VSB - Technical University of Ostrava (VSB–TUO) supports transparent governance, academic freedom, ethical conduct and stakeholder participation. Through its governance bodies, publicly available institutional documents, research activities and events, the University contributes to dialogue and cooperation with public authorities, industry and the wider community.
(16.2.1 Elected representation)
The Academic Senate of VSB-TUO is the elected self-governing body of VSB - Technical University of Ostrava. Its members are elected from among the University's academic community and represent both academic staff and students. Each faculty is represented by members of the Academic Chamber and the Student Chamber. Representatives serve three-year terms, and meetings of the Academic Senate are open to the public. The Student Chamber of the Academic Senate of VSB-TUO represents students within the University's elected governance structure. Student representatives participate in decisions concerning the University's development and operation, including the election of the Rector and the approval of key university documents and the budget.
Through the Academic Senate, academic staff and students have formal representation in university governance and participate in decision-making on matters affecting the institution.
Academic Senate of VSB-TUO | Student Chamber of the Academic Senate of VSB-TUO
(16.2.2 Students' union)
VSB–TUO supports student participation in University life through formal representation and a range of student organisations. The Student Chamber of the Academic Senate of VSB-TUO provides students with a formal channel for representing their interests and contributing to University decision-making. In addition to formal representation, a range of student organisations provides opportunities for students to participate in extracurricular, professional, cultural and social activities. These organisations contribute to student engagement, cooperation and the development of skills beyond formal study.
Student Chamber of the Academic Senate of VSB–TUO | Student Organisations
(16.2.3 Identify and engage with local stakeholders & 16.2.4. Participatory bodies for stakeholder engagement)
VSB - Technical University of Ostrava has a long history of intensive collaboration with the private sector, utilising various forms of cooperation. The University takes pride in its continuously deepening and expanding partnerships with both private companies and the public sector. These partnerships support VSB-TUO’s educational, research, and innovation activities, enhancing its connection to industry and the broader community. VSB-TUO collaborates closely with the Regional Government Authority to develop international education and research initiatives that benefit society in the Moravian-Silesian Region.
Administrative Board: The Administrative Board of VSB - Technical University of Ostrava contributes to University governance by approving the budget, strategic objectives and Annual Reports on Activities, and providing prior written consent for certain legal acts as required by law. Its responsibilities are defined by the Higher Education Act and the Statutes of the Administrative Board.
Industrial Board: The Industrial Board of VSB - Technical University of Ostrava serves as an advisory body to the Rector and strengthens the University's links with businesses and industry. It provides a formal channel for external stakeholders to contribute their perspectives on the University's strategic development, particularly in education, research and innovation. Its activities are governed by the Rules of Procedure of the Industrial Board.
Pedagogical Board: The Pedagogical Board of VSB - Technical University of Ostrava supports cooperation between VSB–TUO and secondary schools. Chaired by the Rector, it includes representatives of secondary schools with which the University maintains long-term cooperation, as well as members of the University's academic community and other staff. The Board provides a platform for ongoing dialogue on education, research and innovation and helps strengthen links between secondary and higher education.
(16.2.5 University principles on corruption and bribery)
VSB–TUO promotes ethical conduct, academic integrity and transparency in decision-making. These principles are set out in the University's Code of Ethics and its Commitment to Social Responsibility and Sustainability, which states: “We promote ethical conduct, academic integrity and transparency in decision-making, prevent conflicts of interest and act in accordance with the Code of Ethics of VSB–TUO.”
The University also maintains an internal Methodology for Preventing Conflicts of Interest and Corruption in Projects Funded by the National Recovery Plan (NPO). This methodology establishes procedures to support transparent and ethical conduct in the implementation of projects financed through the National Recovery Plan.
Code of Ethics of VSB–TUO | Commitment to Social Responsibility and Sustainability
(16.2.6 Academic freedom policy)
VSB - Technical University of Ostrava has a policy that supports academic freedom. In addition to Article 6 of the Statutes of VSB-TUO, which guarantees academic freedoms and rights in accordance with the law, the Code of Ethics of VSB-TUO rfurther affirms these principles, stating that employees and students uphold freedom of speech, freedom of critical thinking, the right to independent research and openness to discussion.
(16.2.7 Publish financial data)
VSB - Technical University of Ostrava publishes its financial data annually. The Annual Financial Report ((Výroční zpráva o hospodaření VŠB–TUO) is issued as a standalone report, providing a comprehensive overview of the University's financial activities, including income, expenditures, and budget allocations. This report is available to the public, although it is currently accessible only in Czech. The publication of this report demonstrates the University’s commitment to financial transparency and accountability. The report can be accessed via the University's official notice board.
(16.3.1. Provide expert advice to government)
REFRESH project: VSB - Technical University of Ostrava contributes research expertise to regional development priorities through the REFRESH project. As its principal investigator, the University plays a key role in advancing the SMARAGD vision – a regional initiative focused on research, sustainable energy and technological innovation. The project supports the economic transformation of the Moravian-Silesian Region and addresses regional priorities related to environmental sustainability.
