The Employee Newsletter of Mendel University in Brno
Academic wine
Representatives of Mendel University in Brno selected three wines from the university’s production to be designated as academic wines for the 2026/2027 year. The winner was Hibernal 2025 from the Faculty of Horticulture in Lednice. Second place went to Veltlín zelený 2024 from the University Agriculture Enterprise in Žabčice, and third place was awarded to Pálava 2024, also from the University Agriculture Enterprise in Žabčice. The bottles will be decorated with gold, silver, and bronze medals, and they will be available for purchase from the next semester at the DODNA Wine Bistro. The university has been announcing academic wines for the third year.
Happening at MENDELU
We are launching registration for the MENDELU Run
Starting May 9, you can sign up for the 8th annual MENDELU Run, which will take place on September 26 in the Botanical Garden and Arboretum. The race is open to employees, students, children, and family members. More information and registration: beh.mendelu.cz.
Recruitment for the Bone Marrow Donor Registry
Come and register in the bone marrow donor registry and help increase the chances of patients with serious blood-forming diseases, such as leukemia. For many of them, a transplant is the only hope for survival—yet one in four patients does not find a suitable donor. The recruitment drive will take place as part of the Social Enterprises and Non-Profit Organizations Day on May 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration is quick and painless, with no medical procedures, needles, or blood sampling required. All you need to do is fill out a short questionnaire and provide a cheek swab. Registration requirements: age 18–35, weight over 50 kg, and good health.
Science Night will take place on Friday, September 25.
This year’s Science Night will be held on Friday, September 25. At MENDELU, the doors of laboratories, research facilities, and other places not usually accessible to the public will once again be open. This year’s theme is communication. The event has also been renamed nationwide from “Researchers’ Night” to “Science Night” starting this year.
Emil Open 2026
Mendel University in Brno proudly supports the Summer European Games for Youth with Disabilities, Emil Open, which are being held for the fifteenth time this year. The event brings together young people with disabilities in an international sporting and social setting. This year, we can look forward to 8 sports in which athletes from across Europe will compete: boccia, table tennis, swimming, athletics, bocce, archery, cycling, and throwball. We would like to invite both students and university staff to join the volunteer team. Volunteer activities will take place from Wednesday, July 1 to Sunday, July 5, 2026. There are many ways to get involved –from helping with the organization and coordination of competitions, to supporting activities at sports venues, distributing meals, and assisting with other one-time tasks during the event.
Looking Back: HR Department
and
Payroll
Office on the Implementation of the Revised Salary Regulation and Internal Job Catalogue
The revision of the salary regulation and the Internal Job Catalogue has brought a significant increase in workload in recent months for the HR Department and the Payroll Office of the Economic Department. While a total of 2,318 proposals for amendments to employment contracts (“forms”) were processed in the entire year of 2025, in the first four months of this year alone (January–April 2026), we have already reached nearly the same number –2,065 forms. In March 2026 alone, 499 forms were processed, which is more than double the number handled in March of the previous year.
We would like to thank all colleagues for their cooperation in preparing and processing these changes.
MEDIA HIGHLIGHT
17. 4. – Novinky.cz – A student project on communication using AI is already being used by dozens of institutions HERE
20. 4. – Brněnská drbna – Foxes and wild boars roam the streets of Brno. Scientists have mapped their behaviour HERE
21. 4. – Blanenský deník – Thin it or it dies! Foresters from Křtiny appeared in an action video HERE
27. 4. – Ekolist.cz – Better a beech bench than exotic wood. Scientists are trying to adapt local wood to make it more resistant to outdoor conditions HERE
Happening at MENDELU
International Week at MENDELU
From 20–24 April 2026, MENDELU hosted its International Week with the theme “Global Challenges – Local Solutions.” A total of 42 participants from 17 countries came to Brno. During the programme, all five faculties of the university were presented, particularly in the areas of science, research, and international cooperation. The week also included a visit to the Faculty of Horticulture in Lednice. On Monday, a panel discussion took place on current global challenges faced by universities and how MENDELU responds to them. The programme also included a social component focused on building new partnerships.
