The Employee Newsletter of Mendel University in Brno
Translated using AI
6-26
Happening at MENDELU RECTOR'S PERSPECTIVE Dear colleagues, Summer is coming to an end, and I trust you spent it with your loved ones and used your vacation time to recharge for the next academic semester.
view of the evaluation that took place. Our goal is for the next evaluation period to give greater weight to the mission of each individual higher-education institution, the societal impact of its research, and the opinion of the independent International Evaluation Panel, which last year proposed grading our university with a B. In the context of the forthcoming new act on higher education institutions, which envisions changes not only in the governance of universities but also in their financing, we cannot simply wait for the next evaluation — we will continue to demonstrate that our
However, for the
research makes a significant contribution to current
university, summer was
topics and fulfils society's demand within our fields.
not a calm, restful period.
TThis year's very dry summer showed, among other
Our appeal against the
things, that many of our research projects yield not only
results of the higher-education institutional evaluation
excellent publications but are also valuable for a whole
("scaling") was rejected. While this did not have a major
range of other applied results relevant to our future. In
effect on the amount of financial resources allocated
connection with the already-mentioned Země živitelka
to the university, it did affect, above all, our university's
fair, it is worth recalling the award given to our doctoral
reputation with partners and prospective students, and,
student Viktória Pipíšková, who received the prestigious
not least, our own motivation. That is precisely why I
Minister of Agriculture's award for young scientists for
must emphasize that I will continue to stand by the fact
her research comparing the responses of selected tree
that our work in recent years has fulfilled the previous
species to drought under similar climatic conditions,
recommendations of the International Evaluation Panel.
but in forest stands with different species composition.
We have not come to terms with the assessment, but
Achievements like these can serve as further motivation
there are no further avenues of appeal. None of the
for each of us, because our results have a real impact
eight universities that filed an appeal succeeded, and
on the landscape. The start of the new academic year
I am in direct contact with most of their rectors on this
is also approaching, and before teaching gets into full
matter — we met several times over the summer break
swing, allow me to remind you that Mendel Week will
and discussed aspects of the evaluation, its calibration,
once again take place, featuring a number of planned
and possible future changes. At the Země živitelka fair,
events such as the Rector's Awards. It will also be an
I also met with Minister Havlíček, chair of the Research,
opportunity for us to meet at the MENDELU Run — I look
Development and Innovation Council, on this issue,
forward to seeing you there, whether you come to cheer
and together with the rector of the Czech University
as spectators or run with us through
of Life Sciences (ČZU) we explained our position and
Martin Klimánek
2
MENDELU at the Země Živitelka fair This year too, MENDELU was part of the largest agricultural fair, Země živitelka, in České Budějovice. From August 20 to 25, visitors could find us in pavilion T2. On the first day of the fair, those interested in modern agricultural research could attend lectures given by our experts. They could learn more about what the agriculture of the future looks like — from precision farming and indoor farming, through agroforestry, to modern technologies in smart farming.
Happening at MENDELU MENDEL WEEK
part of the Festival of Science and Technology. Every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., representatives from the Faculty of Horticulture took us into a fascinating world where every fruit, flower, leaf, root, stem, and trunk of a plant fights for its life. Visitors were able to see how plants are grown in test tubes (in vitro) and try their hand at the work of geneticists.
COME TO THE MENDELU PARTY We invite you to the traditional informal get-together for employees and students, which will take place on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, from 11:00 to 16:00. ONCE again this year you can look forward to grilled specialties — "štulpáčky" sausages from the Štulpovi butcher's shop (Lelekovice) and grilled halloumi cheese. You can complement them with delicious pickled vegetables, and a sweet treat in the form of apple strudel awaits you as well. Refresh yourself with draft beer or lemonade. All refreshments are available at a flat price of CZK 35. DURING the day you can also visit the HEROES stand or the shelter stand, where the Azyl Jelínek animal shelter will be presented. You can support it on the spot by symbolically buying pet food. More information about the event here.
SCIENCE NIGHT From Friday, September 4 to Sunday, September 6, you could find us at the Brno Exhibition Centre (BVV) as
MENDELU at the Festival of Science and Technology RUN MENDELU We invite you to the 8th year of the MENDELU Run, taking place on Saturday, September 26, 2026, in the MENDELU Botanical Garden and Arboretum. In addition to children's races and the main 4 km race for students and staff, a 4×1 km relay race has also been prepared. Not running? Come and cheer, and enjoy a day with friends and colleagues! Kids can win prizes on the bouncy castle, and face painting has also been prepared for them. Refreshments will also be available at the event. Registration is open here.
