UP website and other systems were temporarily unavailable due to measures taken against a cybersecurity threat

From Wednesday (21 October) evening, the university website, Moodle and several other information systems at Palacký University were temporarily unavailable. The UP Computer Centre (CVT) took these systems offline immediately as a precautionary measure to protect them against a potential cyberattack.

A new vulnerability has been identified in PHP, a technology used by most web servers, including those at Palacký University.

Security patches are not yet available for the types of servers used by UP, meaning that the issue could not be resolved through the recommended standard update. CVT therefore implemented technical measures to block the known method of exploitation. Following their implementation, the affected systems have been restored and are now accessible again.

CVT continues to monitor the situation closely, including further developments and any new recommendations. The vulnerability is not limited to Palacký University but affects web servers using PHP worldwide.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: CVT does not manage all web servers at the university. Faculties and other university units operating their own servers must implement appropriate security measures on the systems they manage. Failure to do so exposes them to an increased risk of cyberattacks!

Accomodation and Dining Services: a new website in English

Accomodation and Dining Services has a new website in English! Above all, the redesigned website makes navigation much easier, with content clearly organised according to who is looking for it. Take a look at skm.upol.cz/en and don’t forget to follow their Instagram and Facebook.

Cans and beverage cartons now go in plastics bins

Sorting waste at UP has become a little easier. You can now also put metal packaging, such as drinks cans, food tins and lids, as well as beverage cartons for products such as milk and juice, into the yellow plastics bins. The change applies to all university buildings, and bin labels are being updated gradually. Read the new waste-sorting guidelines.

Read the latest issue of the Aurora newsletter

What’s new in the collaboration between the nine European universities in the Aurora alliance? The October issue of the Aurora at UP newsletter presents the latest developments in international education and research, the results of joint activities, and further opportunities for students and staff to get involved. The current issue also introduces Niels Hexspoor, who is taking over from Selma Porobić as Aurora’s Institutional Coordinator at UP. Read the latest issue and subscribe to receive it regularly – the newsletter is published four times a year.

AWARDS

Last call: Nominate volunteers for the Rector’s Award

Do you know someone who helps others in their free time, works to protect nature, volunteers in healthcare or social services, or contributes to university community life? Let us know about them! This year, Rector Michael Kohajda will once again recognise the volunteering activities of UP students, graduates and staff. Individuals and organisations can submit nominations, but only until 31 October 2026. Don’t put it off – complete the nomination form. (in Czech)

LECTURES AND COURSES

What lies ahead for European research and education? Attend lectures by experts from Brussels

How are decisions made about the shape of European research programmes, how can universities influence their focus, and what lies ahead for Erasmus+? Come along on Monday 9 November for two lectures by representatives of the Czech Liaison Office for Education and Research in Brussels (CZELO). You will learn about planned changes to European research and education policy and the opportunities they may bring to your work. Attendance requires registration; more information is available on the website (in Czech).

Networking in practice: How to build genuine professional connections 

A two-day networking course for doctoral students and early-career researchers at UP will take place on 29 October 2026 and 26 November 2026. How can you make connections naturally, without pressure or “playing a part”? How can you recognise and make the most of situations where networking makes sense? How can you talk about yourself with respect and confidence, and maintain relationships that have genuine value? Find more information and register on the website. (in Czech)

QUESTIONNAIRES

Have you never donated blood? The University Hospital asks what is stopping you

UP has been cooperating with the Olomouc University Hospital and its transfusion department for a long time to support blood donation. Now we want to ask those of you who have not yet donated blood: Why? Are you afraid of needles? Do you lack information? Are you discouraged by the administration, or just didn't have time for it? Help us understand what prevents you from donating so that we can improve the system and make blood donation as easy as possible. Saving lives starts with listening to each other. Fill out the anonymous questionnaire here.

