Strategic Directions
Palacký University Olomouc categorises itself as a scientific university. In addition to quality teaching, its employees and students have leading shown in outstanding performance in the fields of science and research. They have at their disposition modern facilities equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, the leading positions taken by science-research centres with international acclaim. And due to its outstanding publications in the areas of science and research, Palacký University has placed in international rankings (Best Global Universities Rankings, Scimago Institutions Rankings).
Key Directions in Research
Key research activities are directed toward biomedicine and biotechnology. Since 2012 this has been achieved especially by the Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, which is aimed mainly at research into tumorous and infectious diseases, and the development of new diagnostic procedures and medicines. A new building addition, The Theoretical Institutes of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, further extended the scientific and teaching capacity of Palacký University.
Olomouc scientists have achieved outstanding results especially in the fields of Optics, Plant Molecular and Cell Biology, Material Chemistry and Nanotechnology, Ornithology, and Particle Physics. The Regional Centre for Advanced Technologies and Materials is concerned mainly with chemical, material, and optical research. Workers at the Centre for the Haná Region for Biotechnical and Agricultural Research are also at the top of their fields worldwide. They have a number of successes, from improving the qualities of barley via genetic modifications to decoding the bread wheat genome sequence.
The newly established Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN) connects scientific and research capacities in the fields of biomedical research, nanotechnology and new materials and plant research. The university institute was established in January 2021 by integrating the scientific teams of the CRH, RCPTM and IMTM centres.
Science and research are being conducted at other faculties as well. The influence of German intellectuals on Czech culture is being studied by experts at the Research Centre for German Moravian Literature. Important works of European Christian culture are being made available to the public by the Centre for Patristic, Medieval and Renaissance Texts at the Sts Cyril and Methodius Faculty of Theology. The Faculty of Education is using its new research-educational complex with unique speech therapy laboratory, a lab for the visually impaired, and other specialised workplaces.
In 2016, the BALUO Application Centre was opened at the Faculty of Physical Culture. It combines research into movement and lifestyle with everyday life. Forming a bridge between theory and practise, the Centre for Clinical Law Education at the Faculty of Law is recognised as a leader in Clinical Law Education at both Czech and international universities.