3
From Friday, September 4 to Sunday, September 6, you could find us at the Brno Exhibition Centre (BVV) as part of the Festival of Science and Technology. Every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., representatives from the Faculty of Horticulture took us into a fascinating world where every fruit, flower, leaf, root, stem, and trunk of a plant fights for its life. Visitors were able to see how plants are grown in test tubes (in vitro) and try their hand at the work of geneticists.
Happening at MENDELU Starting the Academic Year with the Library
What has summer been like at IRO? We're wrapping up projects and planning activities for the new academic year. In August, we welcomed colleagues from CZU, with whom we shared experiences and looked for ways to make our processes more efficient. In September, 200 exchange students will arrive at MENDELU for a varied program as part of Welcome Week. Representatives of IRO are also heading to the EAIE conference in Glasgow, where they will build international cooperation and make new contacts. We're preparing the October Mobility Day, selection procedures for internships and study stays, and several BIPs. Want to know more? Don't hesitate to reach out to us!
Sekora Under the Magnifying Glass That's the name of an exhibition organized by the MENDELU Library in cooperation with the Institute of Zoology, Fisheries and Hydrobiology of the Faculty of Agriculture, with support from the Chancellery and the MENDELU Communication and Marketing Department. We don't want to give away all the secrets, but rest assured that an interesting project is taking shape, one that pays tribute to Ondřej Sekora's illustrations while adding information about insects from his books and connecting it with expert entomological commentary. The Library warmly invites you to the exhibition opening on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 10 a.m. in the columned hall in the basement of Building A. If you can't make the opening, feel free to drop by anytime during the semester — and bring the kids along.
Change in logging in to university systems and services In order to simplify logging in to university systems and services, staff at the Department of Information Technology are working on expanding the use of the Shibboleth service as the university's Single Sign-On (SSO) solution. SSO allows you to log in just once within a certain period of time and automatically gain access to multiple work applications and systems without having to enter your credentials again. This makes everyday work easier and saves time, since you don't need to remember dozens of different passwords or repeatedly enter the same login details. The change is taking place in several successive steps. The first of these was the upgrade to the latest version of the Shibboleth service, which took place on August 23 (details can be found here). We will keep you informed of further changes via the portal https://tech.mendelu.cz. You can direct your questions to https://helpdesk.mendelu.cz.
The Library welcomes all current and new MENDELU staff to its premises and services for the new academic year. Feel free to send students our way to study or simply relax. We take part in Předškolovák, Prvákoviny, and the introductory study sessions, and for new students we're once again planning our traditional tours, so everyone will have plenty of information. We're happy to arrange a tour for staff on request — just get in touch at knihovna@mendelu.cz to set it up. We'd also like to remind MENDELU staff that you can suggest study literature for the Library to purchase, and request specialized lectures for individual fields of study to be delivered directly as part of teaching. We look forward to seeing everyone in the new academic year.
MEDIA HIGHLIGHT 8. 7. – iDNES.cz – University to send cyanobacteria into space to find out whether they could feed astronauts. HERE 23. 7. – Novinky.cz – Mendel’s successors in Brno are breeding more resilient pea varieties. Current ones are wilting. HERE 14. 8. – Novinky.cz – Experts have planted wild plants in flower beds in Lednice. They will be more resilient, the municipality welcomes the project. HERE 16. 8. – deník.cz – Heat and drought favor wasps. Their nests are growing rapidly, causing problems for beekeepers too. HERE 18. 8. – iRozhlas.cz – New technology at Brno’s Botanical Garden saves water. Gardeners control irrigation via mobile phone. HERE
4
Happening at MENDELU
Transition to a new version of ESSL
MENDELU improves accessibility, introducing so-called Euro-keys New Delikomat vending machines in Buildings A and Q: Try Matcha or an ice-cold refreshment! Over the summer break we installed new vending machines from the company Delikomat, with an expanded range of drinks, in Buildings A and Q. What can you look forward to? New MATCHAflavored coffee for a non-traditional energy boost, or a new machine with an ice maker offering a wide selection of iced coffee and fruit drinks. Additional machines will be installed at the start of the winter semester in study room X as well.
