2022. More information about the competition can be found at www.vedaprozemi.cz (in Czech).

Falling Walls Lab Czech Republic

Already on September 13, 2022, the 7th Falling Walls Lab Czech Republic international competition will take place at the National Technical Library, which aims to bring together a future generation of great scientists and innovators and come up with a breath-taking idea – a science project, business plan or social initiative that will break down all walls and barriers. More information can be found here. The application deadline is June 30, 2022.

Parking restrictions – Envelopa

From June 26 to 30 The Children and Youth Olympic Games will take place in Olomouc. Palacký University will participate in building the Olympic Village in their campus in the city centre. The Fort of Science will host the Olympic House, where athletes will meet, medal ceremonies will take place and a fan programme will be organized. Therefore the area opposite the building of the Faculty of Science (next to the rose garden) will be used for parking the shuttle buses for participants of this event. About 10 thousand more people will stay in Olomouc these days.

Operation – Dean's Office

From July 1 to August 31, 2022, the Dean's Office will be open from 7:30 to 15:00.

Operation – File service

Office hours from July 1 to August 31, 2022.

Operation – buildings

Operation on the SLO building – from July 4 to August 26, 2022 the building is open from 7:00 to 15:30.
Operation on the VLD building – from July 4 to August 31, 2022 the building is open from 7:00 to 15:00.
Operation at the main building at Envelopa and at the Holice campus remains unchanged.

Operation – Library

The Central Library in Armoury and also other faculty branches of the UP Library will have adjusted opening hours during the summer. During the closure of the Central Library in Armoury or the faculty branches of the UP Library, it is possible to return books to biblioboxes. Long-term loans (absentee borrowing for 30 days) are automatically lent until September 19, i.e. until the beginning of the semester.

The Library of the Faculty of Science Envelopa
CLOSED   4. 7. – 10. 7. 2022
CLOSED   1. 8. – 14. 8. 2022
CLOSED   29. 8. – 31. 8. 2022

The Library of the Faculty of Science Holice
CLOSED   27. 6. – 10. 7. 2022
CLOSED   25. 7. – 26. 8. 2022

Summer opening hours of the faculty libraries at Envelopa and Holice can be found here.

Summer opening hours of canteens and bistros and the possibility of holiday accommodation

From June 20 to September 11, the operating hours in the canteens and bistros FreshUP will be adjusted. In addition, the annual holiday operation will be limited due to the repair of the main canteen and also by the provision of meals for the participants of the Children and Youth Olympic Games during the last week of June. All canteens and bistros will be closed throughout the week around the July holidays. Detailed opening hours of all establishments can be found here.

Along with the meals, the dormitories also offer affordable and comfortable accommodation during the summer holidays. So invite your friends to Olomouc for a few days! It is possible to stay in the ideally located campus on Envelopa from 450 CZK, including a breakfast buffet. There is also a kitchenette, gym or sports equipment available. Complete information, including the price list, is available on the website (in Czech).

Science Fair

Already at the end of this week, on June 17, 2022 from 9:00 to 15:00, the Science Fair (formerly the Science and Research Fair) will take place – one of the largest popularization events at our faculty for schools and the general public. A rich program awaits all visitors. You can check it here (in Czech).

Fort Science – Health Fair

The Fort Science has prepared the Health Fair, which will be taking place on June 17 and 18. Interactive stands will be prepared in the exhibitions and Laudon Hall – examination of pigment marks, measurement of fat and sugar in the body, determination of blood groups, dental hygiene, how our body ages or resuscitation of adults and children. The event is free as part of the regular entrance fee to the exhibitions.

PosPos

All faculty staff, doctoral students and seniors of the faculty are cordially invited to the “Post-Semester Gathering” (= PosPos). We will say goodbye to the summer semester on Monday, June 20 at 13:00 in the main building of the Faculty of Science. You can look forward to grilled steaks, sausages and cakes.

University beach chairs

Relaxation and peace not only by the sea, but also on the terraces of the Faculty of Science! University beach chairs are available not only at the Armoury, but also at the UP Library at the Faculty of Science in Envelopa campus. You can borrow them on the 6th floor free of charge during the library's opening hours upon presentation of a student identification card, ISIC card or UP employee card. The nearby terraces provide wonderful views of the city.

The next faculty Newsletter will be published on Monday, June 27, 2022.