INVITATIONS

Elephants have returned to Olomouc. Find them at the Faculty of Science

Thirteen interactive stations, the lives of elephants in the African wild, and the challenges of protecting them. The In the Footsteps of Elephants (in Czech) exhibition, created at the Fort Science centre, has returned to Olomouc after two years of travelling around Czechia and Slovakia. Until 31 October, you can find it on the sixth floor of the main building of UP’s Faculty of Science at Envelopa. You will learn, for example, how elephants shape the African landscape, why they are endangered, and how people can help protect them.

Fort of Ghosts: Believe It or Not!

Looking for an original way to spend Halloween? From 28 October to 1 November, this year’s Fort of Ghosts, subtitled Believe It or Not, will take you into a world of urban legends, optical illusions and mysterious stories from the Fort Science itself. Is it true that we swallow several spiders a year in our sleep? And can we always believe our own eyes? Look forward to a five-metre inflatable tardigrade outside the entrance, themed activities in the exhibitions, science workshops, spooky stories, and encounters with live bats. On Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October, the Fort Science will also come alive with an evening programme featuring an interactive show and the popular trail of courage. It will stay open until 22:00! Find more information and the full programme on the website. (in Czech)

Free football tickets? Sigma invites you to the match against Zbrojovka Brno

SK Sigma Olomouc is offering UP staff two free tickets each to its home match against FC Zbrojovka Brno. The match will be played on Saturday 31 October at 18:00 at Andrův Stadion. You can claim your free tickets via this link after registering in the Enigoo system. Select tickets exclusively in Sector L, subject to the availability of the 500 allocated seats. If you have any questions, email benefity@upol.cz.

NEW REGULATIONS

• Central Register of Contracts at Palacký University Olomouc and rules for publishing contracts in the Register of Contracts
  This UP internal regulation, effective from 14 October 2026, (in Czech) applies to all UP employees. It governs the procedure for recording contracts concluded at UP and sets out the binding procedure for maintaining the Central Register of Contracts (CES) and, where applicable, publishing contracts in the Czech Republic’s Register of Contracts (RS).
  
  

• Public procurement at Palacký University Olomouc
  This UP internal regulation, effective from 13 October 2026, (in Czech) applies to all UP employees. It establishes the binding procedure for UP’s procurement of supplies, services and construction works financed from public funds, with the aim of ensuring their economical, efficient and effective use. It governs the responsibilities of employees involved in public procurement, procedural steps, and signing authority in accordance with the Public Procurement Act and the university’s internal regulations. It focuses primarily on small-scale public procurement and addresses selected general issues relating to all public procurement at UP.

All UP standards, including the ineffective ones, divided by UP units, with the possibility of filtering and searching in them can be found by students and employees of UP after logging in to files.upol.cz.

COMPETITIONS

Win tickets to the Fort of Ghosts!

Believe It or Not! We have six free admissions to this year’s Fort of Ghosts, taking place from 28 October to 1 November. Simply answer the competition question correctly: Which of the following incredible statements is actually true?

• A) A goldfish can only remember the last three seconds of its life.
• B) An octopus has three hearts.
• C) If we swallow chewing gum, it stays in our stomach for seven years.

Send your answers to soutez@upol.cz by Sunday 25 October. On Monday morning, we will draw six winners from the correct answers, each of whom will receive one free ticket.

Win a ticket to UP Business Camp

This year’s UP Business Camp (in Czech) conference will focus on “brand building and brand protection”. The event takes place on 12 November at Fort Science, with speakers representing brands such as Angry Beards, Forendors, Niceboy, Furiosa, Nebe and others. Interested in winning a free ticket to UP Business Camp? Send the correct answer to the competition question to upbc@upol.cz by Monday 26 October, and we will draw one winner from the correct answers. Question: Which edition of UP Business Camp is taking place this year? You can easily find the answer at www.upbc.com (in Czech).

Are you planning to place an order for UPoint merchandise for your department or conference this calendar year? We recommend submitting your e-shop request no later than 30/10 to allow time for any stock replenishment and delivery of the goods. Additional products cannot be stocked in November and December due to the university shop suppliers' workload during the pre-Christmas period.