Eligible persons may use their own Euro-key at designated public facilities, or may borrow one directly at selected locations upon presentation of the appropriate ID. The exclusive distributor of these keys and locks for the Czech Republic is the National Council of Persons with Disabilities of the Czech Republic (NRZP ČR). Who are they for? For holders of a TP, ZTP, or ZTP/P disability card, holders of a WC card — IBD patients, diabetics, ostomy patients, oncology patients, people suffering from multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, cystic fibrosis, nonspecific bowel inflammation (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), urinary dysfunctions, autism spectrum disorders, angioedema (HAE), and neurofibromatosis type 1, as well as parents of children under three. A list of locations and further information can be found here or in the Euroklíčenka app. A list of locations with a Euro-key can also be found in the Moje Mendelu app. 5
In the first weeks of August, testing took place on a new version of the electronic filing service system (ESSL), which brings changes related primarily to the planned integration between ESSL and the university information system (UIS). The new version is also an important step for us toward a certified version of the filing service, since part of the changes made relate to certification requirements. We would like to thank all users who took part in the testing, dedicated their time to it, and shared their experience, comments, and information about bugs found with us. Testing in real user roles allowed us to verify how the new version functions before its deployment into the production environment and contributed to a smoother transition. Thanks to the long-term cooperation between users and the filing-service methodologists, MENDELU is now also prepared for the next step — the transition to the certified version of the system. The ESSL supplier has registered for certification, and the system is currently being assessed by the certification body. We thank everyone who, through their active cooperation, is helping to further develop the filing service at MENDELU.
Happening at MENDELU into a liquid biostimulant. Two business ideas received special jury awards. Štěpán Musil (Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology) and his team received an award for an idea focused on technological wooden toys. FISHIT also received the Sustainability Award, which was awarded within the competition for the very first time this year. The jury recognized its approach to sustainability and its potential in this area. Congratulations to all the winners! The MENDELU Boost competition is carried out with support from the OP JAK project "Sustainable and Modern Academic Environment" (PUMA), reg. no. CZ.02.02.XX/00/23_022/0008964, co-financed by the European Union.
MENDELU Boost — kick-start your business idea! Summer city camp at MENDELU successfully took children on a Journey to Prehistory In mid-July, the MENDELU campus in Černá Pole came alive with the traditional summer city camp, inspired by Karel Zeman's film Journey to Prehistory. Children aged 7 to 11 transformed for several days into young paleontologists, exploring nature, tracking down traces of ancient creatures, and recording their findings in expedition journals. The program offered a range of games, team activities, and creative tasks. There were also experiences beyond the campus itself, such as rafting down the river or a trip to Pekárna Cave. MENDELU has organized the summer city camp for several years now in cooperation with the Lužánky Leisure Time Centre, and it has become a popular part of the university's summer activities. We believe all the young participants took home plenty of memories.
This year's edition of the MENDELU Boost competition kicked off on April 30. The competition received 29 business ideas, of which the expert jury selected ten to advance to the second stage, called "Pitch your idea." The second stage took place on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, where the advancing participants presented their business ideas live in front of the expert jury. CZK 150,000 was distributed among the winning teams, who now face the task of defending their business ideas further this fall. In total, the top three places were awarded, along with two special jury prizes. The MENDELU Boost competition was won by the team of Jakub Procházka and Daniel Holub from the Faculty of Business and Economics with the project SUNIO, a platform for cities that optimizes building energy consumption, manages community electricity sharing, and cuts costs. Second place went to Gabriela Vlašicová (Faculty of Horticulture) with the project Solivar Innovation, which focuses on developing functional feed pastes for bee nutrition. Third place was taken by the team of Lukáš Harabiš (Faculty of AgriSciences) and Kateřina Patloková (Faculty of Horticulture) with the business idea FISHIT, which focuses on turning fish sludge
6
Results of Round 1 of the OP JAK "Návraty MENDELU" grant competition In the first round of the grant competition of the OP JAK "Návraty MENDELU" project (CZ.02.01.01/00/24_037/0013865), a total of eight returning-researcher grants were selected for funding. Congratulations! An overview of supported and unsupported projects can be found here. The "Návraty MENDELU" project, reg. no. CZ.02.01.01/00/24_037/0013865, is co-financed by the European Union.
