From October 1 to October 4, 2024, representatives of the Universities—members of the consortium implementing the ERASMUS +KA 2 CBHE project “Universities Communities: strengthening cooperation” UNICOM N.101083077—familiarized themselves with the activities of the Czech University of Life Sciences (Prague, the Czech Republic).
During the study visit, there was an active exchange of experience regarding the ways to implement the third mission of Universities and the role of Universities as “catalysts” of positive changes in their communities and society. The event participants considered the strategies, initiatives and partnerships that had enabled the Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague to make a significant impact on the life of the local community.
Achievements and challenges in implementing the third mission, as well as the conditions for efficient and sustainable cooperation were discussed. The organizer of the educational visit was Dr. Hynek Roubik, director of the Center for Bioresources and Technologies, deputy dean of the faculty of Tropical Agricultural Sciences of the Czech University of Life Sciences.
On the first day, the visit participants were presented with general information about the University, they were told about the areas for the third mission implementation. According to the organizer, “The third mission of the Czech University of Life Sciences is an important aspect of the University activities, which helps connect the academic community with the general public and contribute to the sustainable development of the region.”
The visit organizers familiarized the participants with the activities of the Center for Bioresources and Technologies, the laboratories of the faculty of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, its experimental sites and greenhouses. Practical introductory excursions round modern buildings of the Czech University, research laboratories, the botanical garden, its greenhouses were part of the educational visit.
The visit participants had an opportunity to talk with researchers who shared practical cases of conducting scientific research, as well as cooperation with private and state institutions. The coordinator of such practical meetings was Marek Jelinek, who also organized an introductory tour round the city for the visit participants.
Petra Chaloupkova, deputy dean for international relations of the faculty of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, presented successful cases of cooperation with partner Universities and international organizations. The deputy dean noted that the Czech University of Life Sciences is a modern space for innovative scientific research and discoveries.
Particular attention was paid to the functioning of the University Career Centers to support students and strengthen cooperation with employers and graduates. The Career Center provides students with a wide range of career services that contribute to their professional development and preparation for entering the labor market. At the Center, students receive personalized advice on career planning, resume writing, job search in the Czech Republic and interview preparation.
The Career Center is useful not only for students but also for employers because its work at the University makes it possible to establish connections between companies and young professionals.
The participants of the event joined the 5th International Multidisciplinary Conference of Young Scientists “Resilience in the Face of Global Challenges”, in particular, they attended the plenary session, poster sessions, workshops and section meetings.
We thank the visit organizers and the scientists of the Czech University of Life Sciences for the obtained experience, practical cases and knowledge, rich program, and professionalism!
