MASARYK Room for Opportunities

MASARYK UNIVERSITY Room for Opportunities

TABLE OF CONTENTS

HISTORY AND LEADING FIGURES...... 6 OF LAW ...... 28 University Beginnings ...... 7 World War II and Beyond ...... 7 FACULTY OF ...... 30 Recent Developments ...... 7 FACULTY OF ...... 32 UNIVERSITY TRADITION ...... 8 Academic Ceremonies ...... 9 FACULTY OF ARTS ...... 34 University Insignia ...... 9 FACULTY OF ...... 36 THE PRESENT ...... 10 University Mission and Status ...... 11 FACULTY OF ECONOMICS AND ADMINISTRATION . . . . 38

STUDIES ...... 12 FACULTY OF INFORMATICS ...... 40 Modern Educational System ...... 13 FACULTY OF SOCIAL STUDIES ...... 42 Following European Trends in Education...... 13 Graduate Placement ...... 15 FACULTY OF SPORTS STUDIES ...... 44 with Special Needs ...... 15 UNIVERSITY CENTRE TELČ ...... 46 SCIENCE AND RESEARCH ...... 16 Modern Instruction in a Historical Environment...... 47 Excellence in Research and Development ...... 17 Renovation ...... 47 Antarctic Research Station ...... 19 Activities ...... 47 New Methods in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia Diagnosis...... 19 SERVICES ...... 48 New Compound Discovered: Bambusuril ...... 19 ICT Services...... 49 Content-Based Image Retrieval...... 19 Accommodation and Catering...... 49 Videoconferencing Environment for the Sports Activities...... 49 Communication of Remote Groups...... 19 Public Relations...... 50 Psychological Developments of Children Community Outreach ...... 51 and Adolescents ...... 19 Partnerships with the Private Sector ...... 51

UNIVERSITY DEVELOPMENT...... 20 CULTURE AND THE ARTS...... 52 Infrastructure Development and Modernization ...... 21 Artworks ...... 53 Mendel Museum...... 53 THE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS ...... 22 Campus and ...... 23 STUDENT ACTIVITIES...... 54 Campus Construction ...... 23 Theatre and Music...... 55 Student Clubs and Societies ...... 55 EUROPEAN PROJECTS...... 24 Projects and Support ...... 25 UNIVERSITY AT THE HEART OF THE CITY...... 56 CEITEC ...... 25 A University City ...... 57 INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMMES AND PARTNERSHIPS . . 26 Mobility...... 27 International Students ...... 27 History and Leading Figures

6 | 7 University Beginnings Roman Jakobson, Arne Novák – associated Masaryk University was founded soon after with the newly established Slavonic Studies the end of the First World War, a mere three at the Faculty of Arts – and Matyáš Lerch, months after the creation of an independent Eduard Čech and Otakar Borůvka, . The campaign to establish of at the Faculty of Science. The a second Czech university had been launched physiologist Edward Babák, histologist and em- by Czech intellectual and political circles in bryologist František Karel Studnička and Vilém both and in the 19th cen- Laufberger, head of the world-class Institute tury. The Czech university in , whose of General and Experimental Pathology, are governing bodies and academic staff repeat- merely some of the well-known fi gures associ- edly called for the creation of a new univer- ated with the Faculty of Medicine. sity in , played an important role in the The university played an important and struggle. However, the political situation in prominent role in the scientifi c, scholarly, cul- the Austro-Hungarian monarchy was such tural and social life of the country ever since that, despite the concerted efforts of leading its early days. Karel Engliš, one of the great fi gures in Czech scientifi c, scholarly, cultural pioneers of economic theory and practice and political life, their goal was not achieved. during the First Republic, was the fi rst to EDWARD BABÁK (1873–1926) Act No. 50, establishing the second Czech stand at the helm of the newly established One of the founding figures of higher education in Brno: physiologist, MU and Dean of the Faculty university and its four initial faculties – Law, university. Not only did he serve as of Medicine. Medicine, Science and Arts – was therefore of national economy at the Faculty of Law only passed by the National Assembly of the from 1919 to 1945, he also left his mark on their academic activities and in 1946 a fi fth – newly independent Czechoslovak Republic Czechoslovak history as of Finance the Faculty of Education – was established. on 28 January 1919. The university bears the under several administrations, Governor of However, the Communist coup of 1948 meant name of the fi rst president of Czechoslovakia, the Czechoslovak National Bank, and the last the onset of a new dark age for the university. a staunch supporter of its establishment even Rector of in Prague prior The Faculty of Law was dissolved in 1950 and as professor at the Czech University in Prague. to the Communist coup in 1948. remained so for nearly twenty years; moreover, As the commemorative deed states, the In 1925, the renowned composer Leoš the entire university was also exposed to ideo- purpose of the new university was to “live, Janáček became the fi rst person to receive an logical indoctrination and many teachers and grow and blossom in noble contest with her honorary from Masaryk University. students were forced to leave. The Communist older sister in Prague...”. From its very founda- His relationship with the university was a fer- regime even stripped the university of its origi- tion, Masaryk University has indeed showed vent one: not only did he dedicate a number of nal name: from 1960 until the democratic revo- a great deal of dedication in carrying out this compositions to the institution, he also made lution in 1989, the university bore the name of task. Most of the teaching staff came from the a generous bequest to the Faculty of Arts. In notable nineteenth-century Czech physiologist younger generation of scientists and scholars the 1930s, Masaryk University assumed the Jan Evangelista Purkyně. educated at Charles University in Prague and rights to the body of his musical and literary the Czech Technical University in Brno. It work, thus effectively becoming the guardian Recent Developments was thanks to these individuals that Masaryk of the great composer’s artistic legacy. After the in 1989, a new University soon became synonymous with new era of prosperity dawned on the univer- ideas and quickly managed to reach outstand- World War II and Beyond sity. Its original name was reinstated in 1990 ing standards of excellence in virtually all The development of the university was inter- and remains synonymous with freedom and disciplines. The fi rst generation of academics rupted by World War II: all Czech independence to this day. The Faculty of at Masaryk University boasted such notable were shut down and many prominent profes- Economics and Administration was founded names as František Weyr – one of the founders sors were executed by the Nazis. After the in the same year, followed by the Faculty of of normative legal theory, Bohuslav Havránek, war, all four of the founding faculties resumed Informatics in 1994, the Faculty of Social

HISTORY AND LEADING FIGURES University Tradition

8 | 9 Studies in 1997 and fi nally the Faculty of allegorical representations of all Sports Studies in 2001. Since 1990 the number studied at the university at the time. The of students has grown substantially, making stained glass ceiling – featuring citations by Masaryk University the most sought-after uni- the university founders – is likewise worth versity in the . In addition to mentioning. relentlessly and systematically expanding both By 1939, the building had unfortunately educational and research activities, the univer- become a symbol of the Nazi presence in sity has likewise focused on developing inter- Moravia; furthermore, modifi cations com- national cooperation, thus building up prestige missioned by the Gestapo severely damaged on both national and international levels. its original appearance and the painting of Prometheus was set to be destroyed. However, Scale model of the Academic Square, 1925 thanks to the courage of Czech construc- tion workers, the canvas was hidden in the basement until the end of the war in 1945. Following the liberation of Brno, the damaged painting was retrieved from its hiding place and restored. During a large-scale renovation taking place in 1993–1994, the assembly hall was fi tted with air conditioning, new seats and an organ.

Academic Ceremonies University Insignia Like many other higher education institu- Academic rituals imply university symbols – in- tions, Masaryk University is a fi rm believer signia, i.e. most importantly maces and chains. in honouring university traditions. Academic They symbolize the dignity and power accord- ceremonies and celebrations as well as con- ed to higher education and, in combination certs and host lectures given by distinguished with gowns, are the featured hallmarks of aca- speakers take place in the university assembly demic dignitaries. They are presented on occa- hall – auditorium maximum. The representa- sions such as the inauguration of a new Rector, tive assembly hall has had an eventful his- graduation ceremonies, the awarding of hon- tory; the Faculty of Law building on Veveří orary and the annual Dies academi- Street was the sole completed building of the cus celebration. The Rector’s chain of offi ce, pre-war Academic Quarter project and its crafted by Otakar Španiel and sculptor Jaroslav auditorium had even then served as the uni- Benda, is perhaps the most cherished of all versity’s primary assembly hall. An immense Masaryk University insignia. The chain was canvas adorns the entire front wall, providing fi rst presented to the then Rector Jan Krejčí the space with a “dominant idea”. The paint- by T. G. Masaryk in Lány in 1935. A two-tailed ing, featuring Prometheus bringing fi re to Bohemian lion in high relief forms the head mankind, is the work of Antonín Procházka, of the Rector’s ceremonial mace. commissioned to create the artwork in 1938. Respect for the university’s heritage and a re- Prometheus himself, burning torch in hand, sponsible approach to future development con- is depicted as surrounded by a group of fi g- stitute the best possible evidence of the fact that ures yearning for the “fl ame of knowledge” Masaryk University continues to build on the while the remainder of the painting features legacy of its founders and leading fi gures. The Present

