03/2024
7 May 2024, 17:44  |  Čeština

Newsletter for employees

An introductory word from the Dean

Dear colleagues,

we have reached the midpoint of the spring semester, and although some may already be eagerly anticipating its end and the upcoming exam period, it is certainly worth taking a moment to look back at the past year and also to communicate what lies ahead.

Alongside a number of successes which our faculty can rightfully be proud of, the year 2023 was marked by some uncertainty in the economic sphere, particularly concerning the lingering uncertainty with energy prices and stagnating funding from the state for higher education institutions. Despite last year not proceeding ideally and budgets being tight, I am glad to report that the budget for the Faculty of Science has at least marginally increased for this year.

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Biochemist Thomas R. Cech and mathematician Peter W. Michor were awarded honorary doctorates from MU

Honorary doctorates were awarded, by decision of the Scientific Council of Masaryk University, to Professor Thomas Robert Cech, who made a significant contribution to the formation of the field of biological sciences; and Professor Peter Wolfram Michor, who made a significant contribution to the development of mathematics.

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Jan Vřešt'ál received the status of MU Emeritus Professor

Masaryk University has appointed seven new professors emeritus, including Jan Vřešťál from the Faculty of Science. "Professor Jan Vřešt'ál worked at the Czech Academy of Sciences, after the revolution he further developed his knowledge and skills at our faculty, became head of the academic department and was also appointed associate professor and professor," said Jaromír Leichmann, vice-dean for development and quality. Professor Emeritus Jan Vřešt'ál is engaged in physical chemistry, thermodynamics of alloys and is still active in teaching.

The MU Faculty of Science has become an academic partner of the STARMUS festival

The STARMUS festival, which brings together Nobel Prize winners, scientists, astronauts, thinkers, artists and musicians, will visit Bratislava from 12 to 17 May. This is the first time that the festival will come to Central Europe, giving visitors a unique opportunity to meet live with world-famous scientists and personalities from various fields. The Faculty of Science of MU has become academic partner of the festival and will present itself during the event as part of the accompanying Starmus Camp programme.

Read more Speakers in Brno: Joel Parker | May 15 at 11 am Speakers in Brno: Damien Barcelo | May 15 at 12 am

Open communication in education is not a given. It takes a long time to build, but it is worth it, says Iva Dřímalová, recipient of the Rector's Award for Outstanding Educators

Iva Dřímalová graduated from the Faculty of Science at Masaryk University (SCI MUNI) with a degree in Mathematics and Physics focused on teaching. She obtained the degrees RNDr. (Doctor of Natural Sciences) and Ph.D. in the doctoral study programme of Mathematical Analysis. She works as a lecturer II at the Department of Mathematics and Statistics (ÚMS SCI MUNI), where she focuses on mathematics didactics and is preparing for habilitation in this field. She was awarded the Rector's Award for Outstanding Educators at MUNI in 2023, the Dean's Award at MUNI in 2022, the Student Chamber of the Academic Senate of MUNI (SKAS MUNI) Award for student involvement in teaching in 2019, and the Award of the Head of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics (ÚMS SCI MUNI) for both her bachelor's and master's theses. She is a member of the committee of the Society of Mathematics Teachers (SUMA).

Interview with Iva Dřímalová

Mathematician Otakar Borůvka was a gentleman of the old school, with an unbelievable memory

Read the interview about the life and work of Otakar Borůvka and the activities of the Society responsible for his legacy. Eduard Fuchs, who had been meeting with him for almost 30 years, reminisced about this mathematician.

Interview with Eduard Fuchs
125th anniversary of the birth of Prof. Borůvka
 

To address the feedback from the course opinion poll, it helps me talk to the students

In March, meetings were held between faculty representatives and students who are members of the programme councils. Why are they essential for addressing feedback from the course opinion poll? We asked Vice-Dean Markéta Munzarová.

