Newsletter for PhD students and Postdocs

Incomes of Masaryk University PhD Students to Undergo Revolutionary Change

Text: Ema Marušáková

MU has developed a new system for supporting PhD students. An income amounting to 1.2 times the minimum wage is guaranteed to all full-time PhD students who fulfil their obligations and study within the standard programme duration regardless of the language of study.

The Amendment to the Higher Education Act passed this year guarantees students newly accepted into full-time doctoral study programmes an income of at least 1.2 times the minimum wage, that currently makes a sum of CZK 24,960 per month. This change will come into effect from September 1, 2025. The newly legally codified doctoral study income can come from a doctoral scholarship, from countable wages for performing work related to the student’s dissertation, or a combination of both.

Masaryk University wants to support all its PhD students and therefore will ensure this guaranteed income to PhD students who are already enrolled in full-time programmes, are studying within the standard programme duration, and are fulfilling their academic obligations. On 5 May, the MU Academic Senate approved new scholarship regulations, which allow this revolution in doctoral incomes to be implemented..

“Our effort is to cultivate an environment in which doctoral students can fully concentrate on their studies and research. This system is the result of many years of strategic efforts to increase the quality of doctoral studies. I’m glad this support is guaranteed, transparent, and a source of motivation. In taking this step, Masaryk University is confirming that young researchers are a key pillar of its future,” says Martin Bareš, Rector of Masaryk University.
Read more / video

Meet Vice-Dean Luděk Bláha in the online meeting on June 18, 2025, (15:00).  You can learn about the new scholarship regulations and ask your questions directly! Join us here.

Got Something on Your Mind? Let us know!

The Student Chamber of the Academic Senate (SKAS) of the Faculty of Science wants to hear from you! We're here to represent your voice — but to do that, we need to know what’s working, what’s not, and where you see room for improvement at our Faculty.

Is there something bothering you about your studies? Do you have ideas that could help make life at the Faculty of Science better for everyone? Whatever it is — big or small — we want to hear about it.

To make it as easy as possible, we’ve set up a short anonymous contact form where you can share your thoughts, suggestions, or concerns at any time. Just click here!

You can also reach out to us or stay in the loop by following us on Instagram and Facebook. Or just drop us an email at skas@sci.muni.cz.

Thank you for helping us make the faculty a better place for everyone!

Short Research Stays at the University of Fribourg for Early-stage Researchers - Apply Now!

The University of Fribourg invites Early-career researchers to spend a few focused months on their projects in an inspiring Swiss academic environment. Scholarships are available for doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers whose place of residence is outside Switzerland, and who wish to conduct a short research stay at Unifr.

• PhD candidates can receive CHF 1,900/month (5 months)
• Postdoctoral researchers can receive CHF 2,700/month (3 months)

Two application deadlines are available each year:

• 30 June for stays starting from 1 February
• 28 February for stays beginning from 1 September

Take this opportunity to deepen your research, exchange ideas with international peers, and experience life at one of Switzerland’s leading universities.

More info

The Czech Job Market is Calling for AI Experts:     
MUNI Responds With the New Digital Talent Lab!

The Digital Talent Lab is an innovative initiative aimed at developing skills in data analysis, machine learning, and artificial intelligence through hands-on projects with commercial partners – all within a free online Datathon.
This hackathon-style event is designed to be inclusive and accessible. It begins with an entry test involving a simple task solved using tools like Excel or Python. The test assesses essential skills without requiring advanced knowledge. Whether you’re working with spreadsheet formulas or coding basic algorithms, the Datathon provides a chance to demonstrate your knowledge and grow, supported by mentors from academia and industry.

The Digital Talent Lab offers informal, open-access, free, and practical training, helping participants learn by doing – through datathons or company internships.

Read more in the article, or visit the official website: www.digitaltalentlab.cz

Interested in Advancing your Career in Research Infrastructures? Increase your Chances with an   Online Webinar!

The EMBL #ARISE2 Fellowship Programme, funded by Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, will open for applications soon. This unique programme trains researchers with a STEM background to become leaders in research infrastructures, driving innovation in the life sciences through cutting-edge technology development and service provision. More information about call can be found here. Call for ARISE2 applications opens on June 30, 2025

👉Join information webinar on June 17, 2025, (15:00), to learn more. Register for webinar here.

Doctoral Summer School 2025 – Boost Your Research Skills in Prague!

