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29. 5. 2026, 11:00
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Newsletter for PhD students and Postdocs
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Dear PhD students and Postdocs,
The teaching period of the spring semester has officially come to an end. The daily routine is shifting, and everything is slowly drifting towards summer. 
The time has come to switch off a little, allow yourself some well-deserved rest, and give your mind a break from all those deadlines. You’ve made it — once again, another important step towards completing your PhD! 
 Enjoy summer — and let’s meet again in September, recharged, refreshed, and ready for what’s next!
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Save the Date:
Masaryk University Symphony Orchestra: Symphonies of the Silver Screen - June 7, 2026, (19:30). Concert. Besední dům, Husova 20, Brno
Dean's Awards 2026 - June 10, 2026, (10:00 - 14:00). Award ceremony. Pavillion 12/01026, Kotlářská 2
Mendel Festival - July 18, 2026. Scientific festival. UCB, Brno
PhD Day MUNI SCI 2026 - September 22, 2026, (13:00 - 15:00). Held in English. RCX 1, D29, UCB
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🎓 Scholarship Applications for the Academic Year 2026/2027
Applications for scholarships for the next academic year, will open on September 1, 2026. Please note that applications cannot be submitted before this date. For the academic year 2026/2027, the amount of the minimal guaranteed doctoral study income increases to CZK 26,880 per month.
We recommend saving the date and preparing your application materials in advance. The Application link.
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Help Us Tailor AI Training to Your Needs (vol 02)
In the last issue, we asked you about your current knowledge of AI and what you’d like to learn...and only one brave respondent answered.
Now it’s time for a second round! The questionnaire takes only 2–3 minutes and will directly shape future AI training opportunities, because “No data = wrong training.” Thanks for helping us change that.
Go for it now!
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✨Your Research Deserves the Spotlight!
Have you published a new paper? Share it with the ESR community!
We are planning a new section in this newsletter dedicated to publications by our PhD students and postdocs — highlighting exciting research, fresh discoveries, and the great science happening across our faculty. Getting featured would be quick and completely voluntary: simply send the newsletter administrator a link to your publication and include your supervisor/director in CC.
Let your research be seen beyond your lab!
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Development Opportunities
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The Life Science Transfer Academy for Early-stage Researchers
Are you a PhD student at a Brno university? Working on an exciting research project and wondering if it could have a real-world impact? Join the Life Science Transfer Academy 2026 programme and explore how to turn your research into a business opportunity. Over seven inspiring afternoons at the JIC in the Brno Technology Park, you’ll learn how to identify the business potential of your research, develop entrepreneurial skills, and meet researchers who have successfully bridged the gap between academia and industry. Held in English.
What to expect:
Expert talks on how to transfer research into practice
Interactive workshops to apply new knowledge to your project
Mentoring sessions with experienced professionals
Networking with like-minded peers and special guests over refreshments
Learn more and register here.
When: September 30 - December 9, 2026, (10 sessions on Wednesday afternoons, 13:00 – 17:00)
Where: MU CEITEC, Brno
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Big Questions. Smart Science. Great Talks - Life Sciences Seminar Series
Register for the Life Sciences Seminar Series: Discover how today’s life sciences blend computational approaches, imaging, molecular biology, medicine, and other cutting-edge disciplines. The Life Sciences Seminar Series brings renowned scientists to Masaryk University for inspiring interdisciplinary talks designed for PhD students eager to broaden their horizons. The seminar series is conducted in English.
Registration in IS under code Bi0011!
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Call Open: EIC Pathfinder Challenges
The EIC Pathfinder is a funding programme under Horizon Europe that offers support to research teams. One of its initiatives is the EIC Pathfinder Challenges programme, in which applicants can apply as a group or individually for funding of up to €4 million for their research. More info.
Deadline for submissions of proposals: October 28, 2026
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One Idea, Three Minutes - Unlimited Impact!
Got a breakthrough idea worth sharing with the world? Whether it’s a scientific discovery, startup concept, tech innovation, or social initiative, Falling Walls Lab Competition gives you just 3 minutes to convince the audience and jury with your vision in a dynamic pitch-talk format.
The Czech national round takes place on September 15, 2026, at the National Library of Technology. The winner receives EUR 1,000 and the opportunity to represent the Czech Republic at the global finale in Berlin.
Open to all disciplines — from medicine, AI, and engineering to philosophy, art, or agriculture. If your idea can inspire change, this is your moment. Check out for more info.
