- Department of Regional and Business Economics at the Faculty of Regional Development and International Studies, Mendel University in Brno, welcomed a delegation from the Institute of Sustainable Development at the prestigious Corvinus University of Budapest on 21 January. The meeting resulted in concrete agreements on future research cooperation, the preparation of joint projects, and the mutual involvement of experts in teaching. The discussions also included an agreement on PhD student placements, thereby strengthening the international dimension of academic education and research.
- The University Forest Enterprise Křtiny will, in cooperation with the organisation Rezekvítek, carry out habitat restoration measures in the steppe and forest-steppe sections of the Hádecká planinanka National Nature Reserve.
- The MENDELU Charity Market 2025 raised CZK 513,190. It supported ill children, individuals, and non-profit organisations. Thank you!
- Researchers at Faculty of Horticulture are exploring new and currently underused food sources, such as duckweed and pennycress. In controlled indoor conditions, they investigate how to naturally stimulate higher protein content in duckweed and increased production of sulforaphane with anti-carcinogenic properties in pennycress. Rather than breeding new varieties, the research focuses on optimising growing conditions to unlock the plants’ natural potential. The results may contribute to the development of more nutritious foods and more sustainable food systems.
- MENDELU is the lead coordinator of the international SCAN-DANUBE project, which focuses on the protection and conservation of the endangered narrow-leaved ash, a key tree species of floodplain forests in Central and Southern Europe. The project aims to enhance the resilience of this species and promote sustainable forest management in the Danube River Basin through a modern IoT-based monitoring network and dendrometers that track tree growth and vitality in near real time. The collected data will support the development of practical recommendations for the selection of tolerant trees, their reproduction and the establishment of plantations. The project connects experts and institutions from several European countries and contributes to the protection of floodplain forest biodiversity.
- The Faculty of AgriSciences and the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology at MENDELU coordinate an international Erasmus+ project in the Amazon aimed at biodiversity conservation, sustainable land management and improving the quality of life of local communities. It is the first Erasmus+ project to directly address the compensation of the carbon footprint of mobility through tree planting on project sites. The project connects agriculture, forestry, agroecology, ecotourism, education and community development, involving universities, local farmers, NGOs and the Ministry of Education of Ecuador. Key outputs include multilingual educational modules and hands-on workshops implemented both in the Amazon region and in the Czech Republic.
- At MENDELU, research is underway to explore biologically based approaches to addressing the growing problem of plastic waste. Scientists are focusing on how larvae of the darkling beetle (Zophobas morio) are able to break down different types of plastics and on the molecular processes involved. The findings could contribute to the development of more environmentally friendly and safer biotechnological solutions for plastic waste management. The research provides new insights into biological mechanisms that may be applicable in the search for more sustainable approaches to plastic waste management.
- 103 Christmas punches for Emil! Warm up with a hot drink and support a good cause. On 11 December, volunteers from MENDELU will be selling Christmas punch at Emil’s Advent Stall. All funds raised will support Eliška.
- Researchers from Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology together with firefighters, carried out a unique field experiment in our forests by simulating an intense rainfall event. They released thousands of litres of water into a selected forest area and monitored how it moved just beneath the soil surface. The aim was to find out whether hardened forest roads limit the even infiltration of rainwater, which can influence both the health and productivity of the woodland.
- We invite you to the traditional MENDELU Charity Market (Dobrotrh), taking place on 3 December from 10:00 to 16:00 in front of Building Q, where you can support non-profit organisations through student-run stalls. You will find both gift items and original pieces donated by sponsors and supporters, and your contribution will help a good cause. An online Charity Market is also running on the Dobrobot platform from 22 to 28 November. Bring your own cup for christmas punch!
- The Strategy and Analysis Department team at MENDELU met with colleagues at the University of South Bohemia to discuss further developing their cooperation in the field of sustainability. Both universities are working together within the National Recovery Plan project focused on green skills, and during the meeting they shared initial outputs as well as ideas for future joint activities.
