Dear employees, dear students,

our faculty is celebrating an amazing 70 years! On this occasion, the Dean of the Faculty of Science, Martin Kubala, invites all employees, Ph.D. students and seniors of the faculty to the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the UP Faculty of Science, which will take place on Tuesday, 21 November 2023 from 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the foyer of the main building.

The programme will include a performance by the Cimbal Hell Band and an informal banquet. On this occasion, the Dean of the Faculty of Science grants a Dean's Leave to members of the academic community, employees and students of the faculty on 21 November 2023 from 11:00.

We look forward to seeing you and celebrating this important anniversary of our faculty together.

HORIZON EUROPE – CLUSTER 6 – POSSIBILITY TO JOIN CONSORTIA (2024) 

Horizon Europe Brokerage Event for Cluster 6 - Calls 2024 - Info

Netwoking is focused on the following areas:

• Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
• Fair, healthy and environmentally-friendly food systems from primary production to consumption
• Circular economy and bioeconomy sectors
• Clean environment and zero pollution
• Land, ocean and water for climate action
• Resilient, inclusive, healthy and green rural, coastal and urban communities
• Innovative governance, environmental observations and digital solutions in support of the Green Deal

More information on Cluster 6 (Food, bioeconomy, natural resources, agriculture and environment) can be found here.

In case of queries, contact Ing. Tea Pokorná (tea.pokorna@upol.cz).

HORIZON EUROPE

CLUSTER 1 – Health

• Project submission deadline: 11 April 2024
• Call overview

CLUSTER 2 – Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society

• Project submission deadline: 7 February 2024
• Call overview

Cluster 5 - Climate, Energy and Mobility (call HORIZON-CL5-2024-D3-01)

Cluster 6 - Food, bioeconomy, natural resources, agriculture and environment

• Record from the Information Day on Cluster 6

Useful links for Horizon Europe

• Horizon Implementation Day: Finding opportunities and submitting a proposal in HE
• Horizon Implementation Day – Grant Ageement preparation in HE
• Webinar ERC Work Programme 2024

MEYS - INTER-EUREKA - LUE232 call

LUE232 aims to select bilateral or multilateral research, development and innovation projects at the international level, focusing on all scientific areas. The duration of the supported projects is set at 2024-2027 (max. 3 years).

The LUE232 call targets the Cluster and Network Projects programmes of the Eureka international network collaborating in R&D, to which consortia submit joint project proposals. The LUE232 call will support the Czech part of a bilateral or multilateral research project to be implemented in a consortium of Eureka network partners.

The deadline for submitting project proposals is 6 December 2023 (faculty deadline: 4 December 2023, green request form delivery by 30 November 2023). Further information can be found on the DPS website or provided by Ing. Tea Pokorná (tea.pokorna@upol.cz).

MEYS - INTER-EUREKA (GLOBALSTARS JAPAN calls) - LUEJP23 call

The LUEJP23 Call aims to select bilateral or multilateral research, development and innovation projects at international level, focusing on all scientific areas except nuclear energy and drug development. The duration of the supported projects is set at 2024-2027 (max. 3 years).

The LUEJP23 call targets the Globalstars programme of the Eureka international network collaborating in R&D, to which consortia submit joint project proposals. The LUEJP23 call will support the Czech part of a bilateral or multilateral research project to be implemented in a consortium with a Japanese partner (or another foreign partner from a country participating in the call).

The deadline for submitting project proposals is 31 January 2024 (faculty deadline: 29 January 2024, green request form delivery by 25 January 2024). Further information can be found on the DPS website or provided by Ing. Tea Pokorná (tea.pokorna@upol.cz).

MEYS - INTER-EUREKA (GLOBALSTARS BRAZIL call) - LUEBR23 call

The LUEBR23 Call aims to select bilateral or multilateral research, development and innovation projects at international level, focusing on all scientific areas. The duration of the supported projects is set at 2024-2027 (max. 3 years).

The LUEBR23 call targets the Globalstars programme of the Eureka international network collaborating in R&D, to which consortia submit joint project proposals. The LUEBR23 call will support the Czech part of a bilateral or multilateral research project to be implemented in a consortium with a Brazilian partner (or another foreign partner from a country participating in the call).

