Collection for the University in Kyiv: Let's Donate a Generator!

UP, in cooperation with Pamětí národa, launched a public collection to help Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, which approached UP with a request to purchase a generator. This would enable it to continue teaching and research during the current freezing winter, when Ukraine is facing attacks on its energy infrastructure by Russia. Over 500 donors have already contributed to the collection – join them on the Darujme.cz portal.

Nominate or run for the university senate yourself and participate in the further direction of UP

UP is moving to digital management and contract signing

New Director of Accomodation and Dining

From February 2026, Ing. Jan Liška has taken over as director of the UP Accomodation and Dining. Most recently, he managed military catering in Vyškov, and in Olomouc he was involved in the creation of Long Story Short. The selection committee was impressed not only by his professional experience but also by his vision for a modern accomodation and dining for the 21st century, emphasizing digitalization and automation, modern and local gastronomy, sustainability, ecology, and quality student life.

New Issue of Žurnál UP (in Czech): We Help with Knowledge, Experience, and Heart

We live in hectic times. How to cope? How to help yourself and others? And what role can a university play in society's life? The new issue of the university magazine Žurnál UP answers these and many other questions. You can find it at the faculties, in UPoint, Pevnost poznání, Zbrojnice, and other places. You can also read it online in PDF. (in Czech)

SURVEYS

Do you use AI in teaching at UP? And why (not)?

Developments in artificial intelligence (Artificial Intelligence – AI) are advancing rapidly. Do you use it in teaching, for preparing tests or assessments? Do you set rules for students? To map the current state, the Vice-Rector's Section for Science, Creative Activities, and Knowledge Transfer at UP has prepared this questionnaire survey (in Czech) for all teachers at Palacký University, from PhD students to professors.

SCIENCE AND RESEARCH

UP Endowment Fund Announces Call for Support of Student Projects

Offer your students the opportunity for development and education and to obtain financial support for their scientific-research or artistic-creative projects. The UP Endowment Fund supports artists, creatives, researchers, and innovators from UP master's and doctoral students with up to 200,000 CZK. Information on the current NF UP call, open until May 8, is on the fund's website. There will also be an information meeting on February 17 or a webinar on February 26.

Seminars with the GA ČR Chairman

Want to learn more about the competitions that the Grant Agency of the Czech Republic (GA ČR) is announcing this year? Interested in how the evaluation of individual project proposals works, which mistakes to avoid when submitting applications, or what news GA ČR is bringing? Seminars with the agency chairman (in Czech) will again take place in Prague and Brno, and you can participate online after registration.

CALLS

Don't Forget To Move: Try Horse Riding or Jiu-Jitsu

You can mature not only to the endless winter with regular exercise. Everyone can find their favorite activity thanks to the offer of the UP Akademik Sport Center – it is truly wide (in Czech). You can sign up for individual classes, e.g., power yoga, pilates or exercises for a healthy back, floorball, volleyball or basketball. Long-term courses (tennis, swimming or horse riding) are also offered. You can also go to the gym for 90 CZK per entry. More on the ASC UP website. (in Czech)

Circles for Young Scientists at Pevnost poznání 

A few free spots remain for registration in the science circles at science centre Pevnost poznání / Fort Science. Children from kindergarten to eighth grade can choose from the range of topics. UP employees can use a 10% discount by entering the code UPOL10 during registration. Details can be found on the website (in Czech).

Learn to Help – Who, How, and When?

The UP Volunteer Center invites you to an introductory meeting for those interested in volunteering. Not sure if volunteering is for you, how to start, who to help, or where to find opportunities? Come on February 17 at 1 PM to the UP Volunteering Center premises (Křížkovského 8).

Light and Warmth for Ukraine: Bring Wax and Cans

Ukrainians are experiencing their fifth war winter, and scouts are thus announcing another round of the collection (in Czech). Join it with UP and donate cans, clean cardboard, or wax leftovers to help us make trench candles that will provide warmth and the ability to heat food on the front lines. You can bring materials from Monday to Thursday between 9:00 and 14:00 to the Student Club at Zbrojnice (no later than February 19).

