The sixth annual UP Junior Grant competition attracted a high level of interest—a total of 57 project proposals were submitted by young researchers from nine faculties and departments at Palacký University in Olomouc. Following a formal review, 55 projects have advanced to the expert evaluation stage. The results will be announced on November 1, 2026.
As is traditional, researchers from the Faculty of Science showed the greatest interest in the competition, submitting 30 proposals. They were followed by:
- CATRIN – 8 proposals,
- Faculty of Arts – 7 proposals,
- Faculty of Medicine – 4 proposals,
- Cyril and Methodius Faculty of Theology – 3 proposals,
- Faculty of Education – 2 proposals,
- Faculty of Physical Education – 1 proposal,
- Faculty of Health Sciences – 1 proposal,
- Faculty of Law – 1 proposal.
The UP Junior Grants competition is intended for young researchers up to 37 years of age with international experience. Its goal is to support the creation of new research groups and laboratories, the development of independent research programs, and to create conditions for the preparation of significant international projects, particularly within European framework programs for research and innovation. Applicants may apply for funding in the amount of 1 to 4 million CZK, or up to 5 million CZK for applicants from partner institutions of the Aurora Alliance. The project duration is 36 months.
This will be followed by a peer review of the projects, which will take place from June 22 to October 31, 2026. Each proposal will be evaluated by external reviewers and the Palacký University Grant Committee. The results of the competition will be announced on November 1, 2026, and work on the funded projects will begin on January 1, 2027.
The sixth edition of the competition confirms the growing interest among young scientists in building their own research teams at Palacký University and, at the same time, supports the university’s long-term strategy focused on strengthening excellent research and successful participation in international grant schemes.