Palacký University has joined the EUniverCities network and participated in an international meeting in Innsbruck
Palacký University Olomouc has recently become part of the international EUniverCities network, which connects European university cities with the aim of strengthening cooperation between the academic community and local governments. This network creates a platform for sharing experiences, developing joint projects, and seeking innovative solutions in areas such as sustainable urban development, social cohesion, health, and quality of life for residents.
International Meeting in Innsbruck
The first active step as part of the membership was the participation of university representatives in the EUniverCities network meeting, which took place on March 25–27, 2026, in Innsbruck, Austria. The meeting was titled “Moving forward: Universities and Cities Shaping Health and Social Cohesion through Sport” and focused on the role of sport as a tool for promoting health, well-being, and social cohesion in cities.
The conference emphasized that sport is not merely a physical activity but an important element that influences quality of life, the integration of diverse population groups, and sustainable urban development. Discussions centered on how universities, in collaboration with cities, can contribute to creating healthier, more inclusive, and more resilient communities.
The meeting’s programme offered a combination of keynote lectures, panel discussions, workshops, and practical activities. Key topics included, for example, promoting an active lifestyle and daily physical activity as a tool for improving public health, the role of sport in strengthening social inclusion and equal opportunities, collaboration between universities and cities in planning and implementing sports strategies, and the use of public spaces and the natural environment for sustainable sports activities.
Membership in the EUniverCities network gives Palacký University the opportunity to actively participate in shaping the European agenda in the area of university-city cooperation. At the same time, it allows the university to share its own experiences and draw inspiration from the proven approaches of international partners.
The meeting in Innsbruck was attended on behalf of Palacký University by Tereza Kalousková, Head of the Partnership Department and coordinator of activities in the EUniverCities network for UP, and Simona Šafaříková from the Faculty of Science. Their participation contributed to establishing new contacts, sharing experiences, and identifying specific opportunities for cooperation in the area of university-city partnerships, particularly in the fields of health, sports, and social cohesion.
Participation in EUniverCities thus confirms the university’s long-term commitment to strengthening international cooperation and playing an active role in the society in which it operates.