10 | 11 University Mission and Status At present, the university comprises nine Bohunice, a project unique on a Central Masaryk University strives to create and dis- faculties and over 200 departments, institutes European scale. The university also continues seminate knowledge, thus enhancing the and clinics, covering a wide range of academ- to care for its existing buildings: most have quality of life and fostering cultural growth in ic disciplines and research areas in both the been recently subjected to thorough renova- the community. This mission stems from the natural sciences and the . tion and modernization. Masaryk University is university’s founding values: freedom, respon- The university is likewise a leader among currently one of the most prolifi c publishers sibility and respecting rules. To this day, such higher education institutions in the area of of academic and study literature in the Czech values form the basis of its inner culture and ICT technology implementation; it holds the Republic with over 300 textbooks, mono- are widely embraced by the academic public. ISA and EUNIS Elite Awards in recognition graphs and conference proceedings issued Masaryk University is a modern university of the MU Information System, a unique under the Munipress label each year. whose internal organization and educational platform providing support for studies and The university is involved in a range of system are fully compatible with standards instruction. It is the fi rst Czech university to partnerships with prestigious international required by universities abroad. The university receive an award in this area. educational and research institutions and be- currently ranks among the most signifi cant Close ties between science, research and in- longs to a number of signifi cant international educational, scientifi c and research institu- struction in both doctoral and Master’s degree associations. Student exchanges with univer- tions in . programmes as well as the immense number sities around the world are commonplace Masaryk University is also one of the and broad spectrum of successfully investi- and thousands of international students are fastest-growing higher education institu- gated projects may be perceived as evidence in turn enrolled at Masaryk University. Both tions in the Czech Republic. The fi rst alumni of the university’s rightful place among lead- students and academics regularly – and suc- left the lecture halls in 1922 and by January ing research institutions. Teachers, researchers cessfully – take part in scientifi c conferences 2011, a total of 142,500 students had suc- and students alike may now benefi t from new- and competitions. cessfully graduated from Masaryk University. ly opened facilities at the University Campus

THE PRESENT Studies

12 | 13 Modern Educational System mon study legislation and enjoy complex grants for students from developing countries, Masaryk University offers Bachelor’s, Master’s Information System support, all MU students etc. Individual faculties likewise organize their and doctoral degree programmes in both also share language courses administered own scholarship and bursary programmes. full-time and combined forms of study. MU by the university-wide Language Centre and The Rector’s Programme for Students’ was one of the fi rst universities in the Czech sports instruction organized by the Faculty Creative Activities Support forms another Republic to implement both the structured of Sports Studies. An open learning envi- means of motivating talented students. three-tier degree system and the European ronment provides students with unique op- A total of 44,000 students are currently Credit Transfer and Accumulation System portunities to participate in e.g. interfaculty enrolled in the 1,300 fi elds of study offered (ECTS). In 2010, Masaryk University was double-subject studies, thus enabling them to at Masaryk University. Upon successful com- awarded the prestigious ECTS Label, a certifi - acquire a broad range of new knowledge and pletion of studies, they obtain Bachelor’s, cate issued by the European Commission in skills. The option to attend courses offered in Master’s or doctoral degrees; Faculty of Law recognition of the university’s quality which virtually any fi eld of study at the university is students graduating from programmes im- declares that the credit system is correctly appreciated chiefl y by the students themselves. plemented in partnership with international implemented in all Bachelor’s and Master’s Among other things, Masaryk University is universities obtain LL. M. and MPA degrees. degree programmes. likewise the fi rst higher education institution In accordance with global educational trends, The tree-tier model enables individual in the Czech Republic to implement an elec- a great deal of emphasis is being placed on students to combine various fi elds of study tronic entrance application submission system. lifelong learning courses at Masaryk University. in Bachelor’s degree programmes with Each year, a total of 20,000 participants take a research-oriented approach in follow-up Following European Trends in Education part in the predominantly professionally- Master’s and doctoral degree programmes. In order to provide students with a high-qual- oriented programmes. The increasingly more The integrated study environment at Masaryk ity study environment, a number of scholar- popular University of the Third Age provides University – comprising nine faculties – may ship and bursary programmes are available at educational opportunities specifi cally tailored likewise be considered a signifi cant asset. Not Masaryk University: accommodation grants, to the needs of senior citizens. only are individual faculties linked by com- grants for socially disadvantaged students,

STUDIES Studies

14 | 15 Graduate Placement Students with Special Needs The Centre is also in charge of managing Masaryk University graduates hardly have to Helping students with sensory, physical or wheelchair access, maintaining navigation ele- worry about unemployment: as qualifi ed ex- learning disabilities has always been one of ments for students with impaired vision and perts, they are permanently in high demand Masaryk University’s priorities. Providing equal developing a new system of virtual tours of on the job market. The unemployment rate opportunities for everyone forms the basic wheelchair accessible university facilities. among MU graduates is currently a mere governing principle: the university strives to The university’s objective is to provide stu- 1 %. According to the Graduate Destination ensure that students with special needs have dents with special needs with the opportunity Survey, one half of all fresh Masaryk access to learning conditions equal to those of to fully participate in any fi eld of study at MU. University graduates already have a job prior other students. Systematic care and support is The Centre is in contact with all applicants to completing their studies. Furthermore, provided by the Support Centre for Students who have indicated any specifi c needs in the a great majority fi nd application in their fi eld with Special Needs – one of the largest and entrance application and is thus able to coordi- of study – evidence of their own qualities technically best-equipped facilities of its kind nate organizational and technical matters such as well as of the qualities of the education in Europe. In addition to fulfi lling the role of as study plan and course material modifi ca- they received. an advisory unit, the Centre also provides the tion with individual faculties in response to the Graduate employment is considered a pri- following services: publishing house for elec- specifi c needs of individual student groups. ority and the university thus strives to adapt tronic media as well as publications in both Thanks to the specialized care, approximately instruction to real-life conditions. Individual Braille and Czech sign language, nationwide one half of all visually and hearing impaired faculties therefore strive to implement in- higher education electronic library, dispatch Czech university students are currently en- novative projects and approaches in order to services for sign language interpreters, secre- rolled at MU; the number of persons with provide students with opportunities to attend taries, spatial orientation trainers and personal special needs at MU therefore corresponds to courses taught by experienced experts. assistants, specialized educational centre, etc. their number among the general population.

/*source: Graduate Destination Survey 2007/2008 carried out by Masaryk University in 2009

STUDIES Science and Research

16 | 17 Excellence in Research and Development institutions – most notably the Academy of Masaryk University is a research-oriented Sciences of the Czech Republic. Long-term university – excellence in research and de- endeavours focused on securing cutting-edge velopment has always formed one of its top equipment also play an important role. priorities. The university is home to a large The university currently operates a number number of experts, many of whom have of units and facilities which may be con- achieved international recognition with their sidered unique in the Czech Republic and world-class research results. Their experience even internationally, both in terms of their also forms an important element in educating concept or equipment. These include e.g. the Master’s and doctoral degree programme stu- National Centre for Biomolecular Research, dents, thus providing a link between research specializing in macromolecules, their com- and instruction. plexes and behaviour. Masaryk University researchers have Other units conducing research in a wide achieved worldwide recognition in fi elds array of fi elds at individual faculties have ranging from the natural sciences, medicine likewise produced internationally recognized and informatics to social, legal and economic results with hundreds of projects investigat- sciences and the humanities. Moreover, the ed, including archaeological explorations of university is a pioneering institution in the prehistoric and medieval social structures at integration and commercial application of re- world-renowned sites, analyses of informa- search results as well as in the area of intellec- tion and communication systems security, tual property protection. Thanks to a team of research into the economics and manage- experienced project managers, the quality of ment of companies in a globalized environ- such activities at Masaryk University provides ment and studies of the impact of traumatic a model for other Czech universities. Every childhood stress situations on further devel- year, MU researchers submit a number of pat- opment. It may be said without exaggera- ent applications, chiefl y in the area of biotech- tion that Masaryk University’s scientists are nology, plasma technology and information involved in research dealing with virtually all and communication technologies. areas of human activity. The university has likewise been successful in research and development funding compe- titions, e.g. in the public tender for long-term research plan support in the 2005–2011 pe- riod organized by the Ministry of Education: a total of 18 new project proposals submitted by MU were accepted. Students and researchers alike focus on pri- mary as well as applied research. The universi- ty’s success in both areas is based on a sophis- ticated system of laboratory sharing, support of team and project-based research, signifi cant involvement in virtually all major scientifi c fi elds and partnerships with other prestigious

SCIENCE AND RESEARCH Science and Research

18 | 19 Masaryk University Antarctic Research Station Research at Masaryk University is not limited to the Czech Republic. Located on James Ross Island, the fi rst Czech research base in Antarctica bears the name of the famous genet- icist and climatologist Gregor Johann Mendel. Since 2006, researchers have been studying terrestrial ecosystems near the Antarctic Circle. The project was originally launched in 1999 by researchers of the Institute of at the Faculty of Science. In addition, Masaryk University also acts as a representative of the Czech Republic with the European Polar Board and Committee for Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty.

