On Tuesday, 27 October 2026, an informal meeting of the HR Award Focus Group took place at the Ostrava Planetarium. The event marked the beginning of a new stage in developing cooperation with international researchers working at our university. The friendly atmosphere was also enhanced by the presence of some of the researchers' children, who were able to enjoy the programme together with their parents.
The aim of the meeting was to get to know each other and lay the foundations for an open dialogue about the working environment at the university, sharing experiences and identifying opportunities for improvement in areas based on the principles of the European Charter for Researchers. The main topics we will explore together with this group of researchers include working conditions, career development, equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion, well-being and internal communication.
The establishment of the HR Award Focus Group represents an important step in preparing for the European Commission's assessment, which the university will undergo in 2027. This assessment will determine whether the HR Excellence in Research Award will be renewed. The feedback and experiences shared by the group members will help us better understand the needs of the international research community and further develop the working environment at VSB-TUO, making it open, supportive and attractive to staff from different countries and professional backgrounds.
The programme at the planetarium provided an enjoyable afternoon for everyone. After a welcome and a group photo in the projection hall, participants enjoyed a guided presentation of the night sky, followed by a film about the universe. After the screening, they had the opportunity to explore the planetarium's interactive exhibitions and talk in an informal setting.
The visit to the planetarium was the first of two planned meetings for the group this autumn. The second meeting, which will focus on specific topics and involve more in-depth discussions, will take place at the end of November 2026. Group members will have the opportunity to share their experiences and suggestions on specific areas for improving the working environment at VSB-TUO.
Thank you all for contributing to such a wonderful atmosphere. We look forward to continuing and further developing our cooperation!