The deadline for submitting project proposals is 2 April 2024 (faculty deadline: 26 March 2024, green request form delivery by 21 April 2024). Further information can be found on the DPS website or provided by Ing. Tea Pokorná (tea.pokorna@upol.cz).

DZS – DigiEduHack 2023

The next edition of DigiEduHack will take place at the beginning of November. Registration is still open to all organisations (higher education institutions, schools at all levels, innovation centres, research laboratories, etc.) interested in organising a local 24-hour hackathon focusing on a specific challenge in the field of digitalisation in education. The entire initiative is accompanied by a series of webinars presenting current topics in the field of digitalisation and the initiative itself. More information and recordings of the webinars can be found on the event website. 

GA CR is looking for new evaluation panel members

In accordance with Article 4 of the Charter and Rules of Procedure of the Field Committees and Evaluation Panels of the Czech Science Foundation (GA CR), GA CR announces a continuous call for nominations for members of all evaluation panels of the GA CR. Proposals for evaluation panels members may be submitted by legal entities and natural persons active in the field of science and research from among eminent experts who have achieved convincing results in basic research, using the electronic form, in the structure and content of the form.

Proposals for the evaluation panels for the upcoming term of office can be submitted continuously, electronically via the proposal form. Proposals that do not meet the published requirements of the GA CR will not be considered. GA CR will collect candidate proposals for the evaluation panels on an ongoing basis, and the validity of a nomination for an evaluation panel member is set at two years from the submission of the nomination. On the basis of the nomination forms received by GA CR, the GA CR Office compiles the lists of candidates at least once a year, usually in November.

For the term of office from April 2024, nominations must be submitted by 17 December 2023.

Detailed rules for the activities of the GA CR evaluation panels are set out in the Charter and Rules of Procedure of the Field Committees and Evaluation Panels of the Czech Science Foundation published on their website.

The faculty or department may support the candidate's nomination in the form of a recommendation letter, which the candidate may upload as an attachment to his/her nomination.

Information about this call can also be found on the GA CR website.

The Czech Science Foundation (GA CR)

GA CR is launching a call for projects based on the Lead Agency evaluation principle with an expected start date in 2025. The call concerns projects funded in cooperation with the Polish National Science Centre (NCN) under the Weave initiative. In this call, the Polish NCN acts as Lead Agency, i.e. evaluates the project proposals scientifically, and the GA CR takes over the results of the evaluation process.

The Czech part of the application can be submitted until 22 December 2023 at the latest, i.e. 7 days after the official deadline set by the NCN Agency for Polish applicants on 15 December 2023.

In order to complete the administrative steps for submitting the project proposal, it is necessary to deliver by 18 December 2023 the following:

• green request form "košilka" Request for consent to submit a project proposal to the funder), signed by the proposer and the Head of Department/Workplace,
• Brief project information

Project proposals to be submitted via databox send to lubica.korcanova@upol.cz, by 20 December 2023.

The affidavit/declaration of eligibility was sent on behalf of Palacký University Olomouc.

If you are interested in applying for a grant and related administrative support, please contact lubica.korcanova@upol.cz or tel. 4051.

Details about the call can be found here.

Interreg Austria – Czech Republic

The joint secretariat of the Interreg Austria - Czech Republic programme has prepared seminars for applicants interested in submitting a project application under the Interreg Austria-Czech Republic 2021-2027 programme. The current call is open until 30 November 2023. The seminars will focus on familiarisation with the general rules of the programme, priority axes, allocations or project application requirements including mandatory annexes or eligibility of expenditure. Individual seminars will be held in Jihlava (17 October), Brno (18 October) and České Budějovice (2 November) from 10:00 to 13:00. The registration link can be found here (in Czech).

TA ČR

TA ČR – Driving Urban Transitions (DUT) Call 2023: International call open (faculty deadline: 14 November 2023)
TA ČR – TREND Programme: Announcement of the 11th public call, sub-programme 2 – "Newcomers" (faculty deadline: 15 October 2023)

More information can be found on the DPS Projects website; in case of interest, please contact Mgr. Silvie Šavrňáková (silvie.savrnakova@upol.cz).

L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science

L'Oréal in the Czech Republic opens registrations for the 18th year of the L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science programme. Since its inception, the program, which focuses on empowering women in many scientific fields, once again offers a platform to recognize and support promising women scientists. A prize of 600,000 CZK, which can be used for any purpose, will be distributed among three winners. Research projects can be submitted until 31 December 2023 via the platform www.forwomeninscience.com.

