MENDEL news 2/2024 (eng)

2-24

The Employee Newsletter of Mendel University in Brno

Safety and security at MENDELU

Mendel University has responded actively to the tragic incident at the Faculty of Arts of Charles University by boosting safety measures. The university is focused particularly on prevention—by informing employees and students about how to respond in crisis situations. A new websites has been created that gives a concise overview of all important information related to safety and security. A new module has also been launched in the My MENDELU app through which users can report emergencies directly to members of the crisis team.

MENDELU highlights

Gender sensitive communication

At Mendel University we are committed to creating a safe, respecting environment for all members of the university community. We recently issued guidelines for engaging in gender sensitive communication (only in Czech). Now, in cooperation with the Centre for Gender and Science of the Institute of Sociology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, we will be holding a training session on gender sensitive communication on 23 April from 10:00 to 11:30. The location will be announced later. Registration is now open, and you can sign up here. Training will focus on issues covered in the Jak na genderově senzitivní komunikaci (How to engage in gender sensitive communication) manual produced by the Gender and Science Centre.

The training is suitable for

• PR and communication employees throughout MENDELU;

• Anyone who creates content for websites, social media, or mass emails; and

• Study officers who communicate with students on behalf of Mendel University.

The workshop is limited to 25 participants and will take place in the Czech language.

Master’s Programme Festival

On 28 February the inaugural Master’s Programme Festival took place, where visitors had the opportunity to meet with representatives from master’s programmes taught at MENDELU. They received detailed information about studying at the master’s level, including about the differences with bachelor’s studies, the subjects offered, the experience of current students, career and opportunities, internships, and so forth.

Marquet MENDELU

The internal university e-shop MARQUET MENDELU will be launched at the beginning of March 2024. It will allow employees to order commodities from contracted university suppliers. Employees will be able to simply choose from a catalogue, put items in their shopping baskets, and issue purchase orders. Approval is given automatically in VERS, and the purchase order is sent to the supplier and automatically saved in SAP. A notification system keeps employees informed about the status of their orders. Currently, the e-shop offers goods such as personal protective equipment, toner, office supplies, desktop computers, and monitors. There are plans to also include laptop computers and printers. The Public Procurement Office will manage the e-shop and keep items offered and agreements with supplies up to date.

Welcome Week in Brno

During Welcome Week in Brno, MENDELU welcomed 101 international students from the EU and partner universities from third countries such as Pukyong National University in South Korea and Eikei University of Hiroshima in Japan. They have come to the Czech Republic thanks to bilateral agreements or the Erasmus+ programme. The largest number of incoming students are from Universidad del Azuay in Ecuador and the University of the Philippines Los Baños. Many French students from France Agro³and NEOMA Business School are also at MENDELU. The programme included a tour of Brno and the surrounding area, trips to Znojmo and the Moravian Karst, and a welcome party. The events were organized by the International Relations Office and the Erasmus Student Network of MENDELU.

MENDELU highlights

SUSTAINABLE MENDELU

TAKE A SIP IN BUILDING C

Another LOKNI water dispenser was installed this week at the Černá Pole campus. It is located by the lecture halls in Building C. Like in Building Q, this machine offers a free plan, which means that students and employees can use it under the same favourable conditions.

Techagro and Silva Regina

International Fair of Agricultural Machinery will be held from 7 to 11 April 2024 at the Brno Exhibition Centre. Here, MENDELU and the University Agricultural Enterprise in Žabčice will present the latest trends in agriculture and display their own cattle breeds. One part of TECHAGRO is Silva Regina: International Forestry and Hunting Fair, one of the most important events of its kind in Europe. The Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology together with the School Forestry Enterprise Křtiny will be representing MENDELU there.

Dragon boats

Come and celebrate 105 years of MENDELU! On 10 May, a dragon boat race will be held at the Brno Reservoir. Employees can put together 21-person teams consisting of a crew of 20 and a drummer. Each team must have at least five men or five women. Refreshments will be available, and there will be entertainment. Register at mendelu.cz by 20 April 2024.

Contract register

Maintaining good records of contracts is important for keeping track of the university’s activities and its commitments. Due to long-standing insufficiencies in this area, we decided to deal with this problem by introducing an electronic document management system. This system is a trusty document management tool that can quickly register contracts as well as approve and sign them, or share them between university units. One of the system’s advantages is that contracts are searchable even long after they are valid and based on descriptive data. Currently, employees of the Records Management Office are visiting faculty and rectorate offices, presenting how the system works and collecting information about the types of contracts at the university. Based on these findings, various automatic processes for record keeping will be established in the system.

MENDELU highlights

We have another action plan for renewing HR Award

The university has already completed the second stage of implementing the HR strategy for researchers and is continuing in this work with another three-year action plan. Because the European Charter for Researchers does not only focus on human resource management in its narrowest sense but also lays out principles in other areas, such as ethics, sustainability and social responsibility, open science, and doctoral studies, activities from these areas have been added to the plan. In February we also submitted a self-evaluation report about the previous period, and we are expecting to receive further information about a visit from European Commission evaluators. We will find out if we will maintain the HR Award in June 2024 at the latest.

