4. 5. 2026, 8:32

Newsletter for PhD students and Postdocs

Save the Date:

MUNI Day 2026 - May 13, 2026. The popular event is back! Join us! University Campus Bohunice

Mendel Lectures - May 14, 2026, (17:00 - 18:00). Lecture by Ivan Đikić: "Ubiquitination and Autophagy – Quality Control of Life Processes". Held in English. Mendel's Refectory, Brno

Dies academicus 2026 - May 21, 2026. (15:00). Rector’s Awards ceremony. Held in Czech. Auditorium of Karel Engliš. Veveří 70, Brno

Research Breakfast - May 26, 2026, (8:00 - 9:00). Interview with prof. Eva Vlčková. Registration needed. Held in English. UCB Library

Imposter Syndrome: Když si nevěříme ani s PhD - May 28, 2026, (12:30 – 16:30). Workshop in Czech. Held in Czech. CERPEK, Komenského nám. 2, room 328

EUROPIC 2026 - May 31 – June 4, 2026. Global virology conference. Held in English. Hotel International, Brno 

News Sci-ously: Opportunities for Early-stage Researchers in May: Grants, Summer Schools & MUNI Day

Invitation from the Dean: MUNI Day 2026

Dear PhD Students and Colleagues,

I would like to cordially invite you to this year's MUNI Day, which will take place on Wednesday, May 13, at the Bohunice University Campus.
The program kicks off in the morning with a variety of sports activities, followed by an engaging selection of tours, workshops, and lectures across the campus. A major highlight
of the day is the CAMPUS vs. CITY floorball derby, starting at 14:00.
Players representing the Faculty of Science and other campus faculties will defend last year’s title against the Rector's Office and city-based faculties. 

I encourage you to come and support our players at the Ball Sports Hall (Faculty of Sports Studies)!
Refreshments will be available starting from 12:00 in the parking lot adjacent to the Faculty of Sports Studies. The afternoon will also feature live musical performances and the official floorball derby awards ceremony. 

I look forward to seeing you there and enjoying a day filled with sport, culture, and university spirit.

Sincerely,

Luděk Bláha
Dean of Faculty of Science

Hřbet ruky s ukazovákem ukazujícím vpravoA rector’s holiday has been announced for MUNI Day. Students and academics can use the time off from classes to attend the event. All other staff members are also welcome to attend and can make arrangements with their department heads.

Don't Overlook

I consider doctoral students as colleagues learning to conduct independent research, says Vice-Dean Paleček

Hřbet ruky s ukazovákem ukazujícím vpravo Read the medallion presenting the new Vice-dean for PhD students

Internships

Erasmus+ Short-term PhD Mobilities 2026/2027

We are excited to announce that applications are open for the Erasmus+ Short-Term PhD Mobilities. This unique programme supports short-term training stays abroad (5-30 days), allowing you to expand your academic horizons and strengthen your professional network. It is an ideal option for those looking to spend up to one month abroad. (Stay abroad has to be arranged in advance)

Application deadline: May 31, 2026
Who can apply: All current PhD students
When can you go abroad: September 2026–June 2027 (academic year 2026/2027)
How long can the stay abroad be: 5-30 days
Mandatory attachments: Motivation letter and LA for Traineeship (it is already part of the application)

Hřbet ruky s ukazovákem ukazujícím vpravoDon’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your academic journey. For more information and application guidelines, please see here.

From Czech Labs to US Excellence: Fulbright Opens Doors!

The Fulbright fellowships give PhD students, postdocs, and Early-career researchers a chance to work on their own projects, study, or collaborate with top US institutions. Whether you're advancing your dissertation, exploring new methodologies, or building long-term international collaborations, Fulbright will be a real career accelerator, not just a mobility experience.

Fulbright Postgraduate Fellowship (for PhD students & Early-stage researchers)

Deadlines:
September 1, 2026 – degree & non-degree study
February 1, 2027 – visiting research (e.g. PhD projects)

Hřbet ruky s ukazovákem ukazujícím vpravoMore info

 

R U Already a Postdoc? Check the Fulbright Fellowship for Researchers & Lecturers

Trapped in the postdoc cycle of papers and grants? Fulbright gives you a chance to step out of the routine and into a leading research environment in the U.S. Build new collaborations, access top-tier facilities, and work on a project that can genuinely move your research—and your career—forward.

For: PhD holders (Postdoc: up to 5 years after PhD, Senior: 5+ years after PhD

Requirements:
strong research track record, clear, well-defined project, US host invitation! 