Are you ready to elevate your research career? The National Library of Technology (NTK) invites Early-career researchers to the Doctoral Summer School 2025 in Prague, taking place on September 2–3, 2025. This event is organised in collaboration with UCT Prague, the Czech Association of Doctoral Researchers (ČAD), and the Committee for Doctoral Studies (SK RVŠ). The fee for participation in the event is CZK 1,000. More info.

What to Expect:
- Workshops designed to boost essential research skills for career advancement
- Taught by experienced researchers in a collaborative environment
- Opportunity to network and exchange ideas with fellow researchers

Bring your laptop or tablet to participate actively in the sessions. Certificate of completion provided at the end.

 When: September 2–3, 2025
 Where: NTK, Prague

Registration for the Summer school is open until the capacity is reached / or by June 15, 2025.

Vice-Rector Award for Excellence in Doctoral Studies

This award aims to motivate students and their supervisors to conduct their PhD studies efficiently and complete them quickly while striving to achieve excellent research results and produce outstanding quality dissertations.

If you have completed or will be completing your doctoral studies between July 1, 2024 and July 31, 2025, and have also managed to complete your studies in 4 (max 5) years, you can register for the MU Vice-Rector's Award. Suppose your thesis is additionally based on excellent scientific results - mainly the first author's publications in the best journals (typically Q1 according to WoS) or another field-specific excellent development. In that case, you have a great chance of success! This year's evaluation highlights doctoral research's real and potential impact — both in academia and for society. The student and the supervisor will share CZK 50,000 equally in case of being awarded the prize.

Directors of departments of SCI MUNI submit the nominations along with the recommendation from corresponding Doctoral Board and must include the following information: identification of the student (and supervisor) including information about the length of the student's studies, description of the student's excellence with focus on explaining the scientific contribution and societal impact of the dissertation project and a list of the student's peer-reviewed publications.

Send nominations to svestkova@sci.muni.cz until June 18, 2025. 

Falling Walls Lab Competition – Break Down Walls with Your Idea!

Do you have a breakthrough idea that deserves the spotlight? Whether it's a scientific innovation, a business plan, or a fresh social initiative – Falling Walls Lab gives you just 3 minutes to impress an audience and jury with your vision.
This international competition brings together outstanding Early-career researchers and innovators to present their breakthrough ideas in English in a dynamic "pitch talk" format!
The Czech national round will occur on September 15, 2025, at the National Library of Technology in Prague.
The winner receives EUR 1,000 and the chance to represent the Czech Republic at the global finale in Berlin. The competition is open to all disciplines – from computing, medicine, engineering, philosophy, art, or agriculture. If you believe in your idea and can inspire others, this is the right chance for you! Check out more info here.

Deadline for submissions: June 30, 2025

Brno City Award – Call for Nominations

The Brno City Council annually presents the Brno City Award to recognise outstanding achievements or projects that have notably enriched public life and contributed to the positive reputation of the city of Brno. In each category, only one award is granted — either to an individual, a pair, or a team. Each laureate receives a financial reward of CZK 20,000 from the Statutory City of Brno. More details and submission guidelines (in Czech) are available on the Statutory City of Brno website.

This year, nominations are open in the following fields:

Technical Sciences
Science
Medical Sciences and Pharmacy

What should the nomination include?
Full name of the nominee, chosen field of nomination, a clear and well-argued justification, contact details of the person submitting the proposal. 
Supporting documents may be attached to further clarify or strengthen the nomination.

At Masaryk University nominations are submitted by the Rector. If you would like to propose a candidate, please send your nomination to svestkova@sci.muni.cz, by July 30, 2025.

Join the Microscopy Conference in Karlsruhe!

We are delighted to invite you to the Microscopy Conference MC 2025, which will take place from August 31 to September 4, 2025, in the vibrant and historic city of Karlsruhe, Germany.

Whether you're a student just beginning your journey in microscopy, a technician seeking the latest tools and techniques, or a seasoned scientist eager to connect and share insights, this conference is your place to be. The event promises a dynamic environment where ideas grow and new collaborations take root.

The conference is organised by the Austrian (ASEM), German (DGE), and Swiss (SSOM) Societies for Electron Microscopy and with over 1,000 participants expected from around the world, it will be a truly international gathering celebrating the latest developments in microscopy.

When: August 31 - September 4, 2025
Where: Messe Karlsruhe, Germany

On August 31, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) celebrates its 200th anniversary and hosts pre-conference workshops, offering Early-career researchers a unique opportunity to learn from leading experts and connect with the microscopy community! Held in English. More info on here.