All managers are invited to negotiation technique workshop

The next training session on managerial skills will focus on negotiation techniques and will be led by Monika Herrmannová, the ex-president of Toastmasters Ostrava. Participants will find out what their communication style is and how to determine the personality type of their counterparts. They will also learn negotiation techniques, the art of asking questions, and how to overcome disapproval. The workshop will take place on 12 April 2024 from 9:00 to 3:00 in the Institute of Lifelong Learning building. Participation is free. Registration-- bude odkaz na forms Note: The workshop is intended for Czech speakers.

MENDELU to co-organize EURAF 2024

Mendel University will co-organize this year’s European Agroforestry Conference, EURAF 2024. The conference will be held from 27 to 31 May 2024 at MENDELU in Brno. You can find the conference programme and the list of invited speakers on the conference’s  website. You can register here. Early bird registration is available until 15 March 2024.

Water Days

From 18 to 23 March the second annual Water Days will take place at Mendel University. This international event for experts, schools, and anyone interested in water is organized by the Platform of Vocational Excellence Water. For more information, see here.

TO NEJDŮLEŽITĚJŠÍ Z MÉDIÍ

3 February – novinky.cz – Dendrolog studuje ikonické osikovce v USA: ZDE

5 February – impuls.cz – Nové udržitelné studijní programy: ZDE

6 February – jihlavsky.denik.cz – V boji s plevelem pomůže umělá inteligence: ZDE

13 February – ibrno.cz – MENDELU výstavou vyvrací genderové stereotypy: ZDE

22 February – irozhlas.cz – Vydrží nízká inflace?: ZDE

MENDELU highlights

The

new quaestor at Mendel University

As of March 1, Mendel University in Brno has a new quaestor. Ing. Jiří Ševčík is now in this role. We asked him the following two questions:

You previously led the economic affairs of Brno‘s television studio, an environment that differs significantly from the academic setting. What do you see as the main differences in terms of your agenda, and conversely, where do you see similarities?

Yes, the environment of a public media institution certainly differs from that of an academic one, but both institutions share the fact that they fulfill a legally framed public mission. My responsibility was to ensure sufficient financial and operational support for the experts responsible for creating and broadcasting television content. I view the role of the quaestor through the same lens - as an executive manager whose main task is to provide university staff with appropriate conditions and the maximum possible space for education, science, and research provision.

The quaestor‘s key task is to draft the university‘s budget. Negotiating it can be quite complicated, as conflicting interests of different parties come into play, as does the university‘s strategic direction. Do you have a recipe for when and how to prepare a functional budget?

Budget creation inherently involves conflicting interests of various parties, in any organization. Here, I would like to add a more specific response to the previous question - the term „functional budget“ in the context of my previous role meant a realistic overview (plan) of income and expenses, typically prepared and approved before the start of a given period as a primary management tool. Unlike a public television station, which usually has its income for the following year clearly defined, the higher education environment unfortunately does not afford such budgetary luxury. However, I believe that it‘s possible to start preparing the first version of the future budget well in advance, utilizing assumptions and probabilities. The focus of the initial months can then be on adjusting data and incorporating known income levels, rather than creating the entire budget from scratch. This approach not only offers the potential for earlier submission for approval but also allows for broader discussion. It can increase mutual understanding of partial interests and clarify their alignment (or misalignment) with the university‘s strategic direction or long-term outlook. I would like to attempt to introduce such a principle with my colleagues and partners from faculties, the rectorate, and university departments.

Revised Selection Procedure Rules to go into effect in March

The revised Selection Procedure Rules of Mendel University for recruiting and selecting employees will come into effect on 1 March 2024. The rules were amended based on input from those involved in the process, including the announcers and proposers of selection procedures, members of selection committees, and the Department of Human Resources Management. The goal was to clearly define the rules and more effectively conduct the recruitment process, while maintaining compliance with the European Chater for Researchers. Changes include consolidation of rules for recruiting academic and non-academic staff and new rules about the composition of selection committees. An e-learning course and a  manual for conducting interviews is available on the website.

The current trends in water management will be presented by Water in the Landscape

Current trends in water management will be showcased at Water in the Landscape EXPO. The event will take place on March 21st from 9 a.m. at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, VUT. Its aim is to connect research, innovation, and practice in water management, accelerating their development in response to the impacts of climate change and increased public interest. Research organizations, companies from the South Moravian Region and its surroundings will be presenting. Visitors will gain insights into trends in water management in the Czech Republic and within the reach of exhibitors. The event targets professionals, government and local authorities, river managers, schools, and students. Mendel University is a co-organizer of the event.

From the world of science and research

New internal quality evaluations

This year, changes will be made in how internal quality assessments are made. Starting this spring, employees will no longer be called upon to perform evaluations in their individual roles as subject guarantors, academic employees, and so forth. The system will be more closely integrated with quality assessments of accredited degree programmes, through annual evaluations which guarantors of programmes will discuss with programme committees. Internal assessments also include thematic assessments. This year, they are focused, among other things, on dropout rates for first-year students and doctoral students. You can read more about internal quality assessments on the Department of Quality’s website: kvalita.mendelu.cz.

