MEYS – CZ–FR mobilities (8J27FR)

The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MEYS) has announced a call for applications for the 8J27FR grant to support the implementation of bilateral Czech–French research, development, and innovation projects under the activity “Support for the Mobility of Researchers within the Framework of International Cooperation in R&D&I”. The deadline for submitting the project application to the grant provider is 16 July 2026; the faculty deadline is 18 June 2026 – submission of the green request form (Consent to Project Submission) + brief project information. The project proposal itself must be submitted no later than 15 July 2026, by 12:00 PM (or as agreed). The call for proposals and other supporting documents can be found in the link. For questions and to submit project applications, please contact Ing. Tea Pokorná at tea.pokorna@upol.cz.

MEYS – CZ–DE mobilities (8J27DE)

The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MEYS) has announced a call for applications for the 8J27DE grant to support the implementation of bilateral Czech–German research, development, and innovation projects under the activity “Support for the Mobility of Researchers within the Framework of International Cooperation in R&D&I”. The deadline for submitting the project application to the grant provider is 30 June 2026; the faculty deadline is 18 June 2026 – submission of the green request form (Consent to Project Submission) + brief project information. The project proposal itself must be submitted no later than 29 June 2026, by 12:00 PM (or as agreed). The call for proposals and other supporting documents can be found in the link. For questions and to submit project applications, please contact Ing. Tea Pokorná at tea.pokorna@upol.cz.

MEYS – Call 8X27: Cooperation in the Danube Region

The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MEYS) has announced Call 8X27 for grant applications (hereinafter referred to as the “Call”) for the implementation of research, development, and innovation projects under the Program for Financing Multilateral Scientific and Technical Cooperation Projects in the Danube Region (MSTC Danube), with a project duration of 2027–2028.

The support is intended to establish contacts and develop cooperation between institutions active in the field of research, development, and innovation in partner countries, specifically by supporting the mobility of researchers collaborating on international research projects on a multilateral basis (at least 3 participants from 3 different countries involved in the MSTC Danube program).

Projects are scheduled for the period 2027–2028. Along with the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Montenegro, France, Croatia, Austria, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Serbia are participating in this call. Concurrently with Call 8X27 in the Czech Republic, a similar selection process is being conducted by the relevant funding agencies in all other countries participating in the MSTC Danube program. Foreign partners of Czech applicants participate in the project selection process in their respective countries, in accordance with the rules of the individual funding agencies. Grant applications must be submitted in English (unless otherwise specified).

The deadline for submitting grant applications is 30 June 2026. The faculty deadline is 18 June 2026 (green request form + brief project information). The submission deadline is subject to agreement with Ing. Tea Pokorná (tea.pokorna@upol.cz).

ERC Plus Grants 2026

On 2 June the first call for ERC Plus Grants 2026 was launched under the European Research Council scheme. ERC Plus Grants are a pilot funding program aimed at supporting truly ambitious and groundbreaking research in Europe that goes beyond the scope of other ERC schemes.

Researchers at all career stages are eligible to apply for an ERC Plus grant, provided they have a track record of outstanding scientific achievements at the highest level in their field. Their intellectual leadership will be assessed in light of their current career stage. A researcher may receive only one ERC Plus grant in their lifetime. The maximum funding amount is up to €7 million for a period of up to 7 years. A maximum of 30 grants will be awarded.
The deadline for submitting applications is 2 September 2026, at 5:00 PM (CET). Further detailed information, including access to the project application form, is available on the EU Funding Tenders Portal. A link to the program guide is available here.

Link to the recording of the webinar held on 2 June, during which the ERC Plus Grants program was presented.

ERC Advanceld Grants 2026

On 28 May, the call for ERC Advanced Grants 2026 was opened under the European Research Council scheme. 

ERC Advanced Grants support outstanding researchers who are leaders in their field and have a track record of significant, demonstrable scientific achievements. The maximum funding amount is up to €2.5 million over a 5-year period. An ERC grant can cover up to 100% of total eligible direct research costs and 25% of total eligible indirect costs. The deadline for submitting applications is set for 27 August 2026, at 5:00 p.m. (CET). Further detailed information, including access to the project application form, is available on the EU Funding Tenders Portal. A link to the program guide is available here.

