Czech vice-rectors and representatives of the Czech Academy of Sciences discussed the future of FP10, CZELO celebrated 20 years in Brussels
We held 2 important events in Brussels: study trip for vice-rectors for research & representatives of CAS and 20 years of CZELO.
On 22–24 September 2025, we organised two important events in Brussels. A two-day study trip for vice-rectors for research and representatives of the Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS) took place, followed by a celebration of 20 years of CZELO's activities in Brussels. Over the course of three days, participants had the opportunity not only to gain direct insight into European research and education policy, but also to celebrate twenty years of activity by the office, which supports Czech research and innovation and, since 2021, has also been involved in the field of education.
Study trip to Brussels for vice-rectors for research and representatives of the Czech Academy of Sciences
On September 22 and 23, the second study trip organised by the CZELO office took place in Brussels, this time for vice-rectors for research and representatives of the CAS. This year's visit followed on from the first trip in 2023, which focused on internationalisation and was very well received.
A total of twenty-one participants arrived in Brussels – five representatives of the Czech Academy of Sciences and sixteen vice-rectors of Czech public universities. The program offered them a varied mix of meetings, lectures, and discussions. On the first day, participants had a meeting with MEP Ondřej Krutílek and a tour of the European Parliament, including the opportunity to observe the proceedings of the European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE). "It was very inspiring to learn how European institutions work. At the same time, I had the opportunity to get a glimpse into the processes in Brussels and become more familiar with them," said Julie Smilnická (Czech Academy of Sciences), a participant in the study trip.
The morning programme of the second day was devoted to the European Commission's Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD). Participants were welcomed by Jean-David Malo, Director of the ERA & Innovation Section. The delegation members were then introduced to the priorities and activities of the individual departments of DG RTD, from career development and excellence in research to the European Innovation Council, open science, and research infrastructures.
The afternoon session brought practical experience and inspiration from abroad. Massimo Busuoli, Head of the Brussels Office of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), spoke about the importance of visibility in Brussels. Matúš Žiga from the Permanent Representation of the Czech Republic to the European Union outlined the current legislative agenda in the field of research and innovation, and Joep Roet, Deputy Director of the Netherlands House for Education and Research (Neth-ER), shared his experiences with effective communication between universities and European institutions.
"I would recommend the study trip to all vice-rectors," said another participant, Zdeněk Bezecný (UMPRUM). "Thanks to the new knowledge gained from this trip, we are no longer afraid of Brussels," he added. The program culminated in a joint round table with a Slovak delegation of vice-rectors who were on a study trip to Brussels organised by the Slovak Liaison Office for Research and Development in Brussels (SLORD). The round table discussion was followed by Czecho-Slovak networking, which opened up space for sharing experiences and seeking new opportunities for cooperation.
Celebration of 20 years of CZELO in Brussels
On Wednesday, September 24, the study trip of vice-rectors was followed by a festive program on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the founding of the CZELO office in Brussels. The programme was divided into two parts: the afternoon part was primarily intended for Czech partners and stakeholders, i.e., partner organisations from Czechia and Czechs working in EU institutions and associations in Brussels. The evening programme provided an opportunity for both Czech and international Brussels partners of the CZELO office to meet and celebrate the 20th anniversary.
The afternoon programme began with an opening speech by Michal Uhl, director of the Czech National Agency of International Education and Research (DZS) together with Ambassador Štěpán Černý. "Our country's openness is our strength, and we must take advantage of it right now. We are at an important moment, with a key debate on the future of European research underway," emphasised Ambassador Černý.
The opening speeches were followed by two panel discussions: the first panel featured Pavel Doleček, Deputy Minister for Science, Research and Innovation, Jiří Nantl, Deputy Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, and Michal Uhl, Director of DZS, discussing the topic of building a knowledge economy in the Czechia. During this panel, the speakers agreed that Czech universities are already driving the process towards a knowledge-based economy. "The role of universities is extremely important in this regard. They have a unique ability to connect local actors, such as regions, cities, and businesses, with the academic sphere. In addition, they are also significant regional employers," explained Michal Uhl.
The second panel focused on the role that the CZELO office has played and continues to play in supporting international cooperation in education, research, and innovation. This topic was discussed by former CZELO office heads David Kolman, head of the grant department at Interdisciplinary Transformation University Austria, Pavlína Pancová Šimková, vice-dean for integration into the European Research Area at Mendel University in Brno, Anna Vosečková, National Contact Point for Widening and ERA and EIT at the Technology Centre Prague, together with the current head of CZELO, Lenka Procházková. During the panel, the guests reminisced and recalled how the office's important events and activities, which are still ongoing today, came about. "The Science Café concept was created with the vision of informal meetings between prominent scientists and the public. At each Science Café, I had an agreement with the speaker that there would be no presentation. This was to ensure that the audience was involved and connected," said Pavlína Pancová Šimková.
This was followed by an evening program, which began with speeches by Vladimír Bärtl, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Czech Republic to the EU, Jiří Nantl, Deputy Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, and Pavel Doleček, Deputy Minister for Science, Research and Innovation. Naďa Koníčková, head of the National Information Center for European Research at the Technology Centre Prague, and Lenka Procházková, current head of the CZELO office, also gave introductory speeches. Naďa Koníčková recalled that the Technology Centre Prague was behind the creation of CZELO: "From the beginning, we have used our unique position in Brussels to defend the interests of Czech science and research. I am glad that the new team is continuing our work."
The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the cutting of the birthday cake, during which all the heads of the CZELO office reminisced about the office's successes and wished it all the best for the years to come, as well as a surprise in the form of a raffle. This offered participants 20 symbolic prizes related to Czech science, research, and education, and the lucky winners were able to take home items such as sugar cubes, nylon stockings, contact lenses, or an edition of Orbis pictus by John Amos Comenius.