Interview with Markéta Munzarová

An outstanding scientist, Prof. Vladimír Sklenář, has passed away

(* 16. 4. 1951 – † 13. 4. 2024)

One of the most prominent and internationally recognized experts in the field of structural biology, Professor Vladimír Sklenář, died on 13 April 2024. Professor Sklenář made a significant contributions to the field of structural biology. His Watergate method is now widely used in biomolecular NMR. At the Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, he was instrumental in establishing world-class research infrastructures in structural biology, particularly in NMR spectroscopy and electron microscopy. His tenure at the Faculty of Science of Masaryk University and CEITEC was characterised by a great passion for scientific challenges and a great deal of humanity with which he approached his colleagues.

About Vladimír Sklenář

Jana Šmardová, my model of ideal teacher

Read the speech in which Filip Trčka introduces Professor Jana Šmardová as a teacher who inspired him in so many ways during his studies. Filip delivered his speech at the launch of the English edition of the book ‘What can tumours teach us’.

Speech by Filip Trcka

New MU Study and Examination Regulations approved by Academic Senate

In addition to changes reflecting legislative developments, the new MU Study and Examination Regulations feature more concise and understandable wording, reflect recent teaching practices at MU and harmonise terminology with other university internal regulations.

Read the M Magazine article
 

MU Academic Senate election results

The results of the regular elections to the Academic Senate of Masaryk University (AS MU) for the upcoming election period were announced by the Election and Mandate Committee of the Academic Senate of Masaryk University. The following candidates were elected to represent the MU Faculty of Science:

Academic Staff's Chamber:
Zuzana Došlá,
Jan Lochman,
Jan Slovák
(alternates: Vít Kudrle, Jiří Schlaghamerský)

Students' Chamber:
Šárka Hrachovinová,
Jaroslav Rohel
(alternates: Ludmila Linhartová, Marek Duchaň)

This latest expedition to MU’s Antarctic station was the shortest so far. Scientists confirm the occurrence of bird flu at the site

Members of Masaryk University’s 20th scientific expedition to the J. G. Mendel Czech Science Station in Antarctica returned safely to the Czech Republic at the weekend. This latest expedition differed from previous trips in the length of time researchers spent at the Science Station, which has been the shortest so far due to a series of logistic and climatic difficulties. While there, however, they were able to confirm presence of the highly infectious bird flu virus at the site.

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MUNI BioPharma Hub brings autonomy in pharmaceutical production

One of the fundamental missions of the MUNI BioPharma Hub project – which will see the Faculty of Pharmacy collaborate with the Faculty of Medicine, the Faculty of Science, CEITEC, the Faculty of Economics and Administration and the Faculty of Social Studies – is to train experts who will work in companies or regulatory bodies such as the State Institute for Drug Control. It will offer a unique combination of modern teaching facilities and the cutting-edge research infrastructure of the Preclinical Centre and the Centre for Molecular Medicine. Another important aspect is drug self-sufficiency. After the construction of the Bohunice University Campus, the MUNI BioPharma Hub project is the second largest investment in Masaryk University’s history.

Read the M Magazine article

Botanists from MU documented occurrences of 1,492 plants in Brno

The latest study, which studied the flora of Brno, detected that there are 1,492 species of spontaneously occurring vascular plants found in the city. Of these, 255 are classified as threatened in the Czech Republic. A team of botanists from Masaryk University, led by Zdeňka Lososová, studied the urban flora for more than ten years and documented the distribution of individual species in a set of maps.

Read more

Unexpected Discovery by Botanists from MU: How Plant Genome Sizes Change from Pole to Pole?

Researchers in Brno have discovered an unexpected trend in plant genomes through their research. Based on prior studies, they anticipated that the genome size, which significantly affects plant growth, would increase from the equator towards the poles. However, their research showed significant differences between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, attributed to how genome size influences plant distribution in relation to the local climate.