Application deadline: June 30, 2026
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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.
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 Kateřina Ryšková, by July 30, 2026.
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Supporting the Future of Academic Freedom
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) has opened applications for the Fundamental Academic Values Award 2026, recognising early-career researchers whose work contributes to the protection and promotion of fundamental academic values within the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).
The award is open to young researchers of all disciplines and nationalities, with a total prize fund of €18,000 shared between three selected laureates. The initiative highlights the importance of academic freedom, institutional autonomy, and the independence of science and higher education in today’s society. More information and the application form are available on the DAAD website.
Applications are open until June 22, 2026.
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Innovation Starts with You!
Are you curious how research ideas can grow beyond academia? Join the Business Entrepreneurship Conference 2026, and explore how entrepreneurial thinking, innovation, and collaboration can thrive across the university environment. Expect inspiring speakers, fresh perspectives, practical insights, and networking with people turning ideas into real-world impact. More info (in Czech).
When: June 17, 2026, (9:00 - 13:30)
Where: Kumst, Údolní 19, Brno
The event will be held in Czech and registration is required, as capacity is limited.
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YSS2026: Dissecting Intelligence
We warmly invite students and researchers to participate in the Young Scientist Symposium 2026 (YSS26), at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA). At YSS26, you will explore “Dissecting Intelligence” through bold, cross-disciplinary ideas that spark fresh perspectives and new connections. More than 300 participants are expected, including four keynote speakers and industry partners from across Europe,
don´t miss it!
Apply to present your research (poster or short talk) by September 30, 2026
General registration is open until October 23, 2026
When: November 26 - 27, 2026
Where: ISTA, Klosterneuburg, Austria
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A Space for Ideas, Innovation and Networking
Looking for an opportunity to present your research, meet fellow young scientists, and connect across disciplines?
Join the First International Scientific Conference of the Polish National Association of Doctoral Candidates (KRD), organised together with the Doctoral Students’ Council of Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań.
From natural sciences to humanities, the conference will bring together young researchers from various fields in an inspiring international environment full of discussion, networking, and fresh ideas. More info / registration.
When: June 26 - 28, 2026
Where: Poznań, Poland / Online
Registration deadline for MU SCI: June 10, 2026
Whether you want to share your work, gain new perspectives, or simply expand your academic network — this is a great chance to connect with fellow researchers from across Europe and beyond.
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Research Skills, Fresh Ideas & New Connection
Join the Doctoral Summer School 2026 in Prague on September 1–2, 2026, and boost your research and career skills through interactive workshops led by experienced researchers. Expect practical insights, interdisciplinary discussions, and networking with fellow early-career researchers in an inspiring environment. Certificate of completion provided at the end. Held in English.
When: September 1 – 2, 2026
Where: NTK, Prague
Registration for the Summer school is open until the capacity is reached / or by June 15, 2026.
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Summer English Boost
Want to feel more confident in English at work, conferences, or international meetings?
Check out the language courses offered by Faculty of Arts, MU. From conversation classes to academic and professional English, there’s something for every level.
When: July 13 -17, 2026 (Morning/Afternoon)
Where: MU FF, Veveří 28, Brno
More info
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European Doctoral Day 2026: A European Initiative Supported by Masaryk University
Text: Ivana Jašková / Linda Nosková
On May 13, 2026, universities and research organisations across Europe celebrated European Doctoral Day - an initiative dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of doctoral education and the value of PhD training in today’s society. Masaryk University supports this European initiative, which aims to strengthen the visibility of doctoral education, promote its quality, and encourage broader recognition of doctoral qualifications across sectors. European Doctoral Day also opens an important conversation about what doctoral education should provide. Alongside subject-specific expertise, it should support the development of transferable skills and help doctoral candidates build confidence in research, communication and collaboration. Another key topic is the reality of career pathways after graduation. While academic careers remain an important option, many PhD graduates continue their professional journey outside universities. European Doctoral Day therefore also highlights the need to better reflect diverse career trajectories and support doctoral candidates in navigating opportunities in industry, public institutions and the non-profit sector.
 Looking ahead: how should we mark European Doctoral Day in 2027?
We would like to invite young researchers to share ideas on how we could highlight and celebrate this day at Masaryk University! If you have suggestions or would like to co-organise an activity, we would be happy to hear from you!
More about the initiative.
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Sites we recommend to follow:
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Distributed by:
Office for Doctoral Studies, Quality, Academic Affairs and Internationalization (noskova@sci.muni.cz)
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