New Methods in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia Diagnosis Content-Based Image Retrieval ing environment also provides additional Thanks to a new diagnostic method devel- Scientists based at the Faculty of Informatics information such as which participants are oped by a research team at the Faculty of (MUFIN project) have successfully developed actively engaging in discussion, etc. The plat- Medicine, doctors will be able to determine a breakthrough application – an internet im- form was developed at the Laboratory of the severity of a tumour and subsequently age search platform which facilitates search Advanced Networking Technologies at the choose a corresponding form of treatment. by visual content instead of by keyword. Faculty of Informatics. The method itself is based on a molecular-ge- Once an image has been selected by the user, netic analysis of specifi c genes in a biological the application is capable of automatically Psychological Developments of Children sample from the patient’s body. Determining detecting similar images. As it manages to and Adolescents the expression of several specifi c genes pro- completely bypass false or random fi lenames, In collaboration with the Faculty of Medicine vides a diagnostic result in 95 % of all cases. i.e. selecting images solely according to shape, and the , the Faculty of this revolutionary approach greatly increases Social Studies has participated in a longitudi- New Compound Discovered: Bambusuril the success rate of any image search. nal study of children’s psychological, social An entirely new compound with broad appli- and health development. The research focuses cation potential in the healthcare, pharma- Videoconferencing Environment for the on developmental patterns during childhood ceutical and food processing industries has Communication of Remote Groups and adolescence including the monitoring of been discovered by a research team based at Masaryk University researchers have de- developmental changes. Moreover, thanks to the Department of of the Faculty veloped an innovative videoconferencing linking living conditions and the peculiarities of Science. The compound’s structure resem- solution facilitating communication between of psychosocial, physical and health develop- bles a short, hollow tube and is remarkably multiple small groups. The platform is highly ments in association with the quality of life similar to a bamboo segment, hence its name: fl exible, allowing for e.g. shifting participant and levels of risk, its fi ndings provide signifi - Bambusuril. Thanks to a its unique qualities, numbers, and technologically uncomplicat- cant insight into aspects of education, training, the compound may fi nd application in the ed. The quality of communication between risk prevention and the formation of a civil diagnosis of certain diseases and sewage treat- remote groups is vastly improved thanks to society in the Czech Republic. ment as well as in the delivery of drugs to the transmission of eye contact and other specifi c places in a patient’s body. non-verbal signals. The videoconferenc-

SCIENCE AND Development

20 | 21 Infrastructure Development and of Informatics and Faculty of Economics laboratories and library facilities as well as Modernization and Administration gradually underwent vari- the modernization of laboratory equipment Masaryk University has recently undergone ous stages of renovation and structural modi- and ICT technology comprised an important a period of dynamic development. The ex- fi cation. The historical building in Joštova aspect of the entire programme. High-quality pansion and modernization of university Street – originally the headquarters of the infrastructure is an essential component – if infrastructure and facilities constitutes an es- Faculty of Medicine and currently home of indeed Masaryk University is to count itself sential preconditions for growth. Therefore, the rapidly growing Faculty of Social Studies – among leading European educational and re- two strategic operations were carried out was completely renovated in 2004. One of search institutions. under the “Development of the Material and the most extensive stages of the programme Neither the renovation of existing build- Technical Base of Masaryk University” pro- was successfully fi nalized in 2008 with sev- ings nor campus construction are the fi nal gramme: the renovation of existing historical enteen buildings of the Faculty of Science chapter in the process of constructing or buildings in the Brno downtown area and the complex on Kotlářská Street completely modernizing university facilities – future construction of a unique modern complex – renovated, thus remarkably reviving the exist- projects include e.g. an automated building a new university campus in Brno Bohunice. ing compound. Furthermore, spaces housing management system, to be developed and The process of renovating and modern- the humanities were also greatly improved, as initially tested at the new campus in Bohunice izing existing buildings began in 2001 with were representative Masaryk University spaces and subsequently implemented in additional nearly three dozen projects eventually carried including conference rooms at the Rector’s university buildings. out. Buildings housing the Faculty of Law, Offi ce. The refurbishing of technological in- Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Education, Faculty frastructure and reconstruction of classrooms,

UNIVERSITY DEVELOPMENT The University Campus

22 | 23 Campus History and Architecture and a stage-based construction system. The fi nally completed the move. The grand The University Campus Bohunice current- complex comprises an assemblage of build- opening of the new campus took place in ly forms the focal point of academic life at ings (cells), mutually interconnected by shel- September 2010. The campus new constitutes Masaryk University. The notion of erecting tered communication corridors. The modular a modern educational and research centre: a university campus had been discussed ever structure forms a living organism, constantly covering an area of 42,200 m2, the complex since the founding days of Masaryk University. developing and evolving in response to the provides 5,000 students and 1,000 academic The fi rst blueprints, including the Academic changing needs of individual units. and research employees with a superior study Quarter on Kraví hora by Jindřich Kumpošt and work environment. (1919), were drafted shortly after the uni- Campus Construction Planned development in the immediate versity’s founding. A variant version of the Construction of the unique complex in Brno vicinity of the new campus includes educa- Academic Quarter was to be located in the vi- Bohunice began in 2004: new buildings were tional, research and accommodation facilities. cinity of the Faculty of Law building on Veveří gradually added in a chequerboard-like man- The campus grounds are interconnected with Street. However, the construction of the envis- ner, bringing the entire project closer and the adjacent Faculty Hospital Brno and the aged scientifi c, research and teaching complex closer to completion. A fully functional cell Incubator for Biotechnology, thus facilitating was delayed for decades and only revived at the emerged with each completed construction communication between teachers, students beginning of the 21st century. Concepts from stage. The fi rst stage – Integrated Laboratories and researchers. The Moravian Provincial the 1990s formed the basis for the University for Biomedical Technologies – was ready by Archive is likewise located in the immediate Campus Bohunice urban design and architec- 2005; focus then shifted to the second, more vicinity of the campus. The nearby Campus tural tender announced in 2000; the winning extensive stage: Academic Teaching and Square – a shopping centre opened in 2008 – project was submitted by A PLUS a. s. The Research Complex. Subsequently, the depart- even boasts an academic canteen. In the fu- artistic rendering is based on the notion that ments and units of the Faculty of Medicine ture, the university will focus on creating links new academic quality – i.e. a modern and open and Faculty of Science began to relocate to with innovative corporate activities based in European university – must be associated with the newly constructed facilities. By 2009, the facilities west of the campus grounds. The new quality in terms of external appearance Faculty of Sports Studies likewise began to campus will thus become an active compo- and spatial organization. move into new faculty facilities complete with nent of the city, providing ideal conditions for This concept of the university campus a large sport hall and modern gymnasiums; all forms of academic life. centres on notions of gradual development the Dean’s Offi ce of the Faculty of Medicine

THE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS European Projects

24 | 25 Projects and Support Masaryk University – either as a whole or through its many units – is involved in in- vestigating a wide range of projects. In ad- dition to national, regional and international grant schemes, the university is currently greatly devoted to the preparation and im- plementation of projects fi nanced from EU structural funds. A number of units have already received funding from Education for Competitiveness Operational Programme, which focuses on providing opportunities for the modernization of instruction and its sub- sequent practical application. Project proposals developed at Masaryk University have been extraordinarily success- ful at both national and international level: The Centre for the Study of Toxic Substances (CETOCOEN) based at the university cam- facilitating primary as well as applied research are set to be erected at the University Campus pus constitutes evidence of the university’s ca- will be established in the near future both at Bohunice. In addition, the historical Faculty pacity for securing funding from the Research the University Campus Bohunice and in the of Arts complex, located in the downtown and Development for Innovation Operational Brno University of Technology complex at area, will undergo substantial renovation and Programme. Pod Palackého vrchem. CEITEC is set to be- the Faculty of Informatics building will also come a signifi cant scientifi c and educational be fi nalized. The university has also success- CEITEC centre, contributing to research excellence in fully submitted a grant application to the The Central European Institute of the and eventually at- EEA and Grants. Not only does the Technology (CEITEC) forms the most taining levels comparable to centres of excel- project proposal constitute the most extensive extensive investment in the Research and lence around the world. Total expenditures of undertaking of its kind in the Czech Republic, Development for Innovation Operational 5.2 billion CZK are currently projected with more importantly, it has provided the univer- Programme. The joint venture is implemented costs directly associated with the Masaryk sity with funding necessary for the renova- by Masaryk University in partnership with University campus itself estimated at 2.9 bil- tion of the attractive historical spaces of the a number of other universities and research lion CZK. A total of 300 researchers will former Jesuit College, a complex currently institutions. The primary objective of the share seven laboratories dedicated to research housing the University Centre Telč. Naturally, entire project is the creation of a European in the following areas: structural biology, plant most projects managed by Masaryk University centre of excellence in the area of life sci- genomics and proteomics, molecular medicine are far less extensive; however, each and every ences and advanced materials and technolo- and brain and mind research. one is directed by a qualifi ed expert. The gies whose results will contribute to improv- The university has also made use of the range of activities taking place at MU is quite ing the quality of life and human health. Research and Development for Innovation broad indeed: in 2010, all nine faculties took CEITEC will provide top scientifi c minds Operational Programme to prepare projects part in investigating a total of 950 projects. with state-of-the-art facilities and unparal- focusing on the development of instruction- leled working conditions. Modern laborato- related infrastructure: a further four buildings, ries equipped with cutting-edge technologies scheduled to house the Faculty of Science,