Happening at MENDELU
New request system from the IT Department: Faster and clearer handling of your requests starting September 11 The Information Technology Department is introducing a new, modern Jira Service Management (JSM) system. From September 11, 2026, both staff and students will submit their inquiries and IT issues exclusively via the login portal at the familiar address helpdesk.mendelu.cz. What does the new portal offer? • Faster response: Thanks to automatic routing and smart forms, we will resolve your requests significantly faster. • Everything in one place: A complete overview of the status of your requests. • Quick solutions without waiting: Includes a knowledge base with guides for common problems. • Mobile version: Fill in forms easily from your phone as well. Important: • Transition day and reduced availability: September 11 (from 15:00) through September 13, 2026. You can always reach us during business hours by phone at 5555. Detailed information and guides are available at tech.mendelu.cz or on social media @oit.mendelu.
MENDELU is preparing for changes in the management and control of public finances
New Director of Institute of Lifelong Learning PhDr. et Mgr. et Bc. Jiří Pospíšil, Ph.D. is an academic and manager with more than twenty years of experience at Palacký University in Olomouc. He studied informatics, Christian education, teacher training in pedagogy for secondary schools, and philosophy. He continued to pursue pedagogy during his doctoral studies. His areas of expertise include social pedagogy, research methods in pedagogy and the social sciences, data analytics, and the use of information technologies in education. He has also held managerial positions, including head of the Department of Further Education at Palacký University in Olomouc and vice-dean for studies and further education at the Saints Cyril and Methodius Faculty of Theology at Palacký University in Olomouc. He is actively involved in research projects and publishing activity in the field of education and social sciences. 7
From January 1, 2027, Act No. 231/2025 Coll., on the Management and Control of Public Finances, will come into effect, replacing the current legal framework for financial control. The new rules will bring changes not only to the economic area but will gradually also affect certain processes, responsibilities, approvals, and the electronic circulation of documents at the university. Over the summer, preparation began on amendments to internal regulations, which will be submitted for comment in September and subsequently for approval by the relevant university bodies. At the same time, we will be preparing the necessary adjustments to the internal environment and support systems so that the new system can run smoothly and comprehensibly from January 1, 2027. The goal is not to add unnecessary administrative burden for staff, but to establish a transparent, well-functioning system that makes it easy to trace and document individual processes and decisions.
Happening at MENDELU
HEROES Sandbox Call 2026/2027
MENDELU PhD Week will offer two dates this fall
Do you have an idea for how to make your university or community more resilient, inclusive, and connected? HEROES Sandbox offers students and staff of universities involved in the HEROES alliance the opportunity to receive financial support and mentoring to turn their ideas into real projects with a positive impact. A condition for participation is that at least three HEROES partner institutions collaborate on the project. Up to €4,500 can be awarded per project, with a maximum of €1,500 per participating institution. Support can be provided, for example, for workshops and training sessions, community activities, digital or cultural initiatives, or projects focused on well-being, inclusion, and sustainability. Applications can be submitted until December 15, 2026. More information can be found here.
This fall, doctoral students at MENDELU can once again look forward to the week-long MENDELU PhD Week course, which offers opportunities to develop skills useful beyond doctoral studies. New this year are two course dates — in October and November — so participants can choose whichever suits them better. The program will once again offer, among other things, a workshop focused on media appearances and communicating with journalists, as well as lectures and workshops led by English-speaking instructors. The course will take place from October 12–16, 2026 and November 9–13, 2026. Registration for both dates opens on September 14, 2026 at 10:00. Capacity is limited, so we recommend not waiting too long to register. For more detailed information about the program and registration, follow the Projects Office's website.
8
Czech high schoolers present their water research to the world with MENDELU's support Tomáš Martin Holub and Lukáš Machatý, winners of the Czech national round of the Stockholm Junior Water Prize, represented the Czech Republic at the international final in Stockholm from August 22–27. Their trip and participation were arranged by Mendel University in Brno, which organizes the Czech national round of the competition. The students won the national round with their project CALYPSO, a low-cost modular system that uses autonomous robotic devices to monitor water quality and predict the occurrence of cyanobacteria and algae. Mendel University in Brno has been running the national Stockholm Junior Water Prize award since 2022. The competition gives young people the opportunity to present innovative solutions to problems related to water and sustainability, and allows the most successful projects to gain experience at the international level. At the same time, the competition serves as an opportunity to present MENDELU to high school students as a university open to young talent, innovation, and the search for solutions to current social and environmental challenges.
