Vladimír Verner has recently successfully passed the habilitation procedure at the Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences. His research has been dedicated to exploring the potential of integrating value chains that consider the unique characteristics of local plant species with the goal of promoting sustainable farming systems and effective strategies for poverty alleviation.

On January 9, 2025, the Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences had the honour of hosting H.E. Eduardo Menez, Ambassador of the Philippines to the Czech Republic, accompanied by Georgina C. Omaga-Diaz, Attache and Cultural Officer of the Philippine Embassy.

The visit highlighted the Faculty’s strong international connections, particularly with institutions in the Philippines. Our Dean, Prof. Patrick Van Damme, introduced the Faculty’s vision and activities, while Rachel Lenka Veselá, Head of the Project Centre, showcased ongoing initiatives and collaborations.

A significant moment was the meeting with Prof. Kokoška, Head of the Laboratory of Ethnobotany and Ethnopharmacology (LEE Lab), who confirmed the Faculty's active and fruitful collaborations with Visayas State University and the University of the Philippines Los Banos.

The Ambassador and his team also visited our Botanical Garden, exploring its role in research and education.

We are proud to strengthen ties with the Philippines and look forward to expanding our shared commitment to research, education, and sustainable development.

On Thursday, 9 January 2025, the election of the Dean of the Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences (FTZ) at the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague took place. The Academic Senate of FTZ elected a new dean in the first round of secret voting for the term 2025–2029. The newly elected dean is the current Vice-Dean for Science and Research, doc. Ing. Hynek Roubík, Ph.D.

He will assume the leadership of the faculty on 25 April 2025, succeeding the current dean, prof. dr. ir. Patrick Van Damme, whose term concludes on the same day.

Official Election Results:

• Ing. Petra Chaloupková, Ph.D., dr. h. c.: 3 votes
• doc. Ing. Hynek Roubík, Ph.D.: 6 votes
• Abstentions: 0 votes

Members of the Academic Community of FTZ may submit objections regarding the election process within 8 days of the announcement by addressing them in writing to the Chair of the Academic Senate of FTZ. The Senate will decide on any objections with finality within one week of their submission.

We thank the members of the Election Committee for ensuring a smooth election process. Congratulations to the newly elected dean, and we wish him a successful term of office!