EUROPEAN PROJECTS International Programmes and Partnerships

26 | 27 Mobility Studies Programme, TESOL and others. The Internationalization remains one of the faculties likewise offer a growing range of university’s top strategic priorities with fi ve comprehensive programmes taught in foreign primary focal areas: education, research, languages as well as joint or double degree external communication, support activities programmes with international partners, espe- and strategic partnerships. Among other in- cially in medicine and the natural sciences, so- dicators, internationalization may be gauged cial sciences, the humanities and in economic by the number of participants in mobility fi elds of study. programmes – both incoming and outgoing In addition to common scientifi c and re- students and teachers as well as non-academic search activities, international research part- employees. Their overall numbers have grown nerships have also led to the creation of joint substantially in recent years, chiefl y thanks to doctoral degree programmes and increased the LLP/Erasmus programme: the university support of international students and re- the city of Brno. Many of them are involved has concluded over 900 bilateral agreements searchers in the form of scholarships. in organizing activities via the International and thus currently cooperates with nearly 500 Masaryk University is also gradually acquir- Student Club (ISC), which focuses specifi cally universities throughout Europe. A range of ing an advisory and methodological role, e.g. on international students, providing a range mobility activities are carried out under the under the European Tempus programme, of services and organizing leisure time activi- provisions of other programmes or bilateral which focuses on modernization in higher ties such as fi eld trips, presentations of indi- agreements with partner universities located education by means of collaborative activities vidual countries, language courses and sports in North and South America, Australia, Africa, and partnerships with higher education insti- and cultural events. The ISC also provides the Far East and other parts of the world. tutions in developing countries. The university tutoring services: each international student is In a Czech context, Masaryk University is is simultaneously involved in a number of assigned a Czech student tutor to help handle also a pioneering institution in the area of less such undertakings including projects in the formalities arising on arrival as well as show known international cooperation activities. The Western Balkans, Eastern Europe, Central them around the city and the university. The prestigious Erasmus Mundus Action 2 pro- Asia and the Pacifi c. Masaryk University International Student gramme, which provides students and teachers External communication is viewed as ex- Club may be considered successful even on with study, research and teaching opportunities tremely important, hence Masaryk University’s a European scale – in 2010, it was voted the at universities outside of the , regular attendance at expert conferences and in- most active international student club in is a good example of such activities. The pro- ternational educational fairs, e.g. the European a competition of 343 clubs hailing from 33 gramme facilitates the university’s involvement Association for International Education and European countries. in lucrative exchange projects with universi- Association of International Educators or at Masaryk University is a member of sev- ties in e.g. Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Israel, the fairs in Asia organized under the auspices of eral major international university networks Western Balkans and South Africa. European Higher Education Fairs. such as the International Association of Methodological guidance in the area of Universities, European University Association, international activities is provided by the International Students , Compostela Group of Offi ce for International Studies. The centre is In addition to the university-wide centre, ac- Universities, etc. Such organizations provide responsible for coordinating the majority of tivities for international students and teachers the entire academic community with an all mobility programmes and for managing are also being organized by individual units extensive range of mobility opportunities – Masaryk University’s international contacts. and faculties. The objective is to help visiting from summer schools to various exchanges The centre thus also organizes university pres- internationals resolve issues associated with and work placements – as well as facilitat- entations abroad as well as managing sum- their stay. Czech students likewise greatly ing the emergence of a strategic partnership mer and winter schools and foreign language contribute to their integration – both in the network, essential for the university’s dynamic programmes such as the Central European academic context as well as in and around development.

INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMMES AND PARTNERSHIPS Faculty of Law

28 | 29 The Faculty of Law was established in 1919, A great deal of emphasis is being placed on and frequent several national and international in the same year that Masaryk University it- the interconnection of national and European non-governmental organizations. self was founded. Between WWI and WWII contexts – both in the case of various re- The faculty is responsible for organizing or the faculty was home to a number of leading search topics and in the area of grant projects, co-organizing a number of signifi cant interna- fi gures in Czech legal science with a reputa- which target areas such as custom law in tional conferences: the Conference for Young tion that extended even beyond the borders a globalized environment or torts in private in- Lawyers (COFOLA) – targeting doctoral stu- of Czechoslovakia. The faculty rose to fame ternational law. The European context of the dents and promising young experts – takes place as the centre of the school of pure juristic development of the Czech legal system also in the spring while the Days of Law – an event theory, a school synonymous with the name constitutes a future faculty research priority, facilitating the discussion of both Czech and in- of František Weyr, one of the faculty’s most especially as the faculty has recently received ternational law – is held in the fall semester. notable thinkers. Karel Engliš, the fi rst Rector funding from the Ministry of Education, As the fi rst institution in the Czech of Masaryk University and subsequently dean Youth and Sports for a long-term research Republic, the Faculty of Law has success- of the Faculty of Law was a second promi- plan in the area. However, this does not mean fully implemented the Master of Public nent fi gure. Faculty development was stifl ed that other topics are being ignored – a range Administration (MPA) doctoral degree pro- twice during its history: by the Nazis in 1939 of projects have been fi nalized only recently, gramme for public administration employees and then again in 1950 by the Communist re- including projects focusing on the legal means and offi cials and the Master of Laws (LL.M.) gime. It was subsequently reopened in 1969. of handling long-standing environmental bur- programme specializing in commercial law Today the city of Brno indeed forms dens or the legal regulation of local govern- in collaboration with Nottingham Trent a most suitable environment for the study ment unit property and assets. Both teachers University in Great Britain. of law, especially after it resumed its sta- and doctoral students actively participate in A range of lifelong learning programmes tus as the ’s legal centre after the international conferences and seminars as are also offered at the faculty. Graduates Velvet Revolution in 1989. It is home to well as placements at signifi cant institutions in fi nd application in a broad range of legal the country’s highest judiciary bodies: the Europe and the USA while advisory services professions from the judiciary to the Public Supreme Court, Supreme Administrative experts engage in activities organized by the Prosecutor’s Offi ce and from public adminis- Court, Constitutional Court, Supreme Public Council of Europe and a number of interna- tration to private practice. Prosecutor’s Offi ce and the Public Defender tional universities, e.g. the John Marshall Law The Faculty of Law is the most popular of Rights. Close cooperation with these in- School in Chicago. Faculty representatives also institution of its kind in the Czech Republic stitutions forms an in inherent part of the appear on various appeal commissions with and only the very best prospective students faculty’s activities, greatly boosting the overall Czech ministries, provide advisory services to are accepted. Over 4,000 students are cur- quality of studies. the Government Council for Human Rights rently enrolled at the faculty.

FACULTY OF LAW Faculty of Medicine

30 | 31 The Faculty of Medicine was established in of Anatomy and adjacent Morphology Centre, cation system and especially with other medi- 1919, i.e. in the year of Masaryk University’s erected next to the hospital complex in Bohu- cal faculties. Simultaneously, a great deal of founding. From the very outset, the faculty has nice in 2001, are both equipped with state-of- emphasis is being placed on maintaining high been tasked with the mission of educating fu- the-art facilities. Since 2009, most of the faculty educational standards: the development of ture doctors, specialists and researchers in the including the Dean’s Offi ce has been relocated clinical skills and mastery of practical medical fi eld of medicine. Throughout its ninety years to the University Campus Bohunice; Stomatol- procedures are both perceived as top priorities. of existence, the faculty has been home to ogy and Optics and Optometrics are the only The faculty provides educational opportuni- a number of world-renowned fi gures, e.g. the fi elds of study to still occupy the former faculty ties in traditional Master’s fi elds of study such prominent European cardiac surgeon Professor spaces at Komenského Square. as General Medicine and Stomatology and in Jan Navrátil (1909–1992), who divided his time Research activities at the Faculty of Medi- Bachelor’s degree programmes such as Nursing between the medical faculties at Masaryk Uni- cine are carried out within the framework and Specializations in Health Science – with versity and the University of . of long-term research plans, research centre the option to subsequently enrol in a follow- Today, the Faculty of Medicine is an impor- activities and projects funded by grants from up Master’s degree programme. Both General tant and dynamically developing educational various sources, e.g. the Czech Science Foun- Medicine and Stomatology may be studied in and research institution. Instruction is carried dation. The faculty’s research priorities include English; however, this option is not tuition-free. out at St. Anne’s University Hospital, the Uni- research of the molecular pathogenesis of The growing number of international stu- versity Hospital Brno complex in Bohunice, the common lifestyle diseases, cardiovascular dis- dents may be perceived as an indication of Maternity Hospital at Obilní trh, the Children’s eases, malign tumours and various aspects of the faculty’s high quality: over 300 internation- Hospital in Černá pole and the Trauma Hos- neuroscience. Additional activities – focusing als were enrolled in 2010. The overall number pital of Brno. The Masaryk Memorial Cancer on attracting advanced biomedical research of applicants is likewise on the rise with over Institute at Žlutý kopec, founded with the programmes – are designed to promote an in- 7,000 prospective students applying in 2010 support of President Masaryk in 1935, is also novative environment and encourage academic alone. A range of lifelong learning programmes affi liated with the faculty; the unit is highly re- enterprise in biomedicine. Modern methods are also offered at the faculty and over 800 garded for its specialization in cancer treatment. of instruction and approaches in bioinformat- students are enrolled in a total of 26 doctoral Faculty hospital clinics play an essential role in ics are implemented with the help of develop- degree programmes; the overall number of stu- the medical care offered to the citizens of Brno ment programmes funded by the Ministry of dents at the Faculty of Medicine has exceeded and the South Moravian Region. The technical Education, Youth and Sports. 4,000. Graduates of the Faculty of Medicine equipment and facilities as well as the quality of In the area of instruction, the faculty is very fi nd application in a range of medical and non- medical care provided live up to the most strin- much in favour of promoting integration with medical professions as well as at prestigious gent international standards. The new Institute other institutions in the European higher edu- research institutions.

