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SDG 4: Quality Education

As a socially responsible educational institution, VSB - Technical University of Ostrava focuses not only on its students but also on the broader community. We collaborate with educational institutions at all levels, operate a kindergarten for employees’ and students’ families, and offer technical programmes for primary and secondary schools both on campus and at their locations. Additionally, we support lifelong learning through the University of the Third Age and host public events, including a permanent geological exhibit and planetarium programmes managed by our Faculty of Mining and Geology. Our commitment to quality and social responsibility is also reflected in our ISO 9001 certification, held since 2007.

4.3 Lifelong learning measures

4.3.1 Public resources (lifelong learning)

Library access 

University employees and students, as well as the public, have the right to use the VSB-TUO Central Library services after registration and the issuance or activation of a library user card. After registering, these users can use the library's facilities, which include lending and study rooms at all branches, photocopying and scanning equipment, computers with internet access, and two computer rooms equipped with a dataprojector. Additionally, special compensatory aids are available for users with special needs. Non-registered users can visit the library once per day for in-house use of documents from the collection.

Our library also offers a range of electronic resources that are accessible online. 

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Modern Applications of Mathematics Course (MODAM)

This course, offered by the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, is tailored for secondary school teachers and has been running since 2014. It is accredited by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, and attendees receive a certificate upon completion. Participation in the seminar is free of charge. 

The morning sessions are led by experienced educators from the Department of Applied Mathematics at VSB-TUO, who are dedicated to promoting mathematics beyond their university roles. They teach students and secondary school teachers, supervise research projects, organize lectures for Olympiad participants, and actively engage in collaborative projects with secondary schools.

Find out more at https://modam.vsb.cz/2023/index.php (avilable in Czech).

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4.3.2. Public events (lifelong learning)

The popularisation of science and technology is an integral part of our commitment to social responsibility.

At VSB – Technical University of Ostrava, we are dedicated to making science and research accessible to all through a wide range of public events. Our initiatives focus on popularising science, fostering research, and supporting entrepreneurship within the community. From educational activities and public lectures to summer schools and camps, we open our doors to learners of all ages and backgrounds.

As a public institution in the education sector, we are committed to social responsibility. Our daily operations and long-term strategy reflect this commitment, as we strive to make a positive impact on society at all levels. Through our socially responsible initiatives, we not only aim to educate but also to inspire the next generation of thinkers, innovators, and creators.

Our flagship events, such as the Art & Science Festival and Researcher’s Night, bring science and art together in dynamic and engaging formats. These events are designed to spark curiosity and provide hands-on experience in science and technology. In addition to these event, we welcome visitors to Improve Your Tech Skills Day with VSB-TUO and weekend workshops like Get to Know the University.

Popularistaion for the general public: https://www.vsb.cz/popularizace/cs/ (available in Czech)

Art & Science Festival

The festival, which has been organised by the University since 2014, offers a fresh perspective on science, led by our students, graduates, and faculty. Attendees can enjoy a mix of activities, from interactive demonstrations, technical workshops, and competitions to art workshops, exhibitions, and concerts performed by talented members of our community.

Find out more at https://www.vsb.cz/cs/o-univerzite/kalendar/art-and-science/. 

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Researchers’ Night

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VSB – Technical University of Ostrava (VSB-TUO) is proud to participate in Researchers’ Night, an event that unlocks the doors to hundreds of science facilities usually closed to the public. For one exciting evening, visitors can explore our laboratories and lecture halls, witness thrilling experiments, and engage with the latest topics in science and research. This event welcomes everyone—from children and adults —who share a passion for discovery. 

Find out more at https://www.nocvedcu.cz/en/organization/vsb-technical-university-of-ostrava.  

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Mineralogical meeting

The Faculty of Mining and Geology at host the Spring Mineralogical Meeting annualy. Each year, around 1,500 visitors attend this sales exhibition featuring minerals, fossils, and natural products, where more than 100 exhibitors from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Poland present an array of minerals and fossils from around the world, as well as handcrafted jewelry, decorations, geological and mining-related items, and specialised literature.

The exhibition also includes a complementary programme focused on geoscience and environmental themes, prepared by staff and students from the Faculty of Mining and Geology. Visitors can enjoy demonstrations of mineral polishing, slate splitting, and microscopy work. Attendees have the opportunity to find fossils or minerals in sand, create geo-jewelry or candles, and try fun activities related to waste sorting.

Throughout the event, the extensive mineralogical, petrografical, regional geological, paleontological, and deposit collections of the Geological Pavilion of Prof. Pošepný are open to the public free of charge.

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4.3.3. Vocational training events (lifelong learning)

We offer education beyond classical accredited study programmess, also in the form of courses and seminars. Through these initiatives, VSB-TUO demonstrates its commitment to providing accessible education for diverse community members.

Lifelong Learning Centre

Our Lifelong Learning Centre provides a variety of computer training courses available to the public, primarily aimed at retraining unemployed individuals for roles such as programmers, network specialists, and server administrators.

Find out more at https://kurzy.vsb.cz/ (available in Czech).

University of the Third Age

The University of the Third Age offers educational opportunities for elderly individuals, providing general and non-professional education at the university level. This program encourages lifelong learning, allowing participants to engage with contemporary developments in science and technology and expand their knowledge. U3A is implemented by several faculties, e.g. the Faculty of Mining and Geology - U3A, the Faculty of Economics - U3A (available in Czech), the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering - U3A (available in Czech) etc.