- Palacký University, in cooperation with Masaryk University and Charles University, has carried out the nationwide survey How Universities Move. Almost 1,200 respondents from MENDELU took part by completing a short questionnaire. The aim was to gather data to support the development of sustainable mobility. More detailed results are available on the website of the Strategy and Analysis Department.
- This year again, 900 potted silver firs from the University Forest Enterprise Masaryk Forest in Křtiny nurseries will head to the Christmas market, where they will be available for purchase in Veronica foundation shops.
- Researchers from the Faculty of Horticulture at MENDELU are studying pathogenic fungi and ways to protect trees, for example through proper pruning or by using beneficial fungi of the genus Trichoderma. Their research helps maintain the health of orchards and contributes to the long-term preservation of this unique landscape and cultural heritage.
- The Christmas Tree of Brno Christmas 2025 is a silver fir from the University Forest Enterprise Masaryk Forest in Křtiny.
- MENDELU is expanding its cooperation with the Nature Conservation Agency of the Czech Republic in the field of nature protection and research in the Soutok area and other valuable sites in South Moravia. Together, they work on projects focused on biodiversity and on adapting forests to climate change, while also involving students in practical field experience. The partnership strengthens the link between science and landscape management and helps raise public awareness.
- Margit Slimáková and Marie Šantrochová from ProVeg showed us how to make our everyday diet more sustainable during two inspiring workshops held in October. Participants left full of ideas, motivation and also enjoyed a tasting of delicious plant-based dishes.
- Researchers from the Faculty of AgriSciences discovered that volatile organic compounds produced by soil bacteria can naturally support plant growth and resilience. This finding could make it possible to grow crops more sustainably, using fewer chemicals and embracing natural processes.
- Scientists from the Faculty of AgriSciences, led by Vedran Milosavljević, have developed bio-films made from natural materials that decompose in soil within a few weeks through the action of microorganisms. The material, derived from seaweed and crustacean shells, absorbs moisture, which accelerates its breakdown. The films also contain phosphorus and potassium, allowing them to serve as fertiliser as they decompose.
- A new Nutrition and Lifestyle Advisory Centre has been established at the Faculty of AgriSciences at Mendel University. Experts and students from the Department of Food Technology are here to debunk food myths and share clear, science-based information. The centre is open not only to students and staff but also to anyone who wants to eat better and live healthy.
- The final conference of the international WATERLINE project took place in Brno, bringing together European universities in the field of digital water education. Experts from 12 countries gathered at the Passage Hotel, while nearly a hundred additional participants joined online. The programme featured inspiring presentations and testing of the virtual learning environment ViLE. The project, involving two faculties of Mendel University, has laid the foundation for a new Digital Water Higher Education Alliance.
- The autumn Open Day at the Křtiny Arboretum will take place this year on Saturday, 18 October. Visitors can look forward to renovated wooden sculptures, newly arranged willow corners, and a new gazebo for relaxation. The colourful autumn scenery and a new game for older children and adults will offer a great reason to explore the entire arboretum.
- EKOFILM is the oldest international environmental film festival in Europe. Its origins date back to 1974, when it branched off from the Techfilm festival. Since 1991, the main organiser has been the Ministry of the Environment of the Czech Republic. This year’s edition will take place in Brno from 16 to 19 October 2025.
- MENDELU is once again joining the nationwide Weeks for Mental Health campaign through the MIND FEST event.
- The Botanical Garden and Arboretum of MENDELU is preparing a modern water management system featuring a deep well, rainwater collection, and a digital twin that will monitor water resources in real time. These innovations will move the campus towards greater self-sufficiency.
- MENDELU now generates its own electricity. A photovoltaic system with an output of almost 300 kWp has been installed on the campus rooftops.