FACULTY OF MEDICINE Faculty of Science

32 | 33 The Faculty of Science was established in 1919; the fi rst students commenced their studies in the autumn of 1920. The faculty is founded on the tradition of Gregor Johann Mendel (1822–1884), the world-famous father of genetics. During the course of its exist- ence, the faculty has successfully produced a number of prominent fi gures in botany, zoology, chemistry, geography, geology, phys- ics and mathematics. To this day, it remains primarily a research-oriented faculty, offering university education closely linked to both primary and applied research in the following sciences: mathematics, , chemistry, bi- ology and the Earth sciences. While the Dean’s Offi ce and part of the units have remained in the original faculty complex at Kotlářská Street, the remainder of the faculty has been relocated to the new University Campus Bohunice. The campus includes state-of-the-art facilities for biomedi- of principal organism groups. Research in The faculty is also engaged in training cal, biological and chemical research as well as physics concentrates on material and plasma future specialists and teachers. Graduates of specialized biomedical technology laborato- applications, astrophysics and theoretical phys- accredited Teacher Training for Secondary ries shared by experts from the Faculty of ics while research in Earth sciences focuses on Schools follow-up Master’s degree pro- Science and Faculty of Medicine. geological processes and the evolution of fl ora grammes are fully qualifi ed and eligible for To date, the Faculty of Science is credited and fauna in the geological past as well as on teaching positions. Double-major studies with several scientifi c achievements of inter- current environmental issues, the development are available thanks to interfaculty agree- national signifi cance. Specifi c areas of research of 3D geo-information infrastructures, the ments with the Faculty of Arts, Faculty focusing on the harmonic development of the development of cartographic geovisualization of Education, Faculty of Economics and individual natural sciences comprise priority methods and geographic and ecological stud- Administration, Faculty of Informatics and objectives. A substantial part of the faculty’s ies of Antarctic vegetation oases. Chemical Faculty of Sports Studies. Over 4,500 stu- research activity is also devoted to non-spe- research centre on the study of chemical and dents are currently enrolled at the faculty with cifi c research, closely linked to instruction in physical compounds, structural analysis, or- nearly 800 in doctoral degree programmes. doctoral degree programmes. The principal re- ganic and inorganic synthesis, environmental Master’s degree programme graduates fi nd ap- search and development activities are derived chemistry and chemical process modelling; the plication as educators and – more important- from long-term trends in each of the major focal points of biochemical research include ly – as research workers in both primary and study areas – biology, physics, the Earth sci- the relationships between biomolecule struc- applied research at universities, government ences, chemistry, biochemistry and mathemat- ture and function as well as their role in the research institutes, institutes of the Academy ics. Biological research focuses primarily on metabolism and enzymology. Mathematical of Sciences of the Czech Republic and in the monitoring spatial and temporal changes in research focuses on the study of functional commercial sector. The best graduates may plant and animal populations and communi- differential equations, mathematical-statistical go on to enrol in either full-time or combined ties as well as plant growth and stress physiolo- models and mathematical structures in algebra doctoral studies. gy in relation to the environment and complex and geometry including their application in molecular biological analyses of the genome informatics and physics.

FACULTY OF SCIENCE Faculty of Arts

34 | 35 The Faculty of Arts is one of the four As the Faculty of Arts continues to achieve Chair of Museology and World Heritage, founding Masaryk University faculties. The greater renown, research funding has like- established in 1994 as the fi rst UNESCO de- original 128 students fi rst attended lectures in wise continued to multiply. Each year, faculty partment in the Czech Republic. the 1921/1922 academic year. From the out- scholars are involved in over 80 grant projects Degree programmes implemented at set, the faculty focused on developing both in all signifi cant fi elds of study. Governmental the faculty are devoted to educating future traditional humanities-oriented disciplines (i.e. fi nancial support of new long-term research specialists and teachers in a wide range of history, philosophy, classical philology and plans has led to the establishment of the disciplines. Doctoral studies are an option in Slavonic, Germanic and Romance philolo- Inter-disciplinary Centre for Research into many fi elds, providing young researchers with gies) as well as areas comprising new direc- Prehistoric to High Medieval Social Structures, opportunities to embark on their scholarly tions in university instruction and research, where archaeologists join forces with natural careers as soon as possible. Student numbers e.g. sociology, , and sciences researchers, the Research Centre provide suffi cient evidence of the substantial musicology. At present, the Faculty of Arts for Central-European History, with scholars appeal of the humanities: with over 10,000 continues to promote traditional fi elds of in the areas of history, art history, auxiliary students enrolled in studies in 2010, the study while simultaneously supporting the historical sciences, archive studies and Faculty of Arts is currently the most popu- development of new ones. philology teaming up, and the Centre for lous at Masaryk University. All departments are involved in research the Interdisciplinary Research of Ancient Faculty of Arts graduates fi nd application with some simultaneously involved in joint Languages and Older Stages of Modern in a variety of cultural and educational insti- research projects fi nanced by the European Languages, where classical philologists collab- tutions as well as in public administration, the Union (e.g. Culture 2000). Research areas orate with experts in Indo-European, Slavonic, media and the private sector; following spe- include general psychology, general and so- Czech, English and American, Germanic and cialized teacher training or on completion of cial pedagogy, inquiry into both medieval Romance languages studies. Every year since an accredited Teacher Training for Secondary and modern history of the Czech lands and 1968, the faculty has hosted the Summer Schools Master’s degree programme, gradu- Central Europe – including auxiliary historical School of Slavonic (Czech) Studies. The great ates are also are fully qualifi ed and eligible for sciences, art history – with emphasis placed success of this venture led to the creation of teaching positions. The best graduates take especially on architecture, sculpture and paint- the Division of Czech for Foreigners, which up research and teaching positions at univer- ing, musicology and the fi ne arts, ethnology, provides Czech lessons on a year-round basis. sities, research institutes and major museum ethnography and religious studies. The faculty is also home to the UNESCO institutions.

FACULTY OF ARTS Faculty of Education

36 | 37 Following a presidential decree issued in 1945, long-term research plan was conceived as an ration with other faculties and universities – has teachers at all levels of primary and secondary applied research project focusing on integrat- launched a series of educational programmes education were required to have a university ing pupils with special educational needs. The for members of ethnic minorities and socially education; an act establishing faculties of School and Health for the 21st Century long- disadvantaged students. The department is also education followed in 1946 and the Faculty of term research plan aims to provide complex involved in a development project facilitat- Education was thus founded in the autumn insight into aspects of physical and mental ing the construction of an educational centre of 1946 as Masaryk University’s fi fth faculty. health as well as examining its social contexts in Angola. Furthermore, the faculty is very The faculty’s mission has remained un- in the area of primary education. active in the arts area. The Department of changed through the years; it aims to educate The Educational Research Centre, estab- Musical Education is home to the Masaryk and train teachers for kindergarten, primary lished in 2003, focuses on curricular and University Choir; the university-wide ensemble school, lower secondary school, and – in cer- educational research across a variety of has won a number of international awards and tain fi elds – upper secondary school. Apart school areas. Its research activities are pri- ranks among the best European ensembles. from teacher training programmes, the fac- marily geared towards ensuring a greater de- Activities organized by the Department of Art ulty also offers studies in special and social gree of professionalism among future teach- Education include exhibitions as well as the an- education. The faculty’s activities also include ers and educators. The Research Centre on nual international student competition entitled lifelong learning: a range of programmes and Schooling constitutes the pilot project of Phenomenon: The Book. short-term courses are specifi cally tailored to the new unit. The faculty has bilateral agreements in respond to teachers’ needs. Over 6,000 stu- At the department level, research is carried a wide range of disciplines with units at many dents and 1,000 lifelong learning participants out in a range of disciplines – history, biology, foreign universities, e.g. in Vienna, Kharkov, currently attend courses at the faculty. geography, mathematics, didactic technology Modena, Wroclaw or Aveiro (Portugal). Research and development at the faculty and the German and English languages – ei- In addition to fi nding application in the edu- includes primarily educational and pedagogi- ther by faculty research teams or in collabo- cational system and various educational facili- cal areas, most importantly general pedagogy, ration with partner universities or research ties, graduates of the Faculty of Education also subject didactics, special education, health and institutes. The annual summer archaeological seek employment in social and health services. lifestyle training, aspects of social pathology dig at the Great Moravian fortifi ed settle- While doctoral degree programme graduates and multicultural education. ment at St. Hypolite in Znojmo constitutes fi nd application in education and special educa- The faculty is also involved in two long- a unique university event. The Department tion as well as in educational research, particu- term research plans. The Special Needs of of Geography organizes regular student larly as university scholars, many also turn to Pupils in Context with Framework Educa- expeditions to various countries while the the government and private sectors. tional Programme for Primary Education Department of Social Education – in collabo-