National Centre for Energy II (NCE II): VSB - Technical University of Ostrava leads the National Centre for Energy II, contributing research expertise to the development of energy technologies and solutions relevant to national priorities. Its External Centre Council includes representatives of key governmental and industry organisations, including the Energy Regulatory Office, the Moravian-Silesian Region and the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Through its strategic connection with the Centre for Advanced Nuclear Technologies II (CANUT II), NCE II extends its research scope to advanced nuclear technologies alongside renewable energy and energy storage. These activities contribute to the development of low-carbon and sustainable energy solutions in the Czech Republic. What NCE II strives for: We aim to develop a comprehensive strategy for a modern, low-carbon and sustainable energy industry, in line with national and international strategic documents, particularly the European Green Deal and Fit for 55. Our goal is to help the Czech Republic meet its commitments to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
Moravian-Silesian Hydrogen Cluster: VSB - Technical University of Ostrava is one of the main founders of the Moravian-Silesian Hydrogen Cluster, contributing its research expertise to the development of a regional hydrogen ecosystem. Through its participation, the University supports cooperation between research, industry and other stakeholders in advancing hydrogen technologies and their practical applications. The Cluster contributes to the clean energy transition and the long-term economic transformation of the Moravian-Silesian Region.
EU AI Scientific Panel: VSB - Technical University of Ostrava contributes specialist expertise to European-level policymaking through the appointment of two University experts, Professor Ivan Zelinka and Dr Jana Nowaková, to the EU AI Scientific Panel. Established under Article 68 of the EU AI Act, the Panel provides expert advice to the European AI Office and national authorities on the implementation of the Act and the assessment of risks associated with General-Purpose AI (GPAI) models. The appointments demonstrate the contribution of VSB–TUO experts to European policy development and the implementation of the regulatory framework for artificial intelligence.
REFRESH project | SMARAGD Vision | National Centre for Energy II | Moravian-Silesian Hydrogen Cluster | Appointments to the EU AI Scientific Panel
(16.3.2 Policy and lawmakers outreach and education)
VSB–TUO contributes to continuing education and professional development through courses and seminars offered beyond its accredited degree programmes. These activities provide opportunities for professionals and public-sector employees to develop practical knowledge and skills relevant to their work. The Faculty of Economics offers a range of Practice-Oriented Courses, including programmes in leadership, human resource management, accounting, demographic studies and other areas of professional development. These activities support continuing education and capacity-building among professionals, including people working in municipal and other public organisations.
Faculty of Economics – Practice-Oriented Courses (available in Czech)
(16.3.3 Participation in government research)
VSB–TUO undertakes research that addresses public challenges and contributes evidence, expertise and technological solutions relevant to regional and national priorities. Examples include research in energy, environmental sustainability and cybersecurity.
Examples include:
REFRESH project: Through the REFRESH project, VSB–TUO cooperates with academic and industrial partners on research and innovation supporting the transformation of the Moravian-Silesian Region. The project addresses regional challenges related to sustainable energy, technological development and economic transformation.
CyberCert-CZ: The CyberCert-CZ project is implemented jointly by VSB–TUO and the Electrotechnical Testing Institute (EZÚ), a Czech state enterprise. It is funded by the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic and developed under the strategic umbrella of the National Cyber and Information Security Agency (NÚKIB). The project aims to strengthen national cybersecurity certification and testing capacities in line with the European EUCC scheme. VSB–TUO participates in the project through its Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.
DECOSIS: Coordinated by VSB–TUO, the DECOSIS project develops an AI-based system for processing image and sensor data from groups of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Funded under the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic's PRODEF programme for applied research in the defence industry, the project brings together VSB–TUO, the University of Defence and industry partners. The system is intended to support automatic object detection, classification and localisation, with applications in both defence and civilian security. VSB–TUO participates in the project through its Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.
CEVOOH – Centre of Environmental Research: Through its participation in the Centre of Environmental Research (CEVOOH), VSB–TUO contributes to applied research addressing national environmental challenges, particularly waste management, the circular economy and environmental security. The project was established to meet the applied research needs of the Czech Ministry of the Environment, which is the main user of its research results. The Centre provides research findings, scientific expertise and professional support to the Ministry and other public institutions in the development of policies, strategies and regulations. VSB–TUO participates in the project through its Faculty of Safety Engineering.
(16.3.4 Neutral platform to discuss issues)
VSB–TUO provides opportunities for public discussion and exchange of views on important societal, economic, political, technological and environmental challenges. Through events organised by its faculties and in cooperation with public institutions, industry and other partners, the University brings together representatives of different sectors and members of the academic community.
Examples include:
Visit of Members of the Czech Parliament (11 May 2026): VSB–TUO welcomed ten Members of the Czech Parliament elected in the Moravian-Silesian Region. University representatives and MPs discussed issues including technical education, the future of industry, energy, digitalisation, security technologies, public university funding and higher education legislation. The meeting provided an opportunity for direct dialogue between elected representatives and the University on current regional and national challenges.
Roundtable on the European Green Deal and its impact on regional industry (21 May 2024): The Faculty of Materials Science and Technology organised a roundtable discussion on the impact of the European Green Deal on industry in the European Union and the Moravian-Silesian Region. The event brought together candidates for the European Parliament from different political parties, representatives of regional industry, academics and students. Participants discussed the implications of the green transition for regional businesses, including sustainable industrial development, environmental technologies, project financing and employment. The event provided an opportunity for political, academic and business stakeholders to exchange views on a major European and regional policy issue.
Members of the Chamber of Deputies from the Moravian-Silesian Region Visit VSB–TUO | Green Deal Debate at VSB–TUO