Take a Look into the Archive
The University Archive has newly published archival finding aids on its website for five archival collections. These include the personal fonds of Prof. Josef Konšel, Prof. Josef Taufer, Prof. Bohumil Hošpes, and Ing. Antonín Mach, as well as a collection of habilitation theses. The inventories and finding lists allow users to see which documents are included in each archival collection. Researchers can then request access to these materials in the archive reading room. These archival finding aids are the result of processing archival materials in the specialized software system ELZA. This system will later be followed by ARON, which will not only enable easier metadata-based searching but also provide access to individual digitized documents.
Brno Library Day 2026
Brno Library Day will take place for the fourth time this year, this time in the park at Obilní trh on Tuesday, 26 May 2026, starting at 10 a.m. The Library of Mendel University in Brno is actively participating in the event and, together with other Brno libraries, is involved in its preparation and programme. It will also have its own stand in the park throughout the day. As is tradition, the morning programme is intended for secondary school students accompanied by their teachers, while the afternoon is open to the general public. You are warmly invited to come and see what Brno libraries have to offer. More information can be found here.
National Round of the Stockholm Junior Water Prize at MENDELU
The fifth edition of the national round of the global competition Stockholm Junior Water Prize was won by Tomáš Martin Holub from Gymnázium Mozartova in Pardubice. The expert jury awarded his project, which focused on the development of a system called CALYPSO that monitors water quality and enables prediction of harmful cyanobacterial and algal blooms. The national winner received CZK 25,000, a commemorative diploma, and a fully funded trip to Stockholm, where the international final round of the competition will take place at the end of August as part of World Water Week.
Happening at MENDELU
SUSTAINABLE MENDELU
DAY OF SOCIAL ENTERPRISES AND NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
We would like to warmly invite you again this year to the Day of Social Enterprises and Non-Profit Organizations, which will take place on Thursday, MAY 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in front of Building Q (in case of bad weather, the event will be moved to the ground floor of Building Q).
This year, you can once again look forward to more than 20 stands offering local products and goods from participating enterprises and organizations, as well as charity stands run by our students. There will also be refreshments available, ranging from goulash soup to homemade desserts. Drinks will include specialty coffee, homemade lemonade, and Tišnov beer.
You can also take part in various activities, quizzes, and games, or try out, for example, a schizophrenia and depression simulator, wheelchair basketball, and more.
We would also be glad if you joined the voting for the best student responsible project or the voting for the Social Enterprise of the Year in the national Zlatá vážka competition.
What can you bring with you?
• menstrual hygiene products for women in need
• items for material collections for animal shelters
• clothing and accessories for swapping (SWAP), and more
Come support our students, social enterprises, and non-profit organizations, and enjoy a wonderful day!
Dragon boat races
Come and cheer us on! We are continuing the tradition and will once again be racing in dragon boats this year. The event is intended for employees of Mendel University in Brno. Join us—we start at 10 a.m. at the Brno Reservoir. We look forward to your participation, and don’t forget to bring plenty of energy and team spirit! More information about the event can be found here
Are you changing your health insurance provider?
If you are changing your health insurance provider as of 1 July 2026, do not forget to report this change to your employer within 8 days. Please inform your HR officer by submitting a completed and signed “Notification of Personal Data Changes” form. Failure to meet this deadline may result in financial penalties for both the employer and the employee. You can change your health insurance company twice a year, namely as of July 1st and January 1st.
Happening at MENDELU
Internship Opportunities within the InnovPrecMed Project
New student internships have been announced at partner companies of the InnovPrecMed project, coordinated by Mendel University in Brno. The internships offer students a unique opportunity to gain practical experience, get involved in real-world projects, and gain insight into the operations of Czech and international innovative Deep Tech companies. Internships are available at the following companies: BioVendor, Lightly Technologies, KP Therapeutics, and Pancrevo. The offer includes positions in both research-focused areas and business development. The current internship opportunities, including application details, can be found here. If you have any questions, please contact rtt@mendelu.cz.
Launching New Educational Courses for Students and Staff
The InnovPrecMed project is expanding its educational offer with two new online courses designed for both students and staff of Mendel University in Brno. The courses are provided free of charge and in a fully online, flexible format that allows participants to study at their own pace. Newly opened courses include Business Plan and Deep Tech Precision Medicine: From Lab to Impact. These courses build on previously developed educational modules, but participants can choose from all four available courses independently. No prior knowledge or completion of previous courses is required, as the content is designed to be accessible even to beginners. Successful graduates will receive a certificate of completion and will also have the opportunity to join a free mentoring programme or undertake internships at partner companies. The courses offer a unique opportunity to develop entrepreneurial and innovation skills, particularly in the Deep Tech field, while also gaining practical experience through follow-up mentoring and internships.