ERC WORKSHOP

The upcoming international workshop “Strengthening ERC Participation: From Policy to Practice Through Support Mechanisms” will take place online on 19 June 2026, from 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM.

The workshop is focused on supporting applicants’ participation in European Research Council (ERC) calls and is intended primarily for representatives of institutional leadership, national grant agencies, national ERC contact points, and other stakeholders involved in the design and implementation of support mechanisms for the ERC. The event is not intended for ERC grant applicants themselves. Further information, including a link to registration, can be found here.

MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships

The program will enable postdoctoral researchers with up to eight years of research experience following the completion of their PhD to gain key international, interdisciplinary, and cross-sectoral experience through research stays abroad. These fellowships provide a significant boost to researchers’ careers and open doors to world-class research institutions.

• A budget of nearly 400 million euros will support approximately 1,600 young scientists
• Researchers from around the world are eligible to apply for these fellowships, regardless of nationality or career stage (with a maximum of 8 years of research experience following the award of a PhD).
• There are two types of fellowships: European Postdoctoral Fellowships and Global Postdoctoral Fellowships
• Researchers must prepare the application together with their future supervisor and submit it jointly with their future host organization
• Approximately 40 ERA fellowships will also be awarded to researchers applying for a standard European fellowship at a host organization in a so-called “widening” country - Call details.

The deadline is 9 September 2026 (faculty deadline for green request forms + brief project information: 2 September 2026). For more information, please contact Ing. Tea Pokorná (tea.pokorna@upol.cz).

COST 2026 - Registration for the Pre-Call Webinar

The COST 2026 call will open this summer. This year’s program introduces several new features and changes to the rules, which the research community and potential applicants can learn about at the June webinar.

Registration for the pre-call webinar: 16 June 2026, 10:00–11:50 AM, online (Zoom and YouTube) REGISTRATION.

The information session is intended for all researchers at any stage of their career and from any field, particularly early-career researchers. The webinar will offer an opportunity to learn how to get involved in COST Actions, how to submit a project proposal, the role and impact of the COST program, and the benefits the program offers. For more information, please contact Ing. Tea Pokorná (tea.pokorna@upol.cz).

ERASMUS+ Staff Week

The Research Management Department at the University of Cologne is organizing “Erasmus+ Staff Week” at the University of Cologne from 12 to 16 October 2026. The event is open to anyone interested in discussing and exchanging best practices in the field of research management. The deadline for applications is 27 May. More information here.

EU - center to support science communication

The European Union has launched the European Competence Centre for Science Communication, designed to help researchers and organizations better communicate science. This virtual platform, part of the COALESCE project, will offer resources, tools, training, and opportunities for collaboration, connecting experts across Europe. Interested parties can register for the community of practice, where they can share experiences and network, or participate in training sessions, such as the currently ongoing SciComm Lunchtime Series. The platform will also facilitate the search for partners and project opportunities. Practical tools for day-to-day work in science communication will also be available. The center is expected to be fully operational by March 2027.

TA CR SIGMA

The Technology Agency of the Czech Republic (TA CR) has announced the sixteenth public call for proposals under the SIGMA Program for the Support of Applied Research and Innovation – Sub-objective 4, Bilateral Cooperation.

The SIGMA – DC4 Program focuses on supporting international cooperation in the field of applied research through joint projects between Czech entities supported by the TA CR and foreign partners supported by foreign organizations.

The main objective of the public call is to increase the number of outputs and results in areas that hold promise for the future of the participating countries. Another objective of the public call is to support the transfer of international knowledge, the sharing of best practices, and the facilitation of entry into foreign markets.

Foreign partners must be based in one of the following locations:

The competition deadline is 24 June 2026, at 4:29:59 PM. This is the absolute latest time to submit a project proposal. The faculty deadline for submitting green request forms and brief project information is 17 June 2026. For more information, please contact Ing. Tea Pokorná (tea.pokorna@upol.cz).