Fulbright Specialist

Fulbright Specialist allows a 2-6 week stay of an American expert. As part of the program, the Visiting Specialist may give lectures, participate in or organize and lead workshops, specialized academic programmes and conferences, help develop and improve curricula and teaching materials or contribute to the training of university teachers, assist with technology adoption, develop soft skills such as academic writing, etc.

This offer applies to the traditional allocation of 5 Specialists in the Czech Republic, with partial co-financing by the host institution. All information, including the online application form and instructions, can be found here. Any uncertainties and questions can be consulted, please write to fulbright@fulbright.cz. Deadline: 15 December 2023.

Student programme for 2024/2025

Visiting Student Researcher is an excellent opportunity for students in Masters and especially PhD programmes to undertake research projects in all disciplines (except clinical medicine) related to diploma or dissertation theses, to complement research etc. Stays are in the duration of 4-9 months at the university of your choice.

All information, including online application form and instructions, are on the website. Questions may be addressed to Andrea Semacova at semancova@fulbright.cz. Deadline: 1 Febreuary 2024.

Proshek-Fulbright programme for 2024/2025

The Proshek-Fulbright program is intended for physicians and researchers in medical and related fields at the University of Minnesota. For the year 2024/25, one place is available for a stay of 6 months.

All information, including online application form and instructions, can be found here. Any uncertainties and questions can be consulted, please write to fulbright@fulbright.cz. Deadline: 1 February 2024.

Fulbright-Schuman programme for 2024/2025

The Fulbright-Schuman programme is intended for research projects focused on EU-US relations, EU issues or EU institutions. It also offers scholarships for academic administrators.

The program is administered by the Fulbright Commission in Belgium, more information on the website. Deadline: 1 December 2023.

Elections to the Ethics Committee and nomination of student representatives

The Academic Senate of the Faculty of Science announced at its October meeting the elections to the Ethics Committee of the FS UP, which should take place at the next meeting on 13 December. Senators will elect one representative each from the fields of Biology, Ecology and Environment and Earth Sciences for a six-year term. In addition, two student representatives will be elected to serve two-year terms. Nominations of candidates for all the available seats can be submitted to the AS FS Office on the form attached to the minutes of the last Senate meeting by 16 November at 12:00.

Scholarship payment until the end of 2023

If you need the scholarships to be accounted in 2023, submit them no later than 30 November 2023. Scholarships submitted in December will be accounted for on 10 January 2024, i.e. already in 2024.

Extraordinary scholarships for doctoral students for publishing activities

In 2023, the UP Faculty of Science will award one-time extraordinary scholarships to authors of prestigious publications from among the doctoral students studying in the regular period of study (i.e. students of 1st to 4th year). An extraordinary scholarship for publishing activity will be awarded to doctoral students who, in 2023, report a publication as the first or corresponding author with an affiliation to the Faculty of Science, UP, in a journal registered in the first or second quartile of a given subject category (Q1 or Q2 in Subject Category, SC) according to Journal Citation Reports©. If a journal falls into more than one SC, the SC with the highest percentile will be counted. The publication must have a publication year of 2023 or be accepted for printing before submitting the application. An author can be awarded a scholarship only once for a specific publication. One author may apply for a scholarship for more than one publication.

The printed scholarship applications (use the general request form) should be submitted to Mgr. Waleria Słowiková (in person or through the internal mail) no later than 15 November 2023. Scholarships will be paid out in one lump sum on the following payment date. The amount of the scholarship will depend on the number of applications received and the percentile of the journal's ranking in SC.

The scholarship application should contain:

• the student's name and surname
• e-mail address
• study programme and year of study
• the name, surname and e-mail address of the supervisor, the consent and signature of the supervisor if necessary
• a full citation, including the DOI, of the publication that is subject of the request
• confirmation of acceptance for printing in the case of publications in print
• printed full text (Pre-proof) of the publication.

Foreign prospective students

The English faculty website for prospective student has been updated. If you have a prospective PhD student in English who has already agreed on a topic with the department, you can refer him/her to this website for further information on the application process.

Student Affairs Office

The Student Affairs Office is open for students only during the office hours.

See the website. Please, do not enter the office out of office hours.

