For two decades, the Czech Liaison Office for Education and Research in Brussels (CZELO) has been supporting Czech institutions, researchers, and students in engaging with European programmes in education, science, and innovation. At the anniversary celebration, the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology of Mendel University in Brno was represented by Vice-Dean for Integration into the European Research Area, Pavlína Pancová Šimková, who led the CZELO office between 2016 and 2019. She also joined the panel discussion “From the Czech Basin to Europe and Back – The Role of CZELO in Supporting European Cooperation in Education, Research, and Innovation.

“The discussion focused both on how CZELO helps Czech institutions succeed in the European environment and on specific examples of successful activities. When we talk about success, good examples include the projects EXCELLENTIA and EuAsiaN-ROOT, both coordinated by our faculty,” said Pavlína Pancová Šimková

CZELO provides advisory services, connects partners, and helps open doors for international cooperation. This includes a wide range of activities such as Science Café and Edu Café, which promote informal exchanges and networking among researchers and innovators.

“Science Café is my heart’s project. During my time at CZELO, I had the privilege to develop this concept. It started from the need to open up traditional expert seminars to a broader audience and offer guest researchers a more informal space for discussion. Science Café proved that moderated conversations can inspire new ideas and collaborations. I brought this concept to our faculty, where it continues to thrive within our projects,” explained the Vice-Dean.

The celebration also provided a valuable opportunity for networking and forming new partnerships, as well as showcasing faculty activities that contribute to the European Research Area.

photo: Petra Israël, CZELO