OECD Co-operative Research Programme (CRP): Sustainable Agricultural and Food Systems for 2027

The program supports international research collaboration in the following areas: agriculture, food systems, forestry, fisheries, sustainable use of natural resources, climate change, biodiversity, and related topics.

Types of support

1. Research Fellowships, short-term research stays abroad: duration: 6–26 weeks, conducted at a research institution in another OECD CRP member country, with support for travel and living expenses.

2. Event Sponsorship, support for the organization of conferences, workshops, and professional symposia with international participation.

Eligibility

The Czech Republic is a participating country in the OECD CRP program; therefore, researchers from Palacký University Olomouc are also eligible to apply. Requirements include: employment at a research institution in a participating country, a host institution in another participating country, and at least 4 years of postdoctoral experience (the program is not intended for PhD students).

Application deadline

The deadline for applications is 10 September 2026. Given the need to secure a foreign partner and obtain confirmation from UP, we recommend that you begin preparing your application well in advance (please contact Ing. Tea Pokorná at tea.pokorna@upol.cz for more information).

Links and sources:

OECD CRP – official information
OECD CRP Fellowship Guidelines (PDF)
Information of the Ministry of Agriculture of the CR

Falling Walls

The 11th annual Falling Walls Lab Prague, Czech Republic, an international competition aimed at bringing together the next generation of brilliant scientists and innovators, will take place at the National Technical Library. Participants are invited to present a scientific project, a business plan, or a social initiative that breaks down all walls and barriers.

Contestants’ presentations are conducted in English in a “pitch-talk” format, lasting a maximum of three minutes. It doesn’t matter whether the topic is computer science or medicine, economics or mechanical engineering, philosophy, robotics, chemistry, art, or agriculture – the competition is open to anyone who believes in their idea and can convince others of it as well. Students at all levels are welcome, including Ph.D. and postdoc candidates. Register at this link.

The Czech final of the international Falling Walls project will take place on 15 September 2026, at 5:00 PM at the National Technical Library in Prague; the application deadline is 30 June 2026. The winner of the national round will represent the Czech Republic at the global finals in Berlin, which are regularly held on the eve of the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. This year, the event will take place from 6 to 9 November 2026.

Mandatory reporting of mobilities

Every mobility, regardless of the source of funding and regardless of whether the student will receive credits for that, must be reported at least one month before its start to Mgr. Marie Raková at marie.rakova@upol.cz from the International section of the Student Affairs Office. Outgoing mobilities are primarily reported by students, incoming mobilities by the department. Details can be found on the faculty website.

Records of foreign guests

It is the responsibility of the department to register foreign guests. If you have international guests visiting your department, enter their information in the Portal as follows:

• click on "All Applications" in your Portal
• click on the "Guest Admission" tile
• press the "+New" button and fill out the newly opened form.

This procedure does not apply to student internships - these are reported as incoming mobility.

Mobility scholarship

A student who goes on any mobility abroad for 30 days or more (study stay, research internship, work placement, summer school, etc.), can apply for a scholarship of CZK 5,000 for each mobility. The request must be submitted before departure. Details here.

Co-financing of trips and internships abroad

If the primary source does not cover all the necessary costs, it is possible to apply for additional funding for student internships abroad (lasting at least one month) or employee trips abroad (not conferences). Send the completed and signed application form (for students, for employees) by internal mail to Waleria Kmentová (Student Affairs Office) or its scan to waleria.kmentova@upol.cz. Czech versions of the forms can be found in the Czech version of the Newsletter.
After each co-financed mobility, it is necessary to provide a brief description of its course and 5 photographs.

Fulbright Scholarship Programs

The prestigious Fulbright scholarship programs, funded by the Czech and U.S. governments, offer Czech citizens the opportunity to study, conduct research, or teach in the United States. They also provide Czech educational and research institutions with the opportunity to host a faculty member or researcher from the United States.

DAAD Announces the 2026 Fundamental Academic Values Award

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is announcing the 2026 Fundamental Academic Values Award, which recognizes academic contributions to the protection and promotion of fundamental academic values within the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).

