Rector’s directive on the use of Huawei and ZTE technologies and data transfers to China

Following a warning issued by the National Cyber and Information Security Agency (NÚKIB), the Rector of UP has issued a new directive concerning the use of technologies from Huawei and ZTE and the transfer of data to China, Hong Kong and Macao. Among other things, the directive prohibits the deployment of these technologies in selected UP information systems and recommends that staff and students do not use services that transfer work or study data to the territories mentioned above. The full Rector’s directive is available here. (in Czech, login required)

AWARDS

Nominate someone for the František Palacký Prize

UP regularly honours outstanding individuals with the František Palacký Prize for exceptional achievements in creative work in science or culture that contribute to the prestige of both the Czech Republic and UP. You can help decide who receives it this year. Nominate a candidate—an eminent Czech or international figure from any field of science or cultural activity. Please send nominations, including a brief justification, by 15 October 2026 to prorektor.veda@upol.cz. The award includes a financial prize, to which the municipality of Hodslavice (FP’s birthplace) and the town of Neratovice (where he lived and which is also his final resting place) have long contributed.

Rector’s Commendation for authors of scholarly books in 2026

Authors of scholarly books from among University employees may once again apply for the Rector’s Commendation of Palacký University. As in previous years, nominations for the award are accepted by the science and research departments of individual faculties; in the case of a university institute, by its director. The deadline is 30 September 2026. More information is available on the website. (in Czech)

Nominate active students who are changing their communities for the Jan Opletal Awards

Recognising and supporting students who engage in public life, actively help build civil society, volunteer or take part in other activities benefiting the public is the purpose of the Jan Opletal Awards. This leading Czech student award, whose recipients in previous years have included UP representatives, will be presented in November. However, anyone can already nominate a student via the online form by 2 October 2026. Find out more on the award website.

COURSES

Learn to make the most of AI and Microsoft applications

Word, Excel, PowerPoint… Do you know and use the more than 20 other applications in the Microsoft 365 suite that are available to us through the University licence? UP’s Computer Centre has prepared a series of webinars and workshops for this autumn to teach you how to get the most from them in combination with AI. The first webinar, on 16 September, will cover What does M365 at UP offer?; the next, on 22 September, will focus on AI at the University. The full programme is available in the PDF. (in Czech)

INVITATIONS

MEET UP: Experience a university city

Get to know the University and everything it offers students, employees and the public. Discover student organisations, University units and plenty of new people. This year’s MEET UP will, for the first time, take place entirely at the Olomouc Summer Cinema complex, known as Letňák. Look forward not only to interactive presentations, a food zone, competitions and workshops, but also to a generous dose of live music from Dobrý pokus!, N1, PROPADLEEK and HIHIHAHAHOLKY! Admission is free, and the first 100 student visitors will receive a free beer. The programme is being gradually published on meetup.upol.cz.

Free football tickets? Sigma invites you to the match against Sparta

SK Sigma Olomouc is offering UP employees two free tickets for the home match against AC Sparta Prague. The ninth round of the Chance League will be played on Sunday, 20 September, from 3:00 p.m. at Andrův Stadium. Available tickets can be obtained via this link after registering in the Enigoo system. Tickets are available until the allocation of 500 seats is exhausted, exclusively in Section L. For questions, email benefity@upol.cz.

Sustainability Week at UP: give unwanted items a second chance

Take part in Sustainability Week at UP! You can already sort through your wardrobe, book collection and household, then bring unwanted clothing, books or small household items for the traditional UP Bazaar. Give things you no longer need a chance to find new owners—and come to the bazaar itself to choose something for yourself. You can also join International Car-Free Day and try replacing your car with a bicycle, walking or free tram travel for at least one day. Further events, lectures, workshops and the complete programme of European Sustainable Development Week are available on the Sustainable University website.

Mushrooms at the Fort Science reveal the forest’s invisible networks

Mushroom pickers, nature enthusiasts and everyone fascinated by the world of fungi, take note! On the weekend of 19–20 September, Mushrooms at the Fort Science returns to the Pevnost poznání science centre. You will see fungi from every possible perspective—under a microscope and through the eyes of a chemist. The programme includes an exhibition of fresh species, a look into mysterious mycorrhizal networks, laboratory experiments, life-size fungi and the topic of psychoactive mushrooms through the lens of modern science. The programme is available on the website. (in Czech)

Herbal Day and an exhibition at the University Botanical Garden

There is a place where it is easy to come to terms with the end of summer and the arrival of autumn colours—and we can reveal that it is the Botanical Garden of UP’s Faculty of Science. You can visit it every weekday, and September also offers two special occasions: on 15 September, Herbal Day, with a natural-science programme for children and parents (in Czech), and on 22 September, the opening of the exhibition Kingfishers, Little Owls and Other Creatures of God (in Czech). At the end of the month, the garden will also join Science Night (in Czech).

COMPETITIONS

Win tickets to Mushrooms at the Fort Science

We invited you to the mushroom weekend at the Pevnost poznání science centre a few paragraphs above—and now you can win a ticket for yourself and one guest. By Wednesday, 16 September, send your answer to soutez@upol.cz: What is the mutually beneficial association between fungi and plant roots called? Subject line: “Mushrooms”. Winners will be drawn from the correct answers.

Win a voucher for OSA bar

What better way to begin a new semester than meeting friends over a good drink in a university atmosphere? We have prepared a competition to win a 500 CZK voucher for OSA bar. As this year’s MEET UP will also be a great opportunity to kick off the semester, the competition question is about that event.

Simply email your answer by 16 September to soutez@upol.cz: Which item on this year’s MEET UP programme are you looking forward to the most, and why? The MEET UP website includes the programme: music, student associations, workshops, a food zone and other accompanying activities. Do not forget to include “OSA” in the email subject line. The most original answer will win.