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Persistent hiccups in a far-off galaxy draw astronomers to new black hole behavior

At the heart of a far-off galaxy, the supermassive black hole appears to have had something similar to hiccups. New analysis reveals a tiny black hole repeatedly punching through a larger black hole’s disk of gas. Among the co-authors of the international study, which has now been published in the prestigious journal Science Advances, is also Michal Zajaček from Masaryk University, Faculty of Science.

Read more

Many native species of Czech flowering plants decline, while thermophilous and non-native species spread

A team of botanists has revealed significant changes in the distribution of species in the Czech flora. Their study, published in the international scientific journal Biological Conservation, analyzed the decline and increase of individual plant species in the Czech Republic since 1960.

Read more

Students at MjUNI revealed the secrets of cell life, insects, bats, and chemical experiments

At the end of March, the University Campus at Bohunice opened its doors to nearly 250 children studying at the Junior University (MjUNI). Lecturers from the Faculty of Science, the Faculty of Sports Studies at Masaryk University, and CEITEC prepared workshops and short lectures for them. Their curious parents also enjoyed a lecture by the dean of the Faculty of Science on the topic "Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyle from the Perspective of a Biochemist".

More details  Externí odkaz

Natural scientists danced and sang at the ball

Natural scientists abandoned all normal laboratory and office duties and exchanged their white coats for evening gowns and suits when the Representative Ball of Masaryk University’s Faculty of Science took place on the first Saturday of March at Semilasso in Brno. Almost 330 visitors came to dance, sing and enjoy the evening’s great atmosphere with colleagues and friends. The Natural Scientists’ Society prepared a diverse program for everyone, with a midnight surprise featuring the highlight of the evening.

More details  Externí odkaz

A Night with Andersen at the Central Library

A university library does not necessarily have to support students only in their studies; it could also change into a magical fairytale world in one evening. Just as on Friday 22 March when the Central Library of the Faculty of Science joined many other libraries in Czechia and abroad for the Night with Andersen.

More details  Externí odkaz

The CzecHopes conference attracted 350 high school students to the University campus in Bohunice. They left excited and full of inspiration

At first a little uncertainty and curiosity, followed by enthusiasm for an amazing event, lots of great experiences, information gained and, sometimes, new friendships. This is how the feelings of almost 350 high school students attending CzecHopes, the largest Czech high school conference, could be summed up. The conference was held at the Brno-Bohunice University Campus and in the grounds of Masaryk University’s Faculty of Science at Kotlářská in mid-February.

Read more  Externí odkaz

Ongoing Competitions and Awards

  • Czexpats in Science
  • Sylvia Forman Prize
  • Česká hlava
  • MŠMT Award for Extraordinary Results of Research, Experimental Development and Innovation
  • CRYTUR Prize
More details

More to Read

This year’s MUNI DAY promises sport, fun and learning  Externí odkaz

Events calendar

11 Oct – 25 Mar

Bohatství Země

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5 Nov

How to work with an idea and develop it into a business?

Wondering how to work with the idea you have in your head? Do you want to take a look under the hood of a business plan, know what to look out for from a legal perspective and why it is important to think about validating an idea? Are you considering starting a business while studying and looking for mentoring or financial support?

Show details

6 – 7 Nov

Mendel Days 2024

The main theme of this year's Mendel Days will be a thematic lecture block called The Four Elements: I Praise You, My Earth.

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6 Nov

JobChallenge 2024

JobChallenge is the most popular and most diverse job fair in Moravia. Every year it is visited by 2 000+ students and university graduates.

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6 Nov

Synthetic biology for people and planet health (INNOLEC | MUNI SCI)

Michael C. Jewett

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7 Nov

What was Kotlářská Street like in the 19th and 20th centuries?

A narrated series of historical photographs of Kotlářská Street and its surroundings.

Lecture by Ing. Jiří Holík, a resident of Kotlářská.