The award, with a total prize fund of 18,000 euros, is intended for three early-career researchers, regardless of academic discipline or nationality. The award highlights the importance of the independence of science and higher education as values that require active support from policymakers, civil society, and the academic community. Applications may be submitted until 22 June 2026. Further information, including the application form, is available on the DAAD website.

A Hackathon in Naples or a Research Retreat in Essen

Take advantage of new opportunities for study abroad through the Aurora Alliance and head to Italy or Germany for a unique learning experience. You can participate in a hackathon in Naples focused on the future of food systems in the era of climate and social change (open to all students) or in an international academic retreat in Essen, where early-career researchers develop their presentation and communication skills (for PhD students and Master’s students in their final year). These trips are intended for:

• all students in all programs
• physical part takes place on 19–23 October 2026, in Naples, Italy
• online part takes place on 28 September 2026, and 16 October 2026
• number of credits: 3 ECTS
• a maximum of 5 students will be selected, and their trip will be funded by the Aurora project

More information here.

Icelandic University’s Fall Online Courses

Would you like to experience international education, gain new knowledge, and add credits from a partner university to your academic portfolio? The Aurora Alliance is offering Palacký University Master’s students a selection of online courses from the University of Iceland focused on current topics in sustainability, marine resources, and sustainable finance. Join the virtual classes taught in English and take advantage of the opportunity to study in an international environment without having to travel. You can apply until 19 June 2026.

Staff BIP: Expanding Scholarly Horizons

Academic and research staff at Palacký University are invited to apply for the week-long international retreat “Staff BIP: Expanding Scholarly Horizons,” which will take place 5–9 October 2026, at the University of Duisburg-Essen as part of the Aurora Alliance. The program will offer an intensive space for interdisciplinary exchange, sharing experiences, networking with colleagues from partner universities, and developing ideas for joint teaching and research collaborations.

Participants will also meet with young researchers involved in the parallel program Rising Voices: Emerging Scholars Forum and will have the opportunity to contribute to the further development of the Aurora Alliance’s shared educational and research space.

Interested parties may apply by 31 July 2026. The application, along with a cover letter in English, must be sent directly by email to shortmobility@uni-due.de. Please include the Aurora mobility coordinator at UP, Martina Buráňová (martina.buranova@upol.cz), in the email.

The regular meeting of the Academic Senate FS UP will take place on 23 June 2026 at 13:00 in the conference room of the Dean's Office. Detailed information and materials as well as the link to the stream will be available at the given time of the meeting on the senate website (in Czech).

Summer office hours - Student Affairs Office

The Student Affairs Office will be closed from 13 to 24 July 2026.

On other days during the summer vacation (1 July - 31 August) the office hours are as follows:

Please, respect the office hours or make a previous appointment by email.
Keep in mind that despite the regular opening hours, the student affairs officers might be on a leave, therefore always deal with your affairs well in advance.

Extension of studies

Students of the 3rd year Bachelor studies, 2nd year Master's studies, 4th year of PhD studies (and higher) who will not fulfill all the requirements in this academic year have to submit a request for the extension of studies. Follow the instructions in the FAQ section.

Doctoral student evaluations

Students of doctoral study programmes should submit their evaluation for academic year 2025/2026 by 30 June 2026. The evaluation has to be signed by the student as well as the supervisor and the chairman of the Subject-Area Board of the student’s study programme. It has to include a written assessment of the supervisor as to whether or not he/she recommends the student's advancement to the next year. Even after submitting the evaluation, the student can complete the courses he/she has enrolled at in STAG until 4 September 2026. Students of 4th and higher years have to submit the request for extension of studies together with the evaluation. The request must include a statement and signature of the supervisor.

Student evaluations

Evaluate the summer semester anonymously by 30 June 2026, via eval.upol.cz or in the app UPlikace.

The aim of evaluations is to obtain information from as many students as possible about the quality of teaching, the consistency of its specific content with the content announced in the course annotation, the methods used in teaching and the approach of the teachers. All this information is crucial in order to continuously improve the quality of teaching in all these areas. Evaluation applies to all subjects taught.