Happening at MENDELU THE 2025 MENDELU SUSTAINABILITY REPORT HAS BEEN PUBLISHED
MENDELU HOSTED A MEETING OF THE UNILEAD PLATFORM
ESDW IS APPROACHING, GET INVOLVED TOO!
In June, MENDELU hosted a meeting of the UNILEAD platform, which connects representatives of Czech universities in the area of sustainability. The program focused on current legislative changes, the planned framework for sustainability reporting at universities, the issue of the carbon footprint, and preparations for the European Sustainable Development Week. The meeting also included the sharing of experience and examples of good practice across universities.
The Sustainability Report presents a summary of the most significant activities and results in the area of sustainability and, for the first time, reflects the Sustainability Strategy. It maps, for example, progress in water and waste management, the development of green infrastructure, support for sustainable mobility, education, and cooperation across the university. The report also shows how the principles of sustainability are reflected in the university's day-to-day operations.
Do you have an idea for how to inspire those around you during the European Sustainable Development Week? Organize a lecture, a workshop, a swap event, promote more sustainable transportation, or come up with your own activity. Last year's edition at MENDELU brought a number of interesting events. Let's once again show together that our university lives sustainability. Join this year's edition and let us know about your plans.
9
From the world of science and research The project also supports startups and teams who want to bring their scientific ideas closer to practical application. We are gradually introducing inspiring figures from this environment in a new video series, Innovation Leaders, and we are also preparing a podcast series about innovation, entrepreneurship, and the journey of scientific ideas into practice. More information about the project can be found at www.innovprecmed.eu. For questions, you can contact Julia Daňková.
Results of the GA GJM internal grant competition Within the internal grant competition of the Gregor Johann Mendel Grant Agency of Mendel University in Brno, in Category A – Interdisciplinary Internal Research Projects, the winning proposal was submitted by Ing. Jakub Černý, Ph.D. (Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology) and co-investigator Ing. Jana Šimečková, Ph.D. (Faculty of AgriSciences), titled "The Influence of Tree Integration, Grazing, and Their Interactions on Biophysical Processes in Agroforestry Systems." In Category D – Applied Research Projects, the winning proposal was submitted by JU Xiaohui, Ph.D. (Faculty of AgriSciences), titled "BIOXYINK: A Printable Photosynthetic Bioink for Controlled Oxygen Generation in 3D Bioprinted Constructs." Congratulations!
InnovPrecMed: from scientific findings to innovation and practice What happens to a good scientific idea once it leaves the laboratory? That is exactly the focus of the European project InnovPrecMed, which Mendel University in Brno has been coordinating for more than a year now. It connects the world of science, innovation, and entrepreneurship, and offers students and staff alike concrete opportunities to get involved. Free online educational courses are available year-round, focused on innovation, business-plan development, and Deep Tech topics. Course graduates can continue in a free mentoring program or gain practical experience during internships at innovative companies.
10
Pictures of new employees For more MENDELU job offers click here.
Ing. Robert Blaha
Bc. Jan Dub
Oleksandr Fil
Ing. Jiří Gol
Ing. Stanislav Herber
Programmer Department of Forest Management and Applied Geoinformatics (FFWT)
Research Technician Department of Informatics (FBE)
Crop Grower Internal Administration Lednice (FH)
Project Researcher II Department of Environmental Studies and Natural Resources (FRDIS)
Project Researcher I Department of Forest Management and Applied Geoinformatics (FFWT)
Bc. Ing. Radoslav Hlavica
Ing. Pavel Holub
Mgr. František Holubec
Seyyed Behnam Hosseini, MSc
Monika Hrabovská
Project Researcher I Department of Forest Management and Applied Geoinformatics (FFWT)
Public Procurement Specialist Public Procurement and Purchasing Department (Rectorate)
Research Technician Department of Regional Development (FRDIS)
Research Technician Department of Design and Furniture (FFWT)
Organizational and Technical Staff Member Department of Vegetable and Floriculture Growing (FH)
Ing. Jan Kapla
Libor Klusák
Ing. Petr Kouřil, Ph.D.
Bc. Sofie Kryštofová
Dario La Montagna, Ph.D.