HR Academy

The HR Academy, guaranteed by the Faculty of Economics and the Czech Confederation of Industry and Transportation, offers practical courses in the field of human resource management, specifically designed for managers of companies and organisations. What sets these courses apart is that they are taught by experienced HR managers who possess extensive professional backgrounds. Graduates of the courses receive a certificate issued by the Faculty of Economics, with certificates also awarded for the completion of individual modules. Classes take place in the Faculty of Economics, ensuring a modern and conducive learning environment. This unique approach ensures that participants gain valuable real-world insights and skills that can be directly applied to their roles in human resources.

Find out more at https://www.ekf.vsb.cz/kurzy/cs/nabidka-kurzu/kurzy-z-praxe/hr-akademie/ (available in Czech). 

Leadership

This comprehensive programme led by experienced professionals with extensive backgrounds from various types of companies, provides modern tools for effectively leading people within work teams, fostering a connection to their organisation, and achieving personal success in a leadership role. The content and activities of the programme offer a pathway to understanding how, when, and where to lead people, how to build relationships and trust within a work team, how to effectively manage change in a company, how to communicate successfully, how to minimize stress, and more. Participants learn about contemporary approaches and methods of people management, as well as self-management techniques. The instruction is conducted in an interactive format, allowing participants from different companies and industries to enrich each other with their diverse experiences and perspectives. The programme is divided into three interconnected two-day modules. The course is offered to individual participants as a whole or as standalone topics (days). There is also the option to arrange a customised (in-house) course tailored to specific needs based on individual agreements.

Find out more at https://www.ekf.vsb.cz/kurzy/cs/nabidka-kurzu/kurzy-z-praxe/leadership/ (available in Czech). 

In addition, the Faculty of Economics offers short courses lasting 1 to 2 days, taught by both faculty instructors from VSB-TUO and external practitioners. These for example include: the Demographic Studies Focusing on Population Development Course; the Basics of Accounting for Business Entities Course; the Internal Accounting and Its Practical Use Course; the Legal Regulation and Accounting of Non-Profit Organisations Course; the Microsoft Excel Course etc. 

Find out more at https://www.ekf.vsb.cz/kurzy/cs/nabidka-kurzu/kurzy-z-praxe/leadership/ (available in Czech). 

Engineering Pedagogy

This course is part of the lifelong learning programme at VSB – Technical University of Ostrava and is focused on enhancing the pedagogical, psychological, and didactic expertise of academic staff and both internal and external doctoral students in technical fields. The course emphasises European standards outlined in the Engineering Pedagogy curriculum developed by the International Society for Engineering Pedagogy (Internationale Gesellschaft für Ingenieurpädagogik) – IGIP. Graduates of the education programme "Pedagogical Studies for Teachers of Technical Subjects" obtain a certificate of pedagogical competence to teach technical subjects in the field of their university qualification at the secondary level. This study is accredited by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports and the International Society for Engineering Pedagogy, enabling graduates to obtain the international title "ING-PAED-IGIP."

Find out more at https://www.vsb.cz/711/cs/studium/studium-igip/ (available in Czech). 

For more information visit

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4.3.4. Education outreach activities beyond campus

VSB – Technical University of Ostrava is actively engaged in educational outreach activities beyond its campus, focusing on local schools and the community. We have developed an extensive array of initiatives, including tailored lectures, competitions, and workshops, all designed to popularise science and technology among diverse audiences.

As part of our Improve Your Tech Skills project, we visit numerous schools each year, delivering engaging presentations and hands-on experiences that complement existing curricula. Our outreach team creates customised lectures that align with school projects and educational days, ensuring that the content is relevant and beneficial to students.

We understand the importance of adaptability in our programmes; therefore, the content of our workshops can be modified to meet the specific needs of each school, considering factors such as the students' age, knowledge level, and particular interests. This flexibility enables us to provide a meaningful educational experience that resonates with the students.

For more information about our outreach efforts, you can explore the Improve Your Tech Skills website at https://www.zlepsisitechniku.vsb.cz/en/schools/. 

We actively participate in major festivals such as Colours of Ostrava – Meltingpot, Days of Technology, and NATO Days, as well as the Open Days of the City of Ostrava and the Regional Office of the Moravian-Silesian Region.

One of the key advocates for clean and efficient energy is the Smokeman, a member of the Energy Research Centre, who conducts an educational roadshow aimed at both children and adults. 

4.3.5. Lifelong learning access policy

VSB – Technical University of Ostrava is committed to the principles of equal treatment, non-discrimination, and equal opportunities. All employees associated with or collaborating with the University have the same opportunities, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, religion, or health status.

A key aspect of equal opportunities is gender equality, which emphasises equal visibility, equal status, and equal participation of all genders in both public and private spheres. This concept counters gender inequality, focusing on the full inclusion of both women and men in society.

In the autumn of 2021, VSB-TUO undertook a gender audit, and the final report is available here (available in Czech).

The findings of the gender audit, along with other initiatives aimed at enhancing gender equality within the University, are incorporated into the Gender Equality Plan.

The principles of equal opportunities are outlined in the following foundational documents of the University:

VSB-TUO employees and students oppose all forms of discrimination based on any ground, whether racial, ideological, health, political, religious or other." (Code of Ethics of VSB-TUO, Part 1: Common Principles, bullet point 6).

Find out more at https://www.vsb.cz/en/university/equal-opportunities/.