The Renovated Section of the Library Comes Fully to Life
The newly renovated spaces of the Library have fully come alive with daily activity. Students have quickly found their way not only to the study areas, but also to the group rooms, which have become a popular base for collaborative work. An optimal mode of operation is gradually being established, especially with the aim of balancing quiet zones with areas for meeting and informal communication. The new kitchenette has also been very well received, allowing users to prepare hot drinks or pour tap water. A new orientation system has been installed in the renovated spaces, making it easier and more convenient to find study materials again. We are pleased that, as part of March – the Month of Reading – the new spaces were visited by children from the Hrášek Kindergarten. The Library is not only a place for studying, but also for meeting, sharing, and serving as a natural and lively center of university life. If you are interested in a guided tour of the new Library spaces, feel free to contact vladimira.perlova@mendelu.cz or attend the planned “Breakfast with the Library” event.
Happening at MENDELU
MENDELU Boost – kick-start your business idea!
After one year, a new opportunity is opening again at Mendel University in Brno for anyone who wants to succeed with their business idea. On April 30th, 2026, the Rector of Mendel University in Brno announced a new edition of the university-wide competition MENDELU Boost, which supports creativity and entrepreneurship among students. Individuals as well as teams of MENDELU students can participate with projects ranging from early-stage ideas to finished products. The only requirement is that the responsible person must be a student of Mendel University in Brno throughout the entire duration of the competition. The competition will take place in three stages, and applications together with a business model can be submitted until May 28th, 2026 at 12:00 via an online form. An expert jury will select up to ten best business ideas, which will advance to the second round, “Pitch your idea.” Participants can expect not only valuable feedback but also financial support: in the second stage, up to 150,000 CZK will be distributed among the winners, and in the third stage (final defence) an additional 220,000 CZK. The competition thus represents an attractive opportunity to turn an idea into a real project. More details can be found on the website of the Project Office. The MENDELU Boost competition is implemented with the support of OP JAK, the Project for a Sustainable and Modern Academic Environment (PUMA), reg. no. CZ.02.02.XX/00/23_022/0008964, co-financed by the European Union.
Smart MENDELU: Top-tier solutions at a fraction of market price
In today’s world, where digitalization is becoming an essential condition for the functioning of a modern university, institutions often face the question: develop in-house, or rely on external suppliers? The Smart MENDELU team clearly demonstrated at a recent meeting of the Internal Evaluation Board (RVH) in Křtiny that the in-house development approach is not only efficient for our university, but also economically unmatched. One of the main points of the RVH presentation was the project of an electronic version of the accreditation file. This is a robust application whose scope exceeds 100,000 lines of code. To create such a complex
system, the Smart MENDELU team devoted a total of 5,645 net programming hours, plus approximately 1,200 additional hours in coordination meetings.
However, the most important aspect lies in the cost comparison. Thanks to the internal development team, the entire project is up to 6.3 times cheaper than a commercial solution.
The economic benefit is undeniable, but far from the only one.
An in-house development team provides MENDELU with strategic independence from external suppliers (eliminating vendor lock-in), as well as the advantage of deep knowledge of the internal environment, the ability to respond flexibly to legislative changes, and immediate technical support without the need for complex complaint processes with external providers.
The electronic accreditation file project has confirmed that Smart MENDELU is not just a service unit, but a strategic partner that saves the university millions of crowns, which can be reinvested into science, research, and education.
Call for Proposals – HEROES
Small-Scale Cooperation Projects
The HEROES Small-Scale Cooperation Projects (2026) call is intended for researchers and research support staff from partner institutions of the HEROES alliance who wish to engage in new international collaboration in the fields of applied research, innovation, and knowledge transfer.
The call supports small-scale inter-institutional projects focused on Smart Regional Resilience, specifically the resilience of people, businesses, or the natural environment. Projects must involve at least three HEROES partner institutions, engage relevant stakeholders, and have potential for further development.
Selected projects may receive up to €9,000 in seed funding. Applications can be submitted until 15 May 2026 via this form. More information can be found here. For any questions, please contact Petra Coufalova.
