Upon the invitation by Rector Václav Hampl, Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, Mr. Josef Dobeš, visited Charles University. In the company of Professor Hampl, he went round to several departments at the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Arts, marveled at the historical halls of the Karolinum building and discussed the pressing issues in higher education.

Minister Dobeš started his visit in the Prague neighbourhood of Albertov, the location of the Faculty of Science, meeting its Dean, Professor Bohuslav Gaš. The first researcher to present her work was Dr. Jana Roithová from the Department of Organic and Nuclear Chemistry, who had received the prestigious ERC Starting Grant ISORI (Ion Spectroscopy of Reaction Intermediates) worth 1,294,800 Euro for the 60 months project. Jana Roithová succeeded in designing a unique apparatus consisting of several interconnected spectrometers and a so-called cold trap for reaction by-products. Minister then continued to other departments and discussed the plans of the future Albertov campus.

At the Faculty of Arts, Minister Dobeš had the opportunity to observe the broad and unique spectrum of programmes offered by the university. Charles University is the only Czech institution to teach a programme in Egyptology. Professor Ladislav Bareš, the head of the Czech Institute of Egyptology, briefed the Minister about the unique programme, its publications and the research conducted at the archeological site in Abúsír. Rector Hampl also invited the Minister to the historical Karolinum building and showed him the traditional insignia used in academic ceremonies. Towards the end of the visit, Minister Dobeš sat down with Rector Hampl and other university officials to debate the future of the university and other issues facing Czech higher education.

More photos from Minister Dobeš’s visit at Charles University

(Lucie Kettnerová)

Translation: Jaroslav Švelch