The Faculty of Education at Palacký University Olomouc has achieved significant success in this year's international assessment of research organizations within the higher education sector. It received the highest rating 'A', improving by one grade compared to the previous evaluation. Palacký University Olomouc as a whole also received the highest rating.
The assessment (on-site peer review) was conducted by an international evaluation panel (IEP) composed of ten renowned experts nominated by universities and approved by the Czech Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports. The panel was chaired by Professor Jean-Pierre Gesson, a French chemist, former Rector of the University of Poitiers, and an internationally recognized expert with extensive experience in European evaluation agencies.
The international evaluation panel particularly commended the fact that research conducted at Palacký University Olomouc yields tangible societal benefits and that its results are systematically translated into practice. In its report, the panel gave the Faculty of Education an exceptionally positive assessment, highlighting in particular the implementation of research projects with societal impact, the transfer of research findings into practice, and long-standing efforts to popularize science.
"Achieving the highest 'A' rating confirms that the Faculty of Education at Palacký University Olomouc is a respected research institution whose scientific outputs are significant not only for the academic community but also for educational practice and society as a whole. This recognition belongs to all the academic, research, and administrative staff who have long contributed to the advancement of science and research. At the same time, it represents a commitment to continue on this established path and to further strengthen the faculty's quality and international competitiveness," said Vojtech Regec, Dean of the Faculty of Education at Palacký University Olomouc.
At the same time, the evaluation results provide valuable feedback for the further strategic development of the faculty's scientific activities.
"For us, the international evaluation represents not only an acknowledgment of the results achieved but, above all, valuable feedback for the further strategic development of science and research. We will incorporate the evaluation panel's recommendations—particularly regarding the support of international cooperation, increased participation in prestigious European grant programs, the development of interdisciplinary research, and systematic support for early-career researchers—into our future plans," said Michaela Hřivnová, Vice-Dean for Science, Research, and Doctoral Studies.
"We also see significant potential for further strengthening the transfer of research results into practice, expanding collaboration with external partners, and enhancing the international visibility of our research activities through high-quality publications, more effective promotion, and targeted communication of scientific findings via our international platforms. At the same time, we aim to further develop an environment that fosters scientific excellence and motivates academic staff and doctoral students to engage in international collaboration and research with significant societal impact," added Michaela Hřivnová.
In response to the recommendations of the international evaluation panel, the faculty will also implement specific systemic measures to support the further development of science and research.
"We are already translating the international panel's recommendations into concrete measures. We are preparing to launch a Fund to support the commercialization of research results, which will facilitate the transfer of scientific knowledge to the application sector. At the same time, we are expanding educational activities for academic staff and doctoral students. As part of the 'Afternoon with Science' series, we are launching the Horizon Academy, aimed at strengthening researchers' skills in preparing international grant proposals and increasing the faculty's success rate in European grant competitions," concluded Michaela Hřivnová.
Only eight of the 33 public universities evaluated in this year's assessment of research organizations received the highest rating, "A." Alongside Palacký University Olomouc, the successful institutions included Charles University, Masaryk University, the Czech Technical University in Prague, Brno University of Technology, the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, the University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, and the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague.
Detailed evaluation results, including the report of the International Evaluation Panel (IEP), the provider's statement, and the conclusions of the tripartite meeting, are published on the Palacký University Olomouc website here. Complete evaluation results for all assessed higher education institutions are available on the website of the Czech Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports here.