The Faculty implements a range of activities aimed at improving awareness of scientific and research activities, promoting public interest in science, and developing collaboration with the general public; namely in the overview of current research topics in agronomy, sustainable agriculture, climate change and innovation in nutrition, active animal health, and related topics.
Popularisation Lectures and Seminars
The Faculty of AgriSciences is regularly involved in educational activities and professional seminars aimed mainly at the agricultural community, often in cooperation with the Czech Technology Platform for Agriculture (CTPZ). The seminars focus on current topics in agriculture such as innovation, sustainability, precision agriculture, soil conservation and more. The Faculty of AgriSciences participates in the professional support of these events through lecturers, sharing of research outputs and presentation of the latest scientific knowledge, thus contributing to the deepening of professional discussion and application of innovative methods in practice.
Educational Exhibitions and Workshops
The Faculty of AgriSciences regularly organises thematic exhibitions and workshops focusing on various aspects of agriculture and the environment, including nature conservation, biodiversity and organic farming. The exhibitions are enriched with hands-on activities and interactive presentations that allow visitors to deepen their knowledge and understanding of these important topics.
Every year, these activities involve:
Popularisation of Science and Research: Researchers’ Night – The Faculty, or rather the University, regularly participates in this festival, where it exhibits its research projects and innovations. Visitors have the opportunity to see the laboratories, learn about current research and discuss with scientists. The programme includes interactive activities such as experiments, workshops, live demonstrations and presentations that are designed to be both entertaining and educational. Each edition of the Researchers’ Night has a specific theme, not only in the field of agronomy and environmental science, but also across broader scientific fields.
Science for Citizens – The Faculty of AgriSciences actively supports Citizen Science projects that enable the general public to get involved in scientific research. An initiative in this field is a long term project Intersucho, allows experts and the public to monitor the impact of drought in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Although it primarily targets professionals (farmers, foresters), the regular collection of data from respondents who monitor the situation on their land contributes to the creation of a scientific database. The data helps not only scientific research but also practice – for example, providing farmers with valuable information for yield planning and responding to climate change. In this way, the public is also involved in monitoring environmental change.
Open Days – The Faculty of AgriSciences regularly organises Open Days, which are an opportunity for the general public, students and potential applicants to visit the Faculty’s research laboratories and farms. During these days, visitors have the opportunity to learn about current research projects and innovations, meet experts from different areas of agriculture and get detailed information about study programmes. Open days are usually held twice a year.
Podcasts, Panel Debates and Cooperation with Media
The Faculty of AgriSciences effectively uses modern technology to disseminate scientific information and popularise research to the wider public through podcasts and a YouTube channel. These media focus on a wide range of topics including news on sustainable agriculture, research into new technologies and other current scientific issues. The faculty is also actively involved in organising panel discussions and public debates on current scientific and societal topics such as climate change, the future of agriculture and new approaches to environmental protection. These meetings serve as a platform for academics to share their expertise with the wider public and engage them in a debate on key issues affecting our future. An example of such a public forum is the VIDA! science park in Brno, which organises interactive exhibitions and discussions for different age groups. The same, our faculty actively communicates with local and national media, where it presents scientific outputs and research, which contributes to better public awareness. Examples of this cooperation are the appearances of Faculty experts in various media. E.g. In 2023, the Faculty of AgriSciences received a unique 457 media mentions and 36 press releases. The most frequent mentions are in the so-called public service media.