Completion of the Academic Year Before State Exams

Students in their second year of a Master’s program and third year of a Bachelor’s program must have their academic year officially closed at the Student Affairs Office after fulfilling all academic requirements, prior to their final exams or thesis defense.

Final state examination registration

Students of Bachelor and Master study programmes who wish to take their final exams or defend their theses during the summer semester of this academic year and have not registered for the final exam courses in STAG should contact their student affairs officer immediately. If they do not have the final exam courses registered in STAG, they will not be offered exam dates.

Graduation ceremony - Petroleum Engineering

The graduation ceremony of the Bachelor study programme Petroleum Engineering will most likely take place on 2 July 2026. After successfully passing the final exams, students may register for the graduation ceremony with their student affairs officer (waleria.kmentova@upol.cz).

Graduates who will not be attending the ceremony may pick up their diplomas with their Student's Affairs Officer, upon previously agreed appointment.

Electronic issuance of decisions

Decisions issued by the Student Affairs Office are now distributed electronically only (including scholarships, etc.). You can find them in your Portal, in the 'Viewing files' section. You can also set up notifications alerting you to new documents.

Young Researcher Grant Competition

Are you looking to establish a new research group or laboratory, or prepare a proposal for an international project? The UP Junior Grant can help you with that. To be eligible for the grant competition, you must hold a Ph.D., be 37 years of age or younger, and have international experience. For more details, visit the website; project proposals have to be submitted by 22 June. Details can be found here.

NTK Doctoral Summer School

The Doctoral Summer School (September 1–2, 2026), organized by the National Library of Technology (NTK) in collaboration with other partners, has traditionally focused on developing transferable skills among early-career researchers and brings together doctoral students across disciplines and institutions. It offers valuable educational opportunities for doctoral students and early-career researchers through hands-on workshops. It enables them to acquire specific skills and supports their scientific and career development.

This year, participants in the NTK Doctoral Summer School can look forward to:

• Keynote career lectures by successful research group leaders
• A hands-on workshop on research funding and grant proposal writing
• A hands-on workshop on visual communication and poster design
• A hands-on workshop on decision-making techniques

The educational program is complemented by accompanying activities—a panel discussion on equal opportunities in Czech science, a bowling tournament, a tour of the NTK, and additional networking opportunities.

Summer office hours - Dean's Office

From 29 June to 31 August 2026, the Dean’s Office will be open during standard office hours from 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM.

From 13 to 24 July 2026, the Dean’s Office will have limited operations. At least one staff member will be present in person at the Secretariat and in the Economic, HR and Payroll, Project Support, and Research departments. 

Summer office hours - File Service (29 June - 30 August)

Summer office hours - SLO

From 7 July to 30 August 2026 the building will be open from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM.

Summer office hours - VLD

From 29 June to 30 August 2026 the building will be open from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Construction work at Envelopa

Due to construction work in the central area of the 1st through 6th floors of the UP Faculty of Science building at 17. listopadu 12, operations in the affected areas will be restricted from 13 to 24 July 2026. Essential access to other parts of the building will be provided via the underground garage or through the entrance above the garage.

During the specified dates, Envelopa Maintenance Services will be replacing damaged stone paving near the staircase. Unfortunately, the repair work will bring increased noise and dust (the noise may echo throughout the building). Once the demolition work is complete, the base will be concreted, individual places will be marked with barriers prohibiting entry. The contractor anticipates a technical break before the actual paving, which is expected in the second half of August.

In light of these restrictions, we recommend that department heads schedule vacation time for their employees or allow them to work from home. In case of any technical questions related to this notice, please contact Mr. Filip Zlámal at filip.zlamal@upol.cz.

Summer opening hours - FreshUPs and canteens

There will be several operational restrictions during the summer at the Accommodation and Dining Services. During the week of 6–12 July 2026, all dining facilities will be closed due to scheduled repairs and staff vacations.