Happening at MENDELU
Czech Cancer Day 2026
The 30th annual public fundraising campaign of the Czech League Against Cancer will take place on Wednesday, 13 May 2026. This year’s theme focuses on the treatment of head and neck cancers and their complications. At Mendelov University in Brno, there will once again be traditional cooperation with the Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry (Faculty of AgriSciences), which provides volunteers for the collection near the university, as well as the University Library, which serves as a permanent collection point. The traditional symbol of the campaign, the marigold flower, will be available for purchase from volunteers on the day of the event, and from Wednesday 13 May to Friday 15 May at the library. More information about the campaign can be found here
Discounts for Open Access Publishing with Elsevier
The university now has a new opportunity in 2026 to apply discounts (vouchers) with the publisher Elsevier for free publishing in hybrid Open Access journals. Elsevier has allocated a total of 20 vouchers for Mendel University in Brno for 2026. You can review the conditions for the discount on the Open Science Centre website or contact: open-science@mendelu.cz
BUSHMAN – 40% discount
The company BUSHMAN, which specializes in outdoor and leisure clothing and equipment, is offering employees of Mendel Univesity in Brno a discount on purchases via its e-shop. By using a discount code, you can get 40% off all non-discounted items. The promotion runs throughout May on the e-shop. The discount code can be found in the flyer.
From Table to
Analysis:
Structuring Data in Excel and RStudio
12. května: 9:00 Kde? M2.12
12 May: 9:00
Where? M2.12
What to bring? Your own laptop (we recommend having Excel and RStudio installed). Registration is available here
This is a hands-on workshop that will guide you from raw tables to data prepared for analysis. We will focus on proper data structuring, common mistakes when working in Excel and how to fix them, and demonstrate how to efficiently transfer and further process data in RStudio.
The workshop will combine short theoretical inputs with practical demonstrations. Participants will work with real datasets and learn basic principles that make data analysis and visualization easier. The workshop will be held in English, but participants may ask questions in Czech.
FAIR Data Even Without Open Access
19. května 2026 v 10:00 Kde? M2.12
19 May 2026 at 10:00 Where? M2.12
Registration is available here.
This seminar focuses on implementing Open Science principles when working with secondary and licensed data. It explains the difference between open and FAIR data, the limitations of sharing secondary data, and approaches to ensuring reproducibility through a minimum reproducibility package, code sharing, metadata, workflows, and documentation.
Who is it for? Academic staff and PhD students who work with secondary and paid data.
Ing. Jana Brenkusová Pavelková
Academic staff member – lecturer Department of Marketing and Trade Faculty of Business and Economics (FBE)
Pictures of new employees
For more MENDELU job offers click here.
Ing. Helena Dvořáčková, Ph.D.
Academic staff member – assistant professor Department of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition Faculty of AgriSciences (FA)
Mgr. et Mgr. Jaroslav Hladík
Lawyer – methodology specialist for educational activities Department for Education (OVČK REC)
Ing. Lucia Husová Project Manager Project Department (DOFRDIS, FRDIS)
Ing. Mgr. Ing. Mořic Jurečka Researcher (Project II) Department of Silviculture Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology (FFWT)
Hana Macků
Personnel Development Department of Human Resources Development (HRMO REC)
Ing. Petra Rychlá Hulejová
Technical worker for research Department of Forest Ecology Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology (FFWT)
Václav Macek
Research technician Department of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition (FA)
Dagmar Marková
Cashier – Accountant Financial Accounting Department (FO REC)
Ing. Veronika Mikulášková
Researcher (Project I) Department of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition Faculty of AgriSciences (FA)
Pictures of new employees
For more MENDELU job offers click here.
Mgr. Daniela Mizerovská, Ph.D.