FACULTY OF EDUCATION Faculty of Economics and Administration

38 | 39 Following the collapse of the Communist information systems, fi nancial enterprise, eco- application in a wide range of areas, e.g. in regime in November 1989, the great changes nomic policy and management, national econo- bank management or as specialists in current which began to take place on the national level my and business management, regional develop- economic theory and leaders in both public facilitated the commencement of intensive ment and administration and public economy. and private non-profi t organizations. Other planning aimed at establishing a new faculty Thanks to the faculty’s partnership with the employment options include fi nancial proc- devoted to the study of economics. The Fac- University of Rennes in , applicants may ess expert jobs in the development and op- ulty of Economics and Administration was likewise enrol in l´Administration publique – eration of information technologies as well thus founded in 1990 as the fi rst Masaryk a fi eld of study taught entirely in French and de- as various positions in the fi nancial and insur- University faculty established after the Velvet signed to prepare highly qualifi ed future public ance sectors. Their analytical skills will help Revolution. Instruction was launched in Sep- administration workers. Work placements and graduates fi nd employment in the national tember of the following year. Since then, the specialized courses take place in both Czech economy as well as with fi nancial institutions faculty has grown into a stabilized institution, and French public institutions. A partnership and banks and administration authorities; developing immensely: nearly 4,000 students with the University of Huddersfi eld enables stu- some may turn to economic journalism or are currently enrolled in Bachelor’s, Master’s dents of the Business Economics and National advisory activities. Many will seek employ- and doctoral degree programmes. Economy fi elds of study to spend one year in ment in business management or private en- The primary mission of the faculty is to im- Great Britain and acquire a BA (Hons) degree in terprise, especially in the area of tourism, or plement instruction and research in economic European Business. fi nd application in regional development and sciences. The faculty’s main research orientation The faculty is also home to the Czech administration institutions or the public and is thus determined by the fi elds of study on of- Economic Society and the Masaryk Univer- private non-profi t sectors. fer; this likewise infl uences the research focus sity Economic Society (MUES). The primary The faculty-based Top Students Centre of individual departments. Primary research mission of this non-profi t organization is to (TopSeC) organizes a range of activities for the areas include the competitiveness of the Czech facilitate the promotion and development of very best Master’s degree programme students. economy (i.e. the Research Centres project), the economic science and related disciplines and The project brings talented students in close assessment of public sector effi ciency, fi nancial to further academic debate. collaboration with experienced business enti- markets, the non-profi t sector, evolutionary Graduates of the faculty are well-pre- ties by organizing specialized lectures, work- trends in organizational structures and manage- pared for their future professions, fi nding shops and meetings with TopSeC partners. ment of businesses, corporate human resources utilization and economic aspects of regional development. Faculty experts participate in joint research projects with the National Train- ing Fund, the Grant Fund of the University of Economics and Management and the Econom- ics Institute and Institute of Information The- ory and Automation of the Academy of Sci- ences of the Czech Republic. In addition, the faculty is involved in long-term collaboration with research institutes and a range of national, regional and municipal bodies, e.g. the Institute for Spatial Development, the Brno Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Regional De- velopment Agency South Moravia. The faculty offers both full-time and com- bined Bachelor’s and Master’s degree pro- grammes specializing in economics, economic

FACULTY OF ECONOMICS AND ADMINISTRATION Faculty of Informatics

40 | 41 The Faculty of Informatics was established in 1994 as the fi rst faculty of its kind in the Czech Republic; it was thus in many ways a prototype for similar faculties subsequently established at other Czech universities. The faculty is dedi- cated to educating informatics specialists with excellent prospects for carrying out conceptual and technical tasks essential for the infor- mation society in the third millennium. The faculty thus offers a complex concept of infor- matics, structured as a discipline which allows students in individual fi elds to select specializa- tions according to personal interests. Over 2,000 students are currently enrolled in a wide range of fi elds of study in Bachelor’s, Master’s and doctoral degree programmes. Master’s degree programmes include 16 fi elds of study – from Theoretical Informatics and the underlying principles and using relevant with the Institute of Computer Science and in- Information Systems to Natural Language tools and systems independently. This in turn dustrial partners. Processing and Bioinformatics. The faculty affords them an advantageous position on Intensive international collaboration in offers interdisciplinary studies options as the job market, enabling them to react cre- research and development is also taking place well as an information technology services atively to revolutionary changes taking place thanks to a number of international projects. specialization. State-of-the-art equipment and in modern-day informatics. The faculty also hosts a growing number of high-speed networks are a standard; the entire Not only is the Faculty of Informatics one signifi cant international conferences and meet- faculty complex naturally offers wireless ac- of the leading research and development institu- ings with world-renowned experts lecturing cess. Talented Master’s and doctoral degree tions in the Czech Republic, it is also a signifi - on latest research fi ndings, particularly dur- programme students are welcome to utilize cant player on an international scale. The faculty ing the traditional Informatics Colloquia. At specialized research laboratories and partici- therefore participates in a range of national the national level, the faculty cooperates with pate in a variety of research activities and crea- and international research grants and projects. leading institutions in informatics and related tive projects co-organized with fi rms belong- The faculty’s featured research activities include fi elds, particularly with those affi liated with the ing to the Association of Industrial Partners. highly parallel and distributed computer systems Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic. Lifelong learning courses at the Faculty of as well as a range of other topics in the fi eld of Since 1999, the Faculty of Informatics Informatics are predominantly populated by computer science: theoretical informatics, quan- has been developing the Masaryk University corporate clients and teachers in search of tum informatics, database systems, image analy- Information System, a platform supporting further education. The faculty offers a broad sis and computer graphics, computer networks, study-related administrative tasks, e-learning and modern concept of studies and strives to computer literary and data search, software and intra-university communication. A range ensure that its graduates will be able to choose architecture, information systems, information of unique and entirely original software so- from a wide selection of employment options. technology services, advanced hardware systems lutions were developed in order to accom- Studies are designed to provide students and natural language processing. Many of these modate the 30,000 daily users. Furthermore, with thorough scientifi c preparation and areas are interlinked with applied research and the MU Information System received the a strong theoretical basis in individual fi elds. application in advanced technologies. Major prestigious EUNIS Elite Award in 2005, the Graduates are thus not restricted to mere developments in educational activities, research ISA Award in 2009 and achieved fi rst place in practical mastery of specifi c tools and meth- and innovation are expected to take place under the Campaign on Plagiarism Detection and ods, but are fully capable of understanding the CERIT project – established in partnership Wikipedia Vandalism Detection in 2010.

FACULTY OF INFORMATICS Faculty of Social Studies

42 | 43 The Faculty of Social Studies was founded in entire faculty; a play area is provided for the vidual departments and research performed 1998 as one of the newest Masaryk University children of both students and employees. The at faculty institutes. Courses on offer are thus faculties. The establishment of a separate fac- day-care system is based on volunteers – par- continually enriched and developed by the ulty dedicated to the social sciences was the ents and students of the faculty. inclusion of the latest fi ndings in basic and result of the long-term existence of several The Faculty of Social Studies is engaged in applied research in the social sciences. related fi elds of study at the Faculty of Arts; a broad spectrum of research and development As the social sciences offer a unique oppor- the local Department of Sociology was in fact activities in a wide array of areas correspond- tunity to participate in examining as yet un- established in 1921, making it one of the old- ing to accredited fi elds of study. These include mapped social and political changes and indi- est departments in Europe. both basic and applied research in areas such as vidual adaptations taking place in the complex In 2005 the faculty was relocated to youth and family, socialization and individuali- world of today, the Faculty of Social Studies a newly renovated building in Joštova Street zation as processes leading to personality de- has generated enormous interest among appli- which provides superb conditions for studies velopment, reproduction processes and social cants ever since its establishment: over 4,000 and a range of supplementary activities. The reproduction, marginalized groups, poverty, un- students are currently enrolled. faculty library houses a collection of over employment, ethnicity, political systems in both In addition to extensive international re- 25,000 volumes devoted to the following Czech and European contexts, media analysis search collaborative projects, the faculty is areas: sociology, psychology, political science, and environmental issues. also devoted to internationalizing instruction. international relations, social work, environ- Research activities are funded by a number Two Master’s degree programmes – European mental studies, media studies, journalism and of Czech and international grant agencies and Politics and Sociology – are taught fully in information regarding the European Union. other institutions and carried out in collabora- English. Furthermore, not only are all doc- Over half of the collection is international. tion with both Czech and international partners. toral degree programmes available in English, Eight study rooms, various media laboratories The faculty is undergoing dynamic de- a range of individual courses, primarily those and a newspaper reading room are all acces- velopment; instruction currently focuses on taught by visiting lecturers, are taught in sible six days a week. The faculty also houses fi elds such as Sociology, Political Science, English as well. The faculty is also involved in specialized DTP studios. Wireless access and Psychology, Social Policy and Social Work, the university lifelong learning system. Faculty online access to key fi eld-specifi c and interdis- Media Studies and Journalism, Environmental graduates fi nd application in a wide variety of ciplinary databases are provided as well. Studies, International Relations, European professions, e.g. in government administration, Several rooms have been made available Studies, Gender Studies, Psychotherapy service and advisory institutions, research and for local student clubs. The atrium, with its Studies, Social Anthropology and Security and analytical units, political parties, international striking architecture and remarkable spatial . The aim is to link teaching organizations in journalism and at universi- organization, serves as a meeting point for the activities with research carried out at indi- ties – as both research specialists and teachers.

