Representatives of Masaryk University visited Brussels from 9 to 11 February to to discuss the European Union’s new multiannual financial framework for the period after 2027, cohesion policy, and the proposed European Competitiveness Fund. The delegation also included David Vetchý, the Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy.
The delegation was led by Professor Radim Polčák, Vice-Rector for Development, Legislation, and Information Technology at Masaryk University. The programme included a series of meetings with key European and national institutions, including representatives from CZELO, the Czech Liaison Office for Education and Research in Brussels, the European Commission (DG RTD, DG DEFIS), and the European Defence Agency (EDA).
Strategic topics: esearch, innovation, and Europe’s competitiveness
The main part of the discussions focused on upcoming changes in the architecture of European funding, particularly:
Discussions also touched on the role of universities in the newly proposed National and Regional Partnership Plan, where their position is expected to be strengthened not only as recipients of funding but as key strategic partners in setting investment priorities.
Benefits for the Faculty of Pharmacy MU
The participation of Prof. David Vetchý, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy MU, underscored the importance of pharmaceutical and biomedical research in the context of European priorities. The topics discussed are closely related to areas in which the faculty has strong research capabilities—particularly biotechnology, healthcare, pharmaceutical innovation, and the translation of research findings into practice.
“The visit to Brussels helped Masaryk University better navigate the upcoming changes to European programmes and strengthened its position for future involvement in strategic international consortia and EU investment initiatives,” adds Dean Vetchý.
Gregor Johann Mendel, the founder of modern genetics and famous abbot from Brno, is best known for his experiments with peas. However, new research reveals a little-known fact: Mendel ordered cannabis seeds and was able to grow them in the monastery’s greenhouse. Jakub Treml, the Vice Dean for External Relations, Strategy, and Development, has published a very interesting article on this topic, which you can now read as well.
Between 7-11 March, San Antonio in Texas hosted a prestigious international conference and exposition on laboratory science. One of the presenters was our very own, Dr Václav Trojan from the faculty's Department of Natural Drugs. He showcased his work on Medicinal Cannabis Plants, In Vitro Cultivation and Standardized Production.