Deadline:
November 1, 2026

Hřbet ruky s ukazovákem ukazujícím vpravoMore info

The Fulbright Tip:

ReproduktorAnd because preparation is half the success, join the webinar to get insider tips and have all your questions answered—so you feel fully prepared.

When: June 10, 2026, (15:00) - Fulbright Scholarships, Overview (held online in Czech)

Hřbet ruky s ukazovákem ukazujícím vpravoRegistration and details (in CZ)

Competitions

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, 2025 and July 31, 2026, 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.

Hřbet ruky s ukazovákem ukazujícím vpravoSend nominations to svestkova@sci.muni.cz until June 18, 2026. 

The Eppendorf & Science Prize for Neurobiology

The Eppendorf & Science International Prize for Neurobiology is awarded annually to a young excellent scientist under the age of 35 for the most outstanding neurobiological research based on methods of molecular and cell biology conducted during the past three years. The award is associated with a financial reward of USD 25,000!

The application and other materials must be submitted electronically via the online form by June 15, 2026. Further information on the prize is available on its website.

Hřbet ruky s ukazovákem ukazujícím vpravoDeadline for submissions: June 15, 2026

Nominate Outstanding Doctoral Talent: Česká Hlava 2026 Open Call

The Česká hlava competition is among the Czech Republic’s leading science and innovation awards, recognising excellent research across disciplines. The competition, sometimes described as the Czech equivalent of the Nobel Prize in science, is aimed at PhD students whose work stands out for its originality, scientific quality, and contribution to their field.
As nominations must be submitted on behalf of the Rector, candidates from the Faculty of Science should send all required materials to: svestkova@sci.muni.cz, by June 10, 2026. Approval from the Head of Department and the Dean is required. The award includes a prize of CZK 50,000.

Hřbet ruky s ukazovákem ukazujícím vpravoMore details are available on the competition website (in Czech). 

Development Opportunities

Help Us Tailor AI Training to Your Needs

We, at MUNI SCI, are currently preparing a training session on artificial intelligence for ESRs, aimed at supporting its meaningful use in research and academic practice. To ensure the training is aligned with your actual needs and interests, we kindly invite you to complete this short survey.

Hřbet ruky s ukazovákem ukazujícím vpravoYour feedback will help us shape the content and determine the most appropriate format and timing of the training, which will be announced after the responses have been evaluated.

Student Group Visits to Taiwan (UAAT 2026)

The UAAT International Student Group Visit Program offers a unique chance to join a student group visit to Taiwan, developed in collaboration with partner universities. This initiative supports international exchange, helps build academic connections, and opens doors for future collaboration. If you’re interested, get in touch with your department or international office and explore potential collaboration with a UAAT partner university. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain experience and connect with peers in Taiwan!

Application deadline (1st round): May 20, 2026 - Submitted by a UAAT member university in Taiwan in cooperation with partner institutions.

Hřbet ruky s ukazovákem ukazujícím vpravoMore info / application form

Conference

Invitation to The MITAV Conference 2026

The Union of Czech Mathematicians and Physicists (UCMF), Brno Branch, cordially invites you to the MITAV (Mathematics, Information Technology and Applied Sciences) conference.

The MITAV Conference brings together teachers, researchers, students, and early-career educators to discuss current developments in mathematics, computer science, and science education, including e-learning and digital technologies. It offers a space for sharing achievements, exchanging ideas, and reflecting on the growing importance of education in these fields. Held in English / Czech. More info.

When:  June 18 - 19, 2026
Where: The Club of the University of Defence, Brno, Šumavská 4, Brno

Summer School

Molecular Diagnostics and Biomarkers in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease

Explore the future of neurodegenerative disease research at the Summer School on Molecular Diagnostics and Biomarkers in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease. Enjoy inspiring lectures, hands-on training and networking with leading scientists in a unique international setting.
More info and application.

Hřbet ruky s ukazovákem ukazujícím vpravoParticipation is free of charge.

When: September 7 - 11, 2026
Where: Telč & CEITEC Brno

Sites we recommend to follow:

Develop Your Skills  Externí odkaz

MUNI Mendel Doctorandus  Externí odkaz

Archive of the Newsletter for Early-stage Researchers  Externí odkaz

Internal Education  Externí odkaz

 

Life Science Seminar  Externí odkaz

Competitions for Students  Externí odkaz

Doctoral Studies  Externí odkaz

MUNI PhD Centre  Externí odkaz

Distributed by:

Office for Doctoral Studies, Quality, Academic Affairs and Internationalization (noskova@sci.muni.cz)

© 2026
Masarykova univerzita

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