FACULTY OF SOCIAL STUDIES Faculty of Sports Studies

44 | 45 Founded in 2002, the Faculty of Sports All studies are implemented as a two-tier edge acquired in Master’s degree programmes Studies is the most recently established system, with Bachelor’s and Master’s studies and to provide students with skills essential Masaryk University faculty. The faculty’s mis- compatible with similar programmes at other for independent research. sion stems from a long tradition of education universities. A total of 1,400 students are cur- Employment opportunities for graduates in sports and physical training in Brno, histor- rently enrolled at the faculty. are extensive. Bachelor’s degree programme ically concentrated at Masaryk University. In addition to teaching activities, academic graduates fi nd application in lifestyle coun- The faculty focuses on preparing physical employees are also devoted to research, which selling, leisure-time and performance sports education teachers, implementing doctoral concentrates on three key topics: structural counselling and even with security forces studies in kinanthropology, acquiring and and developmental kinanthropology, social, while Master’s degree programme graduates disseminating recent research fi ndings in re- cultural and pedagogical kinanthropology and will most likely fi nd employment as double- generation and nutrition in sports and in eve- medical kinanthropology. The faculty also subject teachers at primary and secondary ryday life, developing physiotherapeutic and collaborates with a number of foreign uni- schools. Although doctoral studies graduates medical information for the benefi t of sports versities and institutions. Signifi cant research may become physical education teachers at all and sports education and distributing trainer results are published in scientifi c reviews and school types, they may also turn to academia licenses in selected areas. It also focuses on in Studia sportiva, a scholarly peer-reviewed and seek employment as either university special educational techniques essential for journal issued by the faculty twice a year. teachers or researchers in kinanthropology. the professional training of security forces. The kinanthropology doctoral degree pro- Most importantly, however, the faculty is gramme is primarily intended for Master’s tasked with promoting a healthy lifestyle as an degree programme graduates. The aim of the essential part of modern life. programme is to develop theoretical knowl-

FACULTY OF SPORTS STUDIES University Centre Telč

46 | 47 Modern Instruction in a Historical the total sum provided by Norway and all educational platform: the Central European Environment remaining expenses covered from the univer- Centre for Cultural Heritage. Activities organized by Masaryk University sity budget. The centre now includes lecture University Centre Telč currently offers extend beyond the South Moravian Region rooms, classrooms and offi ces for academic combined degree programmes organized by to include the Vysočina Region: the attrac- staff. In addition, the complex also offers ac- the Faculty of Economics and Administration tive historical town of Telč – a UNESCO commodation facilities as well as a library and and Faculty of Arts, gradually expanding the World Heritage Site – is home to the univer- a counselling and information centre. The bar- offer to include a variety of fi elds, e.g. interdis- sity educational centre, located in the former rel vaulted lecture hall, dating to the 17th cen- ciplinary studies in economics and informatics. Jesuit College opposite the town château. The tury and currently equipped with modern-day Not only is the attractive location an ideal ven- complex was fi rst utilized for educational audiovisual technology, is perhaps the most ue for hosting seminars, conferences and uni- purposes in 2002 and currently serves as attractive space on the premises. versity meetings, the centre is likewise develop- a centre of learning and educational activi- ing commercial activities of its own, providing ties for students and participants from the Activities services such as rental of premises, etc. Vysočina Region and surrounding areas. A café and canteen for students and employ- ees have been opened on the ground fl oor. Renovation Thanks to the renovation and subsequent In 2009, the university launched a large-scale development of university educational activi- renovation of the entire complex. The renova- ties, University Centre Telč is fast becoming tion was carried out with the support of the a modern integrated complex, capable of European Economic Area (EEA) and Norway offering a highly suitable environment for Grants. At the time, the project formed the implementing university degree programmes most extensive undertaking of its kind in and other educational projects. Future devel- the Czech Republic: the renovation expenses opments include enhanced collaboration with amounted to 145 million CZK with 85 % of project partners and the establishment of an

UNIVERSITY CENTRE TELČ Student Services

48 | 49 ICT Services education environment: all students are pro- 7 days a week. Activities such as providing A great deal of care is devoted to providing vided with access to the University Computer catering services at various MU events and students with a range of services and facilities Centre (UCC), a facility specifi cally designed conferences as well as offering these services in order to ensure an attractive study environ- for work on individual tasks and projects to outside institutions have also proved to be ment. The development and operation of with no instruction taking place. The centre very successful. centralized library information systems, im- is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This Twelve MU halls of residence with an ac- provement of library services and introduc- approach ensures that all students have un- commodation capacity of over 4,000 are spread tion of new information technologies are thus limited access to online information resources around Brno. Additional facilities administered all essential components of the university’s as well as to resources available via the uni- by the MU Accommodation and Catering further development. versity network. The UCC offers computers Services include four hotels and tutor homes, Libraries provide both students and teach- equipped with both basic offi ce applications a recreational centre in Cikháj and a university ers with an effective means of accessing and specialized software as well as data stor- centre in Šlapanice. All facilities may be rented the incessantly increasing body of informa- age capacity and printing and binding services. out to non-university parties during the sum- tion resources in both printed and electronic Furthermore, Masaryk University is currently mer months. Student accommodation includes form. Furthermore, the Support Centre for developing a network of additional compu- access to sports fi elds, a gymnasium, sauna, Students with Special Needs is dedicated ter rooms – eventually scheduled to be built computer room and student club; internet ac- to providing blind or visually impaired stu- at all nine faculties. Wireless internet access cess is naturally provided as well. dents with special services including access throughout the university is expanding rapidly to sources such as texts accessible via speech and fast becoming a commonplace service. Sports Activities synthesis or touch screens. The Masaryk University-wide physical education courses are University library network consists of eight Accommodation and Catering organized by the Department of Sport Activi- central faculty libraries and 113 departmental Student and staff catering is provided by the ties of the Faculty of Sports Studies. Individual and specialized libraries spread around the MU Accommodation and Catering Services, students may select physical education courses individual faculties. All in all, the library col- currently operating fourteen canteens and or a summer or winter training course accord- lections house a total of 1.44 million volumes cafeterias. Their combined capacity is over ing to their own interests and scheduling op- from all fi elds of study. 10,000 hot meals per day. The new Academic tions. The department also organizes a range of Masaryk University also offers an exclu- Restaurant – located in the immediate vicinity activities including contests on faculty, national sive service unparalleled in the Czech higher of the University Campus Bohunice – is open and even international levels.