Project Researcher II Department of Viticulture and Enology (FH)
Facility Fitter and Maintenance Worker Facility Management and Maintenance Department (Operations Department, Rectorate)
Research Worker II Department of Food Technology (FA)
Research Technician Department of Informatics (FBE)
Project Researcher III Department of Forest Botany, Dendrology and Geobiocoenology (FFWT)
11
Pictures of new employees For more MENDELU job offers click here.
Bc. Ladislav Menšík
Ing. Lucie Moravcová, MSc.
Mgr. et Mgr. Pavla Musilová
Antonín Pevný
Ing. Tereza Seidlová
Technical Staff Member Department of Landscape Engineering, Design and Protection (FFWT)
Project Researcher II Department of Geology and Pedology (FFWT)
Project Specialist Research Centre (FBE)
Gardener Internal Administration Lednice (FH)
Project Researcher I Department of Zoology, Fisheries and Hydrobiology (FA)
Ing. Lenka Svobodová
Ing. et Ing. Anna Šindelářová
Mgr. Lucie Štůsková
Vojtěch Tyc
Ing. Tereza Vašková
Project Manager – Junior Projects Office (Rectorate)
Project Researcher I Department of Zoology, Fisheries and Hydrobiology (Faculty of AgriSciences)
Laboratory Worker Department of Forest Botany, Dendrology and Geobiocoenology (FFWT)
Research Technician Department of Agrosystems and Bioclimatology (FA)
Project Researcher I Department of Forest Management and Applied Geoinformatics (FFWT)
Mgr. Filip Vávra
PhDr. Jozef Vlčej, Ph.D., MBA
Ing. Libor Volf
Ing. Eliška Vyhnálková
Mgr. Lada Železná, Ph.D.
Project Researcher II Department of Forest Ecology (FFWT)
Methodology Officer Centre for Competencies and Cooperation (ILL)
Project Researcher I Department of Zoology, Fisheries and Hydrobiology (FA)
Project Researcher II Mendeleum – Institute of Genetics (FH)
Administrative Specialist Department of Science and Research (CLIC)
12
One Day at the Workplace A new series in MENDEL News What actually goes on behind the doors of the various departments at the Rectorate? What does an ordinary day look like for colleagues whose work is often not visible at first glance, but without whom the university could not function? These are exactly the questions our new series, "A Day at the Workplace," aims to answer step by step. The new series "A Day at the Workplace" will introduce individual Rectorate departments and offer a closer look at their everyday agenda. In this issue, we visit the Construction Department. VERONIKA NYKODÝMOVÁ Head of the Construction Department When the plan holds only until the first phone call Several times a week we start the day a bit unconventionally. Even before working hours, we get together with female colleagues — and sometimes male colleagues too — for a short run through the arboretum. After thirty to forty-five minutes we're back, and by around seven we're already sitting in the office with a cup of coffee, going over what the day has in store for us. But in the Construction Department, the plan usually only holds until the first phone call. We've barely finished our morning coffee when the whirlwind begins. Questions about the systemic subsidy land on the desk, a colleague needs to discuss an amendment to the contract with
DEPARTMENT AGENDA •
works, including project documentation, budgets, invoices, changes, and technical supervision •
Administration of grant-funded investment projects, including compliance monitoring and
Preparation of investment plans and long-term
communication with funding providers •
Management of university real estate data,
Project and engineering preparation, including
including buildings, land, land registry, and
permits, occupancy approvals, and communication
property records
with authorities •
Technical and financial control of construction
to completion and warranty construction investment planning •
•
Preparation, management, and coordination of investment and construction projects from planning
•
the contractor, and next to me we're dealing with waste from a project financed by OP JAK. We sit over project documentation, spreadsheets, and Ministry of Education methodologies, looking for solutions together. A moment later we discover that the contractor made an error in a sum, and about sixty kilograms of construction waste has "gone missing." It's not enough just to document that the waste was collected — the funding provider also wants to know how it was disposed of. Another phone call, another email, another extra task. A colleague grabs his helmet and high-visibility vest and heads out for a site inspection day. Meanwhile, a colleague gets a call that there's no running water in Building A. After several phone calls it turns out that workers hit a pipe that, according to the project documentation, shouldn't have existed at all. Water is spraying everywhere, and one branch of the plumbing needs to be shut off immediately. Two hours, the contractor estimates. But two hours is a very long time in a university in full semester operation. We print signs, go floor to floor, and mark toilets as out of order. One WC is already flooded; fortunately we managed to save the rest. On the way back to the office we run into a colleague returning from the site inspection day. "There'll be additional work needed." Once the floors were opened up, it turned out that the actual condition didn't match the project documentation. A new structural element will be needed, and on top of that the designer forgot to
•
Economic, administrative, filing, and archival
Preparation and administration of public procurement
management of the Construction Department and