Study plans

The lists of courses (study plans) for the academic year 2023/2024 can be found on the respective website (Bachelor, Master, Doctoral).

Online confirmation of study

You can print your confirmation of study online directly from your Portal.

State doctoral examination and dissertation defense

The application for your dissertation defense or the state doctoral examination has to be submitted at least 3 months in advance. Follow the requirements and deadlines listed on the website in the section for Doctoral Study.

Discussion with Minister of the Environment Petr Hladík

The Minister of the Environment, Petr Hladík, will visit the Faculty of Science next week on Monday, 13 November 2023. The discussion with the Minister will take place from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in the auditorium of the Faculty of Science. You can register for the event on this link. Questions should be directed to priroda@upol.cz.

Participants will be able to ask e.g. about the future of renewable energy resources, how the Czech Republic's dependence on fossil fuels can be reduced, or how we can protect biodiversity, forests and ecosystems in times of climate change and increasing pressure on the use of natural resources.

UP Cup in table hockey

Defend, skate, score and have fun! Come and play table hockey at the Faculty of Science! Thursday, 9 November at 3:00 p.m. All students, employees and alumni of Palacký University can participate.

Maker Faire in Olomouc

On 11 November 2023 (10 a.m. - 5 p.m.), the Maker Faire festival for all innovators, inventors, tinkerers, DIYers and scientists will take place at the Flora exhibition centre in Hall A in Olomouc, featuring projects created by people at home, in shared workshops, FabLabs or in universities and high schools. The composition is quite broad, presenting 3D printing, robotics, electrical engineering, but also classic crafts. There will be a big robotics competition, a science show, 3D printing and soldering workshops and lots of other interesting activities for young and old.

Meeting of the academic community with the UP Rector and members of the Student Strike Committee '89

The meeting of the academic community with the Rector of UP and members of the Student Strike Committee '89 will take place on Monday, 13 November 2023 at 17:00 in the Václav Havel Auditorium at the address Křížkovského 12. In a moderated debate, members of the 1989 Student Strike Committee Miloš Korhoň, Tomáš Kasal, Jiří Křečan, Ivan Langer and Martin Štainer will talk about the legacy of the Velvet Revolution.

Solemn Mass for the students and employees of the university

The solemn Mass in the Church of the Virgin Mary of the Snow in Olomouc will be celebrated on Wednesday, 15 November 2023, at 19:00 by the Bishop of Olomouc, Mons. Josef Nuzík. During the meeting there will be a commemoration of the International Student Day.

A musical tribute to the oldest Moravian university - a ceremonial evening for the 450th anniversary of the University of Olomouc

One of the highlights of the celebration of the 450th anniversary of the University of Olomouc will be a gala concert by the Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra. On the festive day, the premiere of the suite Templum Honoris, composed by composers associated with the university Marek Keprt, Vít Zouhar, Jan Vičar and Tomáš Hanzlík, will be performed in the Reduta Hall. The programme also includes the Violin Concerto No. 7 in C major, Op. 11 by Antonín Vranický and Symphony No. 1 in F minor, Op. 10 by Dmitri Shostakovich. The internationally renowned violinist Hana Kotková will perform as the soloist. Students and employees of UP can purchase tickets with a 50% discount via this on-line link. This event is scheduled for Friday, 17 November 2023 from 19:00 at the Moravian Philharmonic in Olomouc.

Christmas benefit concert

The Malý Noe Foundation, which helps children growing up without proper parental care and children with disabilities, is organizing a Christmas benefit concert on 1 December 2023 at 7:00 p.m. in cooperation with the Olomouc Military Hospital and the company Hroší stavby Morava. It will feature a performance by actress Ivana Jirešová and the Frgál Folk Music. The concert will take place in the premises of the Hradisko Monastery (Klášterní Hradisko) in Olomouc. More information at www.malynoe.cz.

Participate in a study on the prevalence of inappropriate forms of behaviour in the Czech academic environment

The investigation on gender-based violence, which is the first of its kind in the Czech academic environment, was launched by the National Contact Centre – Gender and Science of the Institute of Sociology of the Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS). The research is conducted at public universities and institutes of the CAS and is intended for students and employees, including non-academic staff, both domestic and foreign. You can fill it out whether you have experience with gender-based violence or not. It is open until 30 November, see the article for more information and links.

The next faculty Newsletter will be published on Monday, 20 November 2023.