STUDENT SERVICES Public Relations

50 | 51 Community Outreach Far from solely serving as an educational insti- tution, Masaryk University is greatly devoted to fulfi lling its cultural and social roles in the community as well as focusing on partnerships on regional, national and even international levels. It maintains an open approach to its surroundings, making use of all opportunities afforded by virtue of its position, and cooper- ates with signifi cant government institutions – the Brno Municipal Authority and South Moravian Regional Authority in particular – as well as with a number of cultural institutions and other universities and secondary schools located both in and outside of Brno. The university is also keen on establishing mutu- ally benefi cial and modern ties with trade and industrial entities as well as cultivating a long- term relationship with the public by means of reaching out to the community and establish- ing prestigious offi cial partnerships. tact, e.g. via a special magazine and newsletter TTO, the university has markedly improved Among many other community-related ac- issued by the university free of charge. The in terms of both the commercial application tivities, Masaryk University invests a great deal MU Alumni and Friends Association plays an of research results and in the area of effi cient of effort into strengthening ties with high- indispensable role in organizing cultural, edu- intellectual property protection. Among other quality secondary schools and establishing cational and social events for active graduates collaborations, Masaryk University also par- a platform facilitating a discussion of inter- and friends of the university, facilitating con- ticipates in activities organized by the South ests common to both secondary and tertiary tact among them and introducing programmes Moravian Innovation Centre. A range of spe- educational institutions. Priority objectives offered by the University of the Third Age. cialized university publications and periodicals include providing gifted students with sys- Furthermore, an electronic Masaryk University are designed to address a variety of target tematic care and advice on choosing a fi eld of alumni network was established in order to groups: while the university monthly muni.cz study or future profession. The Partnership in improve and simplify communication between is intended for both the academic and the Education project provides dozens of Czech the university and its graduates as well as general public, graduates and partner second- and Slovak secondary schools with opportuni- among the graduates themselves. ary school students receive regular electronic ties to collaborate with a reputable university. newsletters and print magazines. Commercial During the course of the project, the network Partnerships with the Private Sector partners may in turn fi nd the Technology of associated partner schools has developed Partnerships with the private sector and the Transfer newsletter Interface quite interest- into a prestigious community of educational transfer of knowledge and research results ing. Masaryk University Press is also very institutions focusing on encouraging talented into practice are becoming increasingly im- active, with hundreds of publications issued secondary school students and enhancing the portant for the university’s external relations. every year. Other notable activities include the quality of secondary education by bringing it Masaryk University has thus established the launch of Radio R – a university online radio in closer contact with universities. Technology Transfer Offi ce (TTO), a centre channel – and the use of printed materials In addition to prospective students, exter- whose concept as well as the breadth and so- and promotional items in order to endorse nal relations also focus on university alumni. phistication of its activities are unique in the a sense of unity and university identity among Graduates are encouraged to remain in con- Czech academic environment. Thanks to the students, employees and friends.

PUBLIC RELATIONS Culture and the Arts

52 | 53 Artworks the ideal backdrop. The Flowering of Learning, Mendel Museum Among many other missions, universities are a bronze statue by Vladimír Preclík, is thus Masaryk University has devoted a considerable frequently tasked with enriching the cultural located in front of the Masaryk University amount of effort to popularizing the varied and social life of both their students and Campus Library; additional artworks on activities of one of Brno’s most important his- teachers and the public. As a signifi cant cul- campus include a second bronze sculpture torical fi gures: Gregor Johann Mendel, the fa- tural presence in the South Moravian Region, entitled Balance by Jozef Jankovič, Contacts ther of genetics. In order to be able to fully de- Masaryk University devotes a great deal of ef- and Distances by Aleš Veselý and Enlightenment velop and present the extraordinary heritage of fort to fulfi lling this mission. and Heavy Paint by Lukáš Rittstein. The the great scientist, the university has assumed A large number of carefully incorpo- second campus entrance hall (Kamenice management of the Mendel Museum. rated works of art placed around university Street) features yet another work of modern Located in the authentic spaces of the grounds are perhaps the most noticeable re- art: The Nest by Dalibor Chatrný. Students Augustinian Abbey in Brno where Mendel him- sult of this endeavour. Found at all faculties, and visitors to the university will likewise self lived and worked, the museum presents his they are designed to provide students, teach- encounter a number of sculptures depicting multi-faceted legacy – from genetics and breed- ers and visitors alike with a pleasant environ- the university’s leading fi gures: among others, ing to a wide range of other fi elds. The museum ment. Though a large number of such origi- a bronze bust of Eduard Babák – former offers a permanent interactive exhibition entitled nal artworks are installed throughout the dean of the Faculty of Medicine and MU Gregor Johann Mendel – Man, Abbott and university, the works of contemporary Czech Rector – is located between buildings A3 Scientist. In combination with the unique atmos- artists located at the university campus in and A6. Artworks thus symbolically breathe phere of the abbey, the exhibition provides lay- Bohunice perhaps deserve a more detailed life into spaces occupied by generations of men and experts alike with complex insight into mention; after all, the unique atmosphere students and the university’s top scientists Mendel’s life and work as well as affording a view and disposition of the campus grounds form and experts. of the authentic environment that shaped him.

CULTURE AND THE ARTS Student Activities

54 | 55 Theatre and Music musicum – which also comprises students from tion between medical students and doctors Many of the cultural events taking place all MU faculties and focuses primarily on ba- and students at other universities and con- at Masaryk University are organized by the roque and classical music, though occasionally tributes to developments in education and students themselves. The university is home also orchestrating compositions by contem- medical science. The faculty is also home to to a number of ensembles with have suc- porary Brno authors. International Federation of Medical Students ceeded in generating interest at both national Student theatre ensembles are likewise very Associations (IFMSA). In addition to or- and even international levels. The Masaryk active and popular. Amateur actors at the ganizing a range of lectures and tours, the University Choir – the largest of these – was Faculty of Informatics stage both classical Faculty of Science is also home to the Natural founded in 2004 and as such represents pieces and original plays while the Travelling Scientists’ Society and the Physics Circus. The a continuation of a long university choir tradi- Philosophical Theatre Company – active for Students’ Endowment Fund, established and tion. The ensemble is made up of students over a decade – has discovered drama as the operated by Faculty of Arts students, organ- from all faculties and focuses on classical best vehicle of presenting selected philosoph- izes a variety of events every year, such as the choir literature from the Renaissance to con- ical problems. A number of theatre ensem- International Students’ Day lantern proces- temporary times as well as vocal composi- bles have also been formed at the Faculty of sion. Furthermore, the university has numer- tions inspired by modern genres which may Education and Faculty of Social Studies. ous representative spaces at its disposal, many provide opportunities for the instrumental of which are suitable for organizing artistic or otherwise creative potential of individual Student Clubs and Societies and photographic exhibitions, concerts and members. A second ensemble is affi liated Student clubs and societies have a long- other cultural events. Prominent fi gures of with the Department of Musicology of the standing tradition at Masaryk University. the Czech cultural scene have frequently ap- Faculty of Arts: Ensemble Versus. The Faculty The Medical Students Association based at peared at such events. of Education boasts an orchestra – Collegium the Faculty of Medicine promotes interac-

STUDENT ACTIVITIES University at the Heart of the City

56 | 57 A University City its musicians, athletes and dancers perform and academic festivals and is often presented Thanks to its location and historical develop- regularly, often at non-traditional locations. to important university guests as a gift. ment, Brno forms a natural focal point which Students likewise participate in a range of The university’s research, teaching and ac- has served the social and educational needs projects taking place in the city, from e.g. the commodation facilities have gradually become of thousands of young people from across traditional Majáles to the Cinema Mundi Film an inherent part of both the city skyline and Europe throughout much of the 20th cen- Festival, where volunteers assist with subti- the daily life of its inhabitants and visitors. tury. In addition to Masaryk University, the tling fi lms from around the world. The uni- Furthermore, students and teachers from all Moravian metropolis is home to a number versity traditionally focuses on presenting its universities have become active participants of other higher education institutions. Along educational and research mission to the pub- in shaping Brno itself – its appearance and with the remaining universities, Masaryk lic. The general public is invited to inspect the genius loci. Some of the events co-organized University continually contributes to turning work of scientists and experts in state-of-the- by the universities have achieved a great deal Brno into a true university city with a unique art laboratories at open day events; however, of popularity and are now fi rmly established atmosphere and educational opportunities in it is the new university campus in Bohunice in the Brno social calendar, e.g. the annual virtually all fi elds of study. which generates most interest. Researchers’ Night – part of an extensive Not only does Masaryk University form The city of Brno, home of Masaryk European event showcasing scientifi c ex- the very heart of the city, it is also the largest University, also happens to be the centre of periments, games and quizzes at a variety of educational institution and the second largest a region famous for its wines. Each year, uni- venues. In addition to supporting Researchers’ employer in Moravia – ample evidence of its versity celebrities participate in an anonymous Night, Masaryk University also participates in signifi cance for the South Moravian Region. wine tasting to determine which wine will a wide range of other notable activities. The university is committed to enhancing bear the title of University Wine throughout the quality of life and education in Brno; in the upcoming academic year. Following the addition to organizing frequent public lec- offi cial ceremony, the selected wine draws tures, exhibitions, concerts and social events, a great deal of attention at many social events

UNIVERSITY AT THE HEART OF THE CITY MASARYK UNIVERSITY Room for Opportunities » Executive Editor: Markéta Soukupová » Texts: Pavla Hudcová, Miroslav Mašek » Cover and Design: EXACTDESIGN, Pavel Jílek » Editor: Pavla Hudcová » Translation: David Konečný » Production: Public Relations and Marketing Office Masaryk University Rector’s Office » Photography: Aleš Ležatka, Gabriel Dvořák, Zdeněk Náplava, Lubomír Čech, David Povolný, Anna Pecková, Miroslav Mašek, Břetislav Regner, Kamil Láska, MU photo archives, A PLUS a. s. visualization » Graphic Design and DTP: EXACTDESIGN, Jana Jansková, Pavel Jílek » Print: Expodata-Didot, spol. s r. o., Výstaviště 1, 648 75 Brno Issued by Masaryk University 1st edition, 2011 Print Run: 500 copies

© 2011 Masarykova univerzita ISBN 978-80-210-5522-3

ISBN 978-80-210-5522-3