The seal, sceptre, key, ring, and chain medal; the items symbolizing the rights and duties of Charles University’s Rector were handed over to Jiří Zima by his predecessor Milena Králíčková on 11 March at the Carolinum.

Ever since she was a little girl, she knew she wanted to be a pastor, or ‘at least’ a teacher. Today, Eliška Vančová wears a robe at the parish in Heřmanův Městec, pursues her doctorate at CU PROTESTANT, and in her free time, she paints and watches science fiction films. Thanks in part to her efforts, the Protestant Church has reevaluated its approach to the LGBTQ+ community.

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Professor Karel Malý, distinguished scholar of legal history and former Rector of Charles University, who died shortly before reaching the age of 96. He served in the leadership of Charles University from 1990, first as Vice-Rector, and subsequently as Rector between 1994 and 2000. May he rest in peace.

Charles University is opening seven new study programmes in the 2026–27 academic year at four faculties – the Faculty of Social Sciences, the Faculty of Science, the Faculty of Pharmacy and the Faculty of Law. They all share an emphasis on current topics, the international context, and the connection of theory and practice.

He considers virtual reality to be a powerful mode of immersing oneself in another person’s experiences, allowing one to empathize more deeply with their situation. His work touches on deeply personal topics such as depression, anxiety, and life during times of war.

Kryštof Verner and his team have been conducting field research in Ethiopia for more than ten years. Although his domain is geological and hydrogeological mapping, he knows that the problems of Ethiopia, which has long been teetering on the brink of poverty and war, must be viewed comprehensively.

Members of the Czech Rectors Conference met with representatives from universities across Thailand, associated with the Council of University Presidents of Thailand. On 27 January, the joint meeting took place at the Small Hall of the Carolinum, moderated by CRC President and then CU Rector Milena Králíčková.

In October 2023, Charles University unveiled its new visual identity. In accordance with it, we are gradually updating logos, merchandise, online presentations, template files, and other output to ensure that the communication brand has a consistent presence both outside and inside the university. From this day on, both main CU websites also feature the new visual style.

Jiří Zima has taken up the position of Rector for a four‑year term. He was elected by the Academic Senate of Charles University on 31 October 2025. In the second round of the election, he defeated Milena Králíčková, who had led the university since February 2022. Rector Zima’s primary goal is to restore trust in the institutional functioning of the country’s largest and oldest university.

In connection with the fire at the student dormitories in Prague's Břevnov district on the night of 29–30 January 2026, we are sharing information on psychological crisis support for those affected. A crisis psychological team from the CU Point is providing assistance on site. You can find them in the dormitory building in Block II/K18 in the meeting room.

On 22 January, Charles University awarded Professor Reinhard Bork, who supports research activities of academics at the Faculty of Law at Charles University, and Professor Jan Deprest, who collaborates with CU’s Third Faculty of Medicine.

How can research institutions remain open and collaborative while responding to growing security risks? What threats does research face today? And how can the agenda of research security be effectively implemented? These questions were at the heart of an international conference hosted by CU.