An introductory word from the Dean

Dear colleagues,

Before we all head off for the holidays for some well-deserved rest and inspiration, let me offer of what lies ahead of us in the academic year ahead.

The current debate on the state of public finances, in which I am actively involved in various professional forums and platforms, does not bring much optimism. So, even during the holidays, I will continue to devote all my efforts to ensuring that the savings planned by the government do not affect the sciences, which are key to the critical infrastructure of the state. Unthinking budget cuts in science and research would reduce the ability to respond to major societal challenges, increase vulnerability to future threats and reduce the Czech Republic's overall prosperity and competitiveness.

Despite all these threats, however, I have reason to be slightly optimistic about the future development of our faculty, based on the experience of how it has been able to face previous crises in the past, be it covid measures, responses to challenges related to the war in Ukraine, or the impact of the energy crisis.

Above all, what the faculty can rely on in difficult times is its exceptionally capable and skilful employees and students. Thanks to you, the faculty continues to be successful in winning international grants, engaging in a range of international activities and building transnational research infrastructures. Through its representatives, it is also influencing the shape of upcoming reforms in the field of education, not only of future teachers.

We are also successfully continuing the implementation of the HR Award and the reflection of the recommendations that have emerged from the international evaluation of science. We are developing collaboration with the commercial sector, including in teaching. Our budget rules, which even in these current times of uncertainty allow us to reward and motivate, while maintaining the necessary degree of stability, are a model for many universities and faculties across the country. All this combined gives us all great hope that we will stand as a faculty in the difficult times of the expected downturn in public finances.

I wish us all to recharge our batteries and energy during the summer months, and I look forward to getting back together after the holidays to engage in all the activities related to study, teaching, and research that make us happy and meaningful at all times.

Best regards

Tomáš Kašparovský
Dean