Technician Department of Geology and Pedology Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology (FFWT)
Martin Sklenář
Energy Operations Engineer Department of Energy (OD REC)
Bc. Karolína Podborská
Press Spokesperson Communication and Marketing Office (KAN REC)
Ing. Lenka Prokešová
Researcher (Project II) Department of Agrosystems and Bioclimatology Faculty of AgriSciences (FA)
Bc. Vendula Špačková
Technical worker for researchr Department of Forest Botany, Dendrology and Geobiocoenology Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology (FFWT)
Bc. Monika Trieuová
Foreign relations officer
International Relations Office (REC)
Bc. Julie Valnohová
Public Relations Officer
Department of Public Relations DPEF, Faculty of Business and Economics (DOFE FBE)
doc. Ing. Milán Rajnoch, CSc. Technical worker Department of Landscape Management Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology (FFWT)
Ing. Linda Štěpánková
Researcher (Project II) – PhD candidate Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Engineering Faculty of AgriSciences (FA)
Bc. Martin Žárský
Technical worker for research
Department of Forest Botany, Dendrology and Geobiocoenology Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology (FFWT)
One Day at the Workplace
One Day at the Workplace in the New MENDEL News Series
What actually happens behind the doors of individual Rectorate workplaces? What does a typical day look like for colleagues whose work is often not visible at first glance, but without whom the university could not function? These are exactly the questions we aim to answer in the new series “One Day at the Workplace.” The series will gradually introduce individual Rectorate departments and shed light on their daily agenda. We begin with the Department of Communication and Marketing, which also prepares this newsletter. In the first episode, we take a look behind the scenes of university communication and the activities of this team.
MGR. JIŘINA STUDENOVÁ
Head of the Department of Communication and Marketing
It is Monday, 27 April, and as every week, we start with a morning meeting. Before that, we go through and respond to emails—photos have arrived from the PhD school where we gave a lecture last week, and we want to get them to students as soon as possible so they can use them, for example, on LinkedIn. Before the team meeting, colleagues from the Centre for Sports Activities
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION AND MARKETING
• Coordination of marketing and communication activities across the university
• Operation of the MENDELU press centre and media relations
• Creation and implementation of student recruitment campaigns
• Communication and crisis communication
• Management and development of MENDELU social media channels
• Preparation and organisation of university events and activities
arrive. Together we discuss the MENDELU Run—launch timing, visuals, and partners—and divide tasks. We also coordinate related events in cooperation with CSA, such as MENDELU volunteering at Emil Open, University Sports Day, and the MENDELU × MUNI basketball match in the autumn.
Our Monday meeting is a fixed point of the week. Even though we share one space and are aware of each other’s work, it is important to exchange information systematically, discuss progress, and agree on who will help whom. Each of us has our own agenda and often additional major events—this is where everything comes together. Today, we are mainly focusing on the Czech national round of the Stockholm Junior Water Prize, which will take place at MENDELU on Wednesday. We are finalizing the script, jury materials, and overall event organisation. This is a prestigious competition for secondary school students interested in environmental topics, with the winner advancing to the world finals in Stockholm. This year is the fifth time we are hosting it. We are also intensively preparing the national meeting of the “Night of Science group,” which MENDELU is hosting. This brings together colleagues from universities and educational institutions across the Czech Republic who organise Science Night events. We scheduled this meeting a day before the Metamorphosis conference, which we are organising on 28–29 May. Metamorphosis is currently our biggest focus—while the core structure is ready, we are now fine-tuning details. We also prepare for the Země živitelka fair, Gaudeamus Brno, and Gaudeamus Prague—handling bookings, logistics, and administration. We are also working on expanding the alumni app and regularly evaluating the MENDELU shop.
We also take a moment to slow down. We realise that work is not only about tasks but also about relationships. Today’s meeting was brightened by a colleague who recently got married and surprised us with homemade tiramisu and wedding photos. These moments help us recharge and continue working as a team.
Monday meetings are mainly about events and operations, while on Thursdays we hold editorial meetings where we plan content for all university channels for the following week. In the afternoon, we return to daily tasks—managing the website, updating the calendar, and preparing content for social media. Our work also includes video production, often done in the field. Currently, we are filming a short video “Where students can relax,” showcasing places where students can spend time between classes. This is a recurring topic, as students look for spaces to rest or meet others.
The day continues at a fast pace—calls, texts, graphics, emails, visitors, and ad hoc requests. Meanwhile, we are also planning the closing event of the High School University programme, publishing on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, the alumni Facebook group, and the Moje MENDELU platform. We are also handling new merchandise for the “Stanley Cup” shop, processing a press release, responding to media inquiries, and coordinating educational programmes for academics in popularisation skills. The afternoon is quite hectic. We share one space, which speeds up communication; when focus is needed, we use headphones. The office is busy most of the day, but this pace is a natural part of our work.
If you need help with communication, have a great topic to promote, want advice, or just want to stop by, feel free to visit us. We are located on the ground floor of Building A.
