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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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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.
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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.
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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
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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).
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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.
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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.
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(* 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.
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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’.
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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.
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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)
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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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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.
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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.
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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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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Ongoing Competitions and Awards
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- Czexpats in Science
- Sylvia Forman Prize
- Česká hlava
- MŠMT Award for Extraordinary Results of Research, Experimental Development and Innovation
- CRYTUR Prize
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14 May
Sports activities and entertainment for students and staff of all MU faculties.
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14 May
Join us on 14 May at 15:30 in the CEITEC Atrium for a special MUNI Day edition of Sip of Science!
Denys Biriukov studies interactions between biological membranes and proteins. In his talk, he will take you on a fairy-tale journey through the centuries towards molecular simulations – all packed into a short, 20-minute TED-talk–style presentation.
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15 May
We cordially invite you to a lecture by Miroslava Vázlerová from the Police Presidium of the Police of the Czech Republic on the topic Biochemist in the service of the police: investigation of crimes.
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15 May
IAN HENDERSON
Lecture will be held in English
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22 May
 KAREN ADELMAN
Mendel´s refectory in the Mendel Museum Brno
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29 May
Microscopy in a flash: big ideas, one afternoon, countless connections
Is microscopy part of your daily work? Then join an event on 29 May, from 15:00 to 18:30, in the atrium of CEITEC for 120 Seconds: Meet Brnoregion Microscopy – a fast-paced gathering of the Brno microscopy community!
Expect two-minute project pitches, the latest updates from across the field, and plenty of time to connect with fellow researchers and professionals.
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29 May
CLAUDIO L. A. BASSETTI
Lecture will be held in English
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30 May – 8 Jun
You’re invited to the traditional Carnivorous Plant Sales Exhibition, taking place from Friday, May 30 to Sunday, June 8 in the greenhouses of the Botanical Garden, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University in Brno. Open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
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2 – 4 Jun
Gain practical skills in handling experimental fish, amphibians, and birds, including their embryonic stages. The course is FREE and is intended for researchers and PhD students – apply by May 18, 2025.
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11 Jun
We invite you to Afternoon with Chemistry with Prof. Lukáš Žídek, from CEITEC MU and the National Centre for Biomolecules Research, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University.
What will the café be about?
The lecture will introduce high school colleagues to the field of knowledge at the intersection of chemistry, physics and biology. In the introduction, the lecturer will try to describe the repertoire of structural motifs encountered in proteins and summarize the principles that determine the structure and behavior of protein molecules. The main part of the talk will introduce the methods that have provided us with information about protein structures (X-ray crystallography, electron microscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, computational methods).
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17 Jun
In collaboration with the Secondary School of Chemical Technology and Grammar School Brno (SPŠCHG), we have prepared our traditional course for teachers of science subjects. This year's program will focus on pesticides in food and the microbiome. An integral part of the course is also a tour of the laboratories. More information can be found in this document. We look forward to seeing you at RECETOX!
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17 Jun
Dean Tomáš Kašparovský will present awards to the best students of the Faculty of Science of MU. This year's Dean's Awards will be presented to the winners in the category of the Best Bachelor's and Master's Student and to promising scientists in the category of the Best Doctoral Student. It will also recognize a collective of outstanding students.
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9 Oct
JULI FEIGON
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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