Czech Science Foundation calls in 2024

The Czech Science Foundation has announced calls for applications for grants for standard, EXPRO, JUNIOR STAR, POSTDOC, INDIVIDUAL FELLOWSHIP, and international and Lead Agency projects. Grant applications can be submitted until 3 April 2024. The winners will be announced in October and November of this year. Projects that have received funding will be implemented starting in 2025. For more information, see here

SIGMA DC 2 programme for beginning researchers

The Technology Agency of the Czech Republic has announced the seventh public call for applications for the SIGMA DC 2 programme, which supports collaboration between beginning researchers dealing with specific projects and industry. Four research topics have been announced for this call. Every project proposal must concentrate on one of the following themes:

• Telemedicine;

• AI and sustainable mobility;

• Production technology and materials; or

• Community energy and management systems, small-scale energy storage.

Grant proposals can be submitted until 27 March 2024. For more information, see here.

Feedback on the Internal Evaluation Board

In January 2024, we asked degree programme guarantors for feedback about the Internal Evaluation Board’s activities. We are now making public the findings of this survey. Are you interested in knowing more about how the Internal Evaluation Board is viewed, what guarantors think about communicating with the board, and what their experience is with contacting the administrative apparatus and technical and organizational support? Then take a look at the evaluations published at kvalita.mendelu.cz. We would like to thank everyone who filled out the survey! Your ideas are valuable for us. That is why we are planning a meeting with programme guarantors where we will present how some suggestions have been put into practice. You can find the evaluation of the Internal Quality Board on the Department of Quality website

Materials from Project Centre (PO REK) seminars

You can find all materials from seminars and workshops organized by the Project Centre at Podpoře projektových skupin (you must sign into UIS first).

MENDELU Ph.D. Talent

The deadline for registering for the MENDELU Ph.D. Talent contest was 31 January. Twenty-two doctoral students applied and must now convince the jury about the exceptional nature of their research findings so far and the quality of their research plans. The best will be awarded a talent scholarship for one year. The winners will be announced in March.

Project Centre provides international project support

Are you planning on applying for an international grant and need help? PO REK now provides support to employees who are interested in participating in international projects. If you need assistance preparing international projects, consultation, or help looking for grant opportunities, don’t hesitate to contact us. If you have any questions, contact julia.dankova@mendelu.cz.

Bc. Vanesa Čechová Technická pracovnice Ústav nauky o dřevě a dřevařských technologií (LDF)

Pictures of new employees

Ing. Petr Dostál Hlavní účetní Oddělení finanční účtárny (REK)

Bc. Zuzana Dvořáková Specialistka metod výuky sportovních disciplín Referát metod výuky sportovních disciplín (CSA CP)

Ing. Martin Hádlík Výzkumník projektu Mendeleum – ústav genetiky (ZF)

Jana Ferbyová Odborná administrativní pracovnice Odbor řízení lidských zdrojů (REK)

Mgr. James Habersham Iocovozzi Výzkumník projektu Ústav teritoriálních studií (FRRMS)

Mgr. art. Michaela Ošťádalová Akademická pracovnice – asistentka Ústav designu a nábytku (LDF)

Vladislav Páral Provozní montér a údržbář Oddělení správy a údržby (PRO REK)

Jan Masood, Ph.D. Výzkumník projektu Ústav molekulární biologie a radiobiologie (AF)

MgA. Petr Nenička Akademický pracovník – asistent Ústav designu a nábytku (LDF)

Mgr. Doubravka Pichrtová, DiS. Koordinátorka pro studující se spec. potřebami Poradenské a profesní centrum (ICV)

Mgr. Barbora Pijáková, PhD. Výzkumnice projektu Ústav nauky o dřevě a dřevařských technologií (LDF)

Pictures of new employees

For more MENDELU job offers click here.

Ing. Tereza Agnes Pokorná Referentka investiční Stavební oddělení (PRO REK)

PhDr. Antónia Polášek Administrátorka veřejných zakázek Oddělení veřejných zakázek (OVZN REK)

Ing. Lucie Sedláková Technická pracovnice pro výuku  Ústav managementu (PEF)

Ing. Martin Röhrich Akademický pracovník – asistent Ústav techniky (LDF)

Ing. et Ing. Richard Sovják, Ph.D. Akademický pracovník –odborný asistent Ústav designu a nábytku (LDF)

doc. Ing. Bc. Petr Suchánek, Ph.D. Vedoucí ústavu Ústav podnikové ekonomiky (PEF)

Ing. Radim Šmak, Ph.D. Akademický pracovník –odborný asistent Ústav techniky (LDF)

Bc. Tamás Vígh Akademický pracovník – lektor Ústav biotechniky zeleně (ZF)

MgA. Andrea Vokřálová Akademická pracovnice – asistentka Ústav designu a nábytku (LDF)

Olha Vuiek Asistentka Děkanát (LDF)