Other changes to operations will be as follows:

• The FreshUP+ Bistro will be closed from 15 to 18 June due to a conference.
• During the summer, FreshUP+ bistro will be open Monday through Thursday from 12:00 PM to 7:30 PM.
• The FreshUP bistros at the Faculty of Arts (Křížkovského 10), the Faculty of Education, the Faculty of Science (Envelopa and Holice) will be open Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM.
• The Neředín canteen and the FreshUP bistros at the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Arts (tř. Svobody) will be closed from 6 July through 31 August.

We therefore recommend that students and staff check the UP Accommodation and Dining Services website (or this website) for the latest information and take the adjusted operating hours of individual dining facilities into account when planning their summer activities.

Summer office hours - Library

The summer office hours of the faculty library can be found at the library's website.

Rector’s Award for Volunteering

Palacký University is once again seeking individuals who, through their volunteer efforts, are helping to change the world around them. Rector Michael Kohajda has announced the next edition of the Rector’s Award for Volunteering, open to students, alumni, and university employees. New this year is a formal awards ceremony in December to mark International Volunteer Day.

Nominations may be submitted by individuals and organizations via the nomination form until 31 October 2026. Volunteers working in areas such as children’s and youth programs, support for seniors, environmental protection, humanitarian aid, university events, or international volunteering are eligible for the award.

Guidelines for Preventing Inappropriate Behavior at the UP Faculty of Science

A new page on the faculty website has been published regarding the guidelines for preventing inappropriate behavior at the Faculty of Science, Palacký University. It clearly summarizes what behavior is considered unacceptable, how to file a report, how the faculty handles such cases, and who to contact (including the option to submit an anonymous report). The faculty creates a safe, fair, and respectful environment, fosters a healthy work and study atmosphere, and promotes professional communication. In doing so, it communicates to its students, staff, and the public its stance and zero tolerance for socially inappropriate behavior in our academic environment.

Hedepy

Starting in May, UP employees who need psychotherapy can use the Hedepy online platform. It helps people quickly and easily find a certified mental health professional without having to go anywhere. Hedepy brings together hundreds of therapists, and consultations in English are also available. The service is fee-based, and Palacký University has purchased a subscription for its employees. If you are interested in using the service, simply enter your @upol.cz email address, and the payment will be charged to a university credit.

Science Fair

This year, we are once again hosting the Science Fair, one of the largest outreach events at our faculty for schools and the general public – on Friday, 19 June 2026, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM in the main building of the Faculty of Science.

This year's theme is “Science with All Your Senses… Touch the Knowledge.”

We would appreciate it if you could share information about the Science Fair with your children’s teachers or other educators who might find the event interesting.

Holiday Accommodation with a Bonus

The UP Accommodation and Dining Services offers students the option of both short-term and long-term accommodation in university dormitories during the summer. Detailed information on terms and reservations is available here. Students staying in UP dormitories during the summer will also receive a nice bonus at FreshUP+ - a free coffee with every main meal purchased.

Vacant dormitory rooms will also be available for guest hotel accommodations in July. This allows employees to conveniently arrange accommodations for family, friends, or international visitors right on campus. Every guest staying in the dormitory accommodations will also receive a voucher for a 20 % discount on a main course at the FreshUP+ bistro.

The Semester Through the Eyes of Academics

Academics have until the end of June to share their experiences from the past semester via the anonymous survey “The Semester Through the Eyes of Academics.” The survey aims to find out how faculty members experienced the semester, how they perceived their workload, and what would help them better cope with the demanding periods of the academic year.

The feedback received will help the university better understand the needs of academic staff and explore ways to offer them more effective support in their work.

The Confidential Box at UP

Convenient, discreet, and anonymous if needed. If students or staff at UP are troubled by something or encounter inappropriate or problematic behavior, they now have access to the FaceUp electronic confidential reporting system. Its introduction is part of the university’s effort to create a safe, open, and fair environment.

The FaceUp Confidential Box allows you to submit reports anonymously or under your own name and is available on the university website; it also has its own tile on the UP Portal, and you can install it as an app on your phone.

The next faculty Newsletter (the first after the summer holidays) will be published on Monday, 14 September 2026.

In the second half of 2026, the Newsletter will be published on the following dates:

14 September | 29 September | 12 October | 26 October | 9 November | 23 November | 7 December | 21 December