and contracts related to construction projects
construction documentation
13
include lighting in the bill of quantities. More negotiations, more calculations, and above all, finding the money. In construction, surprises like this are nothing unusual. You just need to know how to react quickly. Alongside these everyday problems, we prepare and coordinate dozens of investment projects across the university. Some are minor; others change the appearance of entire campuses. One of the most significant current projects is the new Technology Pavilion building in Lednice. Every construction project is preceded by months of design work, permitting processes, coordination with future users, and preparation of public procurement. When you then see drawings and visualizations turn into an actual building, it's one of the most rewarding parts of our work. From project to reality By the time we get back from Building A, it's almost noon. The microwave is running nonstop, and we gather in the meeting room. At lunch, there's one rule: forget about work, at least for a little while. We talk about running, vacations, kids, or who's getting up for the morning loop around the arboretum tomorrow. It lasts exactly until the first phone call. A colleague has barely finished eating and is already off to deal with a complaint. Another colleague gets up, determined to finally finish the documents for a public tender today. She's been telling herself that for several days now. But you can only plan up until something more urgent comes along. Back in the office, I open my email. More requests for construction investments have come in. I add them to the overview, which keeps growing. Sometimes I think that even if there were twice as many of us and an unlimited budget, we'd still always have plenty to do. Another message arrives in the filing system: objections from residents regarding a construction proceeding in Žabčice. Well, that should be interesting… The project designer calls, and we discuss how to respond. We prepare a position statement, and the review of project documentation planned for the afternoon gets pushed back again — not because it isn't important, but because the day had other plans. Then the assistant arrives with a stack of invoices and cover sheets. We sign, check, and record them. Administration is the least visible part of our work, but without it, not a single construction project would move forward an inch. And then, finally, good news. "The water's back on." We go check Building A, take down the signs, and go around the toilets. Everything's working. Relief. Today turned out well.
One Day at the Workplace When we look back at the end of the day, we rarely managed to accomplish everything we'd planned that morning. But we did solve plenty of things we had no idea would even come up. And maybe that's exactly what we enjoy most about the job. We have a great team of people who help each other out, who can laugh even when there isn't much to laugh about, and who know they can rely on one another. And as one of our colleagues likes to say, we also have an excellent "chief" — the head of the Operations Department. He manages to stay calm even when everything seems to be falling apart, and he passes that calm on to the rest of us. In our line of work, that's a quality beyond price. You truly never get bored in the Construction Department. Every day is different, and hardly anything goes exactly according to plan, but that's precisely the charm of our work. And when you know you're not alone in it, even the toughest day becomes a little easier to handle. When, after some time, we walk through a new laboratory, a renovated classroom, or past a building that just a few months ago existed only on paper, we know that all those mornings, phone calls, complications, and searches for solutions were worth it. Buildings come back to life, students, staff, and visitors return to them, and the university can keep functioning. And meanwhile, we'll already be dealing with the next story.
Visualization of the future appearance of the Technology Pavilion in Lednice
We've experienced situations like these more than once. Like the time, during the reconstruction of the transformer station, a worker with a demolition hammer damaged a power cable and the entire campus was left without electricity in an instant. At that exact moment, an event was taking place in the assembly hall with the university's leadership and a number of guests, lunches were being prepared in the dining halls, and every few minutes someone would come by to ask what had happened. In moments like that, you realize the university is a living organism in which everything is connected to everything else. Work in the Construction Department requires a broad range of knowledge — from technical matters to construction law, public procurement and contracts, to budgets and the rules of funding programs. Every project is different and often calls for quick decision-making and finding compromises between user requirements and technical, financial, or legal constraints. And because even the best-prepared construction project can't anticipate everything, we learn something new almost every day. Our work, therefore, isn't just about blueprints, building permits, or site inspection days. It's mainly about finding solutions and communicating with design and contracting firms, the people who use the buildings in question, and colleagues from other departments.
Current state of the building shell
14