VŠEvěda took place – all about science at VŠE

VŠEvěda – this is a university-wide introduction to scientific, mobility and grant opportunities.  The first ever VŠEvěda was held on 17 and 18 May 2023 under the auspices of the Research Office (OVV). All the scientific opportunities available within the VŠE, nationally and internationally, were presented.

The VŠEvěda was thematically divided into four blocks. The event was opened by the Vice-Rector for Science, Research and Doctoral Studies, Prof. Martin Lukeš, who presented the newly approved directive for administrative procedures in the preparation and implementation of scientific research projects at the VŠE (SR 1/2023). He also stressed that the VŠE strategically emphasizes the involvement in national and international research projects, which is now illustrated by 8 successful GA CR projects for the year 2023 and also by a number of submitted project proposals into winter calls of the Horizon Europe programme, all of which have fully benefited from the support of the OVV.

The first morning was devoted to the services of OVV and the opportunities offered by the VŠE for PhD students and academics in the field of science and mobility. For those interested, the so-called catalogue of support was presented, under which academic and research staff and doctoral students can apply for financial support, as well as the internal grant competition of the VŠE. Furthermore, the possibilities of assistance for faculties or individual departments in employing foreigners and the services offered by OVV for integrating foreign researchers were presented.

Last but not least, the opportunities for involvement in the popularization of science, which is being developed at the University of Economics, were presented, in which even junior researchers can participate.

The afternoon of 17 May was dedicated to the national schemes of the Grant and Technology Agency of the Czech Republic (GA CR and TA CR). During the panel discussion of current holders of GA CR grants at the VŠE, which was attended by doc. Jitka Langhamrová (by proxy) and Dr. Markéta Majerová from the Faculty of Informatics and Statistics, Dr. Zbyněk Dubský from the Faculty of International Relations and Dr. Tomáš Miklánek from the Faculty of Business Administration, the panelists exchanged their experiences with obtaining a GA ČR grant and advised those interested in these projects what is the ideal profile of applicants or how much time they should plan for preparation of a high-quality project application.

The second day of the VŠEvěda event focused on the possibilities of international research projects. Project schemes of the Horizon Europe programme, but also, for example, COST, Interreg or the J.W. Fulbright Commission were presented; as well as the possibilities of support and cooperation that the OVV now offers with regard to involvement in international research projects. In addition to the standard services in the form of individual consultations, screening of potential calls, peer-review of project proposals and administrative support, OVV is launching a call for quality project proposals for international science and research project schemes in which the VŠE will act as a consortium coordinator. The supported project plan will receive extraordinary support from the Rector’s Office in the form of an opportunity to individually consult the approved project plan with external experts on the EU Framework Programmes.

The afternoon was devoted to a workshop where participants learned how to use the ANLUPA application, which is used to effectively search for grant opportunities, and which can now be fully used by VŠE employees. ANLUPA was presented by Dr. Pavel Koudelák from CTU, who was part of the original team that developed the application. Furthermore, the possibilities of searching through the EU portal (Funding & tender opportunities) and the possibilities of searching for suitable consortia through the Crowdhelix Network, of which VŠE is a part.

VŠEvěda welcomed not only experienced researchers, but especially junior researchers and PhD students, who were advised on many aspects of their budding scientific careers. Take a look at the photos from the event and if you have any questions for the organisers or missed any of the presentations, please contact us at researchoffice@vse.cz.