INVITATIONS

Academic Week Remembers 80 Years Since UP's Reestablishment

The UP Academic Week, taking place from February 16 to 22, traditionally commemorates the reestablishment of the Olomouc university in 1946. This year, it will additionally be marked by the 80th anniversary of UP's modern existence. It will offer Coffee Monday at the Student Club, a pub quiz, or the ceremonial handover of UP annual awards for 2025. You can still buy tickets for the university ball (in Czech). The end of the UP Academic Week will traditionally belong to the symbolic sound of bells from Olomouc churches and weekend visits to Olomouc museums for free or with a discount.

Welcome Office Events – Summer Semester 2026

Join us this summer semester for a mix of fun, culture, wellbeing, and career support at Palacký University. Whether you’re new in Olomouc or already settled, our events are a great way to meet people, learn something new, and enjoy the semester beyond classes.

What to look forward to: Board Games, Yang Sheng Fa: The Art of Life, Czech Easter, Job-Hunt Workshop, Job-Seeking Visa, Sports Day, Strawberry Picking

For more information, visit the UP Welcome Office website or follow us on social media.

Open Spots for Zuzana Čaputová's Lecture

For the Fischer Lecture by President Zuzana Čaputová (in Czech), which was postponed from November to Tuesday, February 24, we are increasing the participant capacity! 100 new spots are available. Interested parties can make a reservation from Monday, February 16, at 10 AM. The registration form will be available on rezervace.upol.cz under the Events tab.

Why Spiders Carry Prey and Humans Chocolate

Pevnost poznání has prepared a non-traditional Valentine's celebration for the upcoming weekend. It will show love as a phenomenon that people commonly experience, but which can also be described and explained using natural sciences. In addition to classic fun activities for children and parents, this year's novelty is the Saturday evening 18+ program exclusively for adults. Find out more in the Žurnál UP article (in Czech) and on the website (in Czech).

Science in Film: Moon and Conquest of the Solar System

Science in Film (in Czech) is a unique cycle that connects cinematography with scientific knowledge. It is organized by the university association UP Crowd, which invites you to the next screening with a lecture on February 25 from 4 PM at Telegraph. Jan Tomáštík from the Joint Laboratory of Optics and the Vědátor project will dream with you about what the first space cities beyond Earth will look like.

Screening: Unbreakable – One Mission, Four Lives

Before the next edition of the human rights film festival Jeden svět / One World breaks out in Olomouc, its organizers have prepared a screening of the film Unbreakable – One Mission, Four Lives (in Czech). The documentary follows four humanitarian workers from People in Need and shows how they handle various life and work situations during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The screening will take place on February 23 from 6:30 PM at the Druhý domov café. Free entry.

COMPETITIONS

Compete for tickets to the UP Representative Ball!

The representative ball of the Palacký University, which will be the culmination of the UP Academic Week again this year, will take place on Friday, February 20, 2026 from 19:00 at the NH Collection Olomouc Congress hotel. A swing atmosphere, live music, acrobatic show, dance workshops, a rich banquet and a raffle await you.

And we have a competition for you to win 4 tickets - 2 for students and 2 for staff (each winner will receive one ticket for one person). How to do it?

All you have to do is send us an answer to the question: What are you most looking forward to at the UP Representative Ball and why?

There are no limits to imagination – creativity will be rewarded. Be sure to include "UP Ball - Student" or "UP Ball - Staff" in the subject line of your email, depending on which category you are competing in.

Taste University Muesli for Free

Compete with UPoint for a limited edition of university muesli! The combination of crispy corn, wheat, and oat flakes with chocolate crisps and shavings and freeze-dried oranges is simply perfect. If you want to enjoy this luxurious breakfast and snack combo for free, write to upoint@upol.cz (!!) by Sunday evening with the correct answer to the question: Which company produces this limited muesli for us?

Fall in Love Internationally 

Did Palacký University play a role in your love story? Maybe you met during a study stay, internship, summer school, or another international experience abroad. Or perhaps one of you came to Olomouc as an international student or employee and love followed right here.

We’re launching a contest celebrating love stories with an international twist, and we’d love to hear yours! All participants will be entered into a random draw, and one lucky couple will win a voucher for a romantic dinner for two. Send a short story (where you met and how it all began) and a photo of you together by midnight on February 12 to welcome@upol.cz or via DM on Instagram @up_welcome_office.