- On Wednesday 17 September at 4 p.m., a Memorial Walk for Survivors of Suicide Loss will take place in the Botanical Garden and Arboretum at MENDELU. The gathering offers space for quiet remembrance as well as open support.
- Key activity 5 (KA5) of the NPO Green Deal project presented. As part of KA5 of the NPO Green Deal project at the Faculty of Horticulture at MENDELU, two foreign partners have been selected, a Finnish university and an Italian university, to share experience in sustainability and green transition.
- July is the global Plastic Free Month. Plastics take a very long time to break down in nature and microplastics can now be found in water, soil and living organisms. The Plastic Free July challenge called Be Part of the Plastic Pollution Solution highlights ways to reduce plastic use, for example by choosing reusable packaging, solid cosmetics or products made from natural materials. Even small changes can have a big impact.
- Food waste project: researchers from the Faculty of Business and Economics at MENDELU have expanded their food waste survey to different parts of Prague. They found that people significantly underestimate the amount of food they throw away – on average it is 26 kg a year. The level of waste varies depending on the type of housing and income group. The results have helped create a guide for cities on how to communicate the issue of food waste effectively to households. More about the project.
- Help create the first public library on Guimaras Island! Until the end of 2025 you can donate English books to the MENDELU libraries and support the creation of the first public library on the Philippine island of Guimaras. The project is under the patronage of the mayor of Nueva Valencia and is carried out in cooperation with Helping Hands for Guimaras. In summer you can use the library in Building A or the book drop boxes. The aim is to improve access to education and European culture.
- 24th June – Upcycling Day. Upcycling means turning things you no longer need into new products with a higher value. Unlike recycling, the materials do not lose quality. They actually gain it. It is good for the environment and it also gives space for creativity. This topic has been relevant for more than 20 years and Czechs are very good at it. You can upcycle almost anything. Even something as small as pistachio shells.
- Polyglot Gathering 2025 at MENDELU - At the end of May, our university welcomed language enthusiasts from over 70 countries. This inspiring event supported intercultural understanding and lifelong learning – key values in advancing social sustainability (SDG 4). In Brno, language became a powerful tool for empathy and inclusion, spoken in over 40 forms. More information here: Polyglot Gathering 2025.
- Circular Academy across regions - The opening conference of the Sustainable Projects Incubator (www.cirkularniakademie.cz) took place, promoting circular economy principles, socially responsible entrepreneurship, and resource reuse in practice. Applications for new sustainable projects are open until 11 June 2025. The initiative involves innovation centres and brings together passionate participants from across the country.
- Bike to work - May 2025 marked the 15th edition of the national “Bike to Work, Walk or Jog” challenge. Around 25,000 participants from all over the Czech Republic joined the event. The initiative encourages people to shift their daily commuting habits and shows that active travel to work is not only possible but also enjoyable. Most participants continue using these eco-friendly modes of transport even after the challenge ends.
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May 24 – European National Parks Day - Initiated by the EUROPARC Federation (Home - EUROPARC Federation), this day celebrates large-scale protected areas and aims to raise public awareness about their value. It also reminds us of the importance of preserving Europe’s natural, cultural, and historical heritage through responsible stewardship.
- New Food Forum 2025: The Future of Food in the Czech Republic – The conference highlighted retail commitments to making plant-based products more accessible, and explored the near-future arrival of cultivated meat to the European market (within 1–2 years). Legislative support and openness to innovation will be crucial. Consumers are increasingly drawn to plant-based alternatives – not only for health benefits but also due to sustainability concerns. More information here: New Food Forum - ProVeg Česko.
- World Fair Trade Day – Observed on the second Saturday in May, this day supports fair working conditions for farmers and artisans in the Global South. In the Czech Republic, the Fair Breakfast event (Férová snídaně - Fairtrade Česko a Slovensko) has been held since 2011, engaging thousands of people in nearly 200 local communities. It aims to raise awareness of fair trade and promote sustainable supply chains.