The Faculty of Science is preparing a partnership focused on ecology and the environment with the Universidad Nacional de Colombia (UNC), the largest institution of higher education in Colombia. Part of the forthcoming project will be study programmes and internships at both universities.
The chosen study programme is ecology and environment, since those subjects are taught at both universities. “Through the partnership both students and teachers will broaden their knowledge regarding various natural and climate conditions, that otherwise would be taught only theoretically,” said Dana Gronychová, who participated in the negotiations in Colombia together with Bořivoj Šarapatka from the Department of Ecology and Environmental Sciences.
Part of the project will be five three-month study stays at Palacký University for Colombian students specializing in ecology or environmental studies. These will be followed by a one-month internship for two students from Palmira. There will also be three-month study stays of doctoral students from Palacký University, including internships at the Colombian university. The planned mobilities will allow both universities to share their knowledge on the topics related to ecosystem restoration and landscape ecology.
Further cooperation is planned on a scientific basis. “A joint research focused on soil ecology, ecosystem restoration and landscape use is being considered, as such topics play an important role in both countries as regards to nature, landscape and environmental protection programmes,” added Šarapatka.
Established in 1867, the UNC currently has more than 44 thousand students. Its campuses are located in Bogotá, Medellín, Manizales, and Palmira. UNC is regarded as the top university in Colombia and one of the best in South America.