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7 Nov

Plant-soil interaction in restoration of plowed meadows in the White Carpathians

Botanical Seminar | in Czech

Speaker: Ondřej Mudrák

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7 Nov

Synthetic Biotechnology: From Avidin-biotin to Designer Cellulosome Technology (Seminar Series)

EDWARD A. BAYER

Lecture will be held in English

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8 – 17 Nov

Exhibition of exotic birds, guinea pigs and other farmed animals

Several species of parrots and other beautifully coloured tropical birds will be on display. Guinea pigs and other farmed animals such as scarecrows, spiders, frogs, chameleons and others will be on display.

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12 – 13 Nov

Invitations to the 23rd Meeting of Biochemists and Molecular Biologists

Accept our invitation to the annual Meeting of Biochemists and Molecular Biologists. The Young Scientists' Section in English is of course an integral part of it! The deadline for registration is October 10, 2024.

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13 Nov

Machine Learning in Banking & Finance (Seminar Series)

JOSEF TEICHMANN

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13 Nov

Clash of Universities - MUNI vs. MENDELU basketball game

We invite you to the basketball game Duel of Universities, which will take place on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at 18:00 in STAREZ ARÉNA VODOVA (Small Hall). Come and cheer and be a part of the MUNI TEAM!

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14 – 15 Nov

Vladimír Sklenář Memorial Conference on NMR & Structural Biology

After the opening ceremony, international experts in the field of biomolecular NMR spectrometry and cryoEM will give presentations. In the Friday programme, involvement in European projects and consortia will be presented by close collaborators of Prof. Sklenář.

Registration is open until Friday 18 October 2024.

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14 Nov

WATERGATE (INNOLEC | MUNI SCI)

Vladimír Saudek

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14 Nov

How Variants in The SORL1 Gene, Encoding an Endosome Sorting Receptor, Can Cause Alzheimer’s Disease (Seminar Series)

OLAV ANDERSEN

Lecture will be held in English

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21 Nov

Advancing LA-ICP-MS: Breaking Free from Conventional Calibration (INNOLEC | MUNI SCI)

Martin Šala

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21 Nov

Multi-scale Control of Structural Functionality in Plant (Seminar Series)

ANJA GEITMANN

Lecture will be held in English

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26 Nov

National EOSC CZ Conference 2024

Online

Are you interested in the latest trends in data management and storage? The EOSC CZ initiative conference is a unique opportunity for scientists, researchers, and academic staff to gain an up-to-date overview of the possibilities for supporting and utilizing the national data infrastructure for research activities. Expand your knowledge and discover new opportunities!

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28 Nov

Advantages and disadvantages of being poikilohydric in the context of lichen sensitivity to adverse habitat factors (INNOLEC | MUNI SCI)

Piotr Osyczka

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28 Nov

A Birds' Eye View on the Evolution and Inheritance of Germline/Soma Genome Differences (Seminar Series)

ALEXANDER SANG-JAE SUH

Lecture will be held in English

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9 Dec

Tree lighting

Come and meet the dean, vice-deans, the faculty management, as well as all your dear colleagues in the pre-Christmas atmosphere.  Tune in to Christmas with a fragrant mulled wine or soft punch with a small taste of sweets.Small games, competitions and creations will be prepared for children. At the end we will light the Christmas tree and sing Christmas carols.

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13 Mar 17:00

Illuminating The Beginning Of Life (Seminar Series)

MELINA SCHUH

Mendel´s refectory in the Mendel Museum Brno

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3 Apr 17:00

Gaining Insight Into Pre-mRNA Splicing By The Spliceosome (Seminar Series)

REINHARD LÜHRMANN

Mendel´s refectory in the Mendel Museum Brno

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Redakční uzávěrka příštího newsletteru pro zaměstnance je 14. června 2024. Vaše příspěvky v češtině a v angličtině prosím posílejte na pr@sci.muni.cz, rádi je zveřejníme.

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Masaryk University

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