This time, the program commemorated not only the father of genetics, but also the importance of fire for humans, nature, technological development, and art.
The ceremonial opening of Mendel Days took place in the refectory of the Augustinian Abbey in Old Brno, where lectures were also held on both days (November 5 and 6). Jiří Hanuš, Vice-Dean for Academic and Cultural Affairs, introduced the theme of the year with a quote from Aristotle's Cosmology. The recent state award given to molecular biologist and geneticist Šárka Pospíšilová and the sad passing of geographer and founder of the Mendel Polar Station Pavel Prošek were also commemorated.
"I am very happy that the tradition of Mendel Days has now reached its sixth year. When we were thinking about it a few years ago, we had no idea that the event would take on such dimensions. It is truly wonderful to see the refectory filled with our students and other interested parties," said Rector Martin Bareš in his opening speech, thanking everyone for their participation, especially Father Juan Provech.
The program on the first day also included other lectures in the series Four Elements: We Burn for Knowledge. Antonín Přichystal from the Department of Geological Sciences at the Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, spoke on the topic "Fire – the element that humans stole from the gods." Vít Kudrle from the Department of Plasma Physics and Technology at the Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, attempted to explain whether fire is truly one of the basic elements that make up the world.
Last week, 125 first-year bachelor's students were awarded scholarships support successful students in teaching programs. The faculty wants to encourage and motivate those who could become teachers in science subjects, where there is a shortage of teachers.
New observations made with the ERIS instrument at the Very Large Telescope (European Southern Observatory) facility disprove the assumption that the supermassive black hole at the centre of the Milky Way devours nearby dusty objects. Michal Zajaček from Masaryk University was part of the research study,...
