As 2023 is coming to an end, here is a brief recapitulation of the achievements of our scientists and research teams.
In January, the four-year DiCiM project started to develop digital solutions to improve the circular economy in companies. It will help return working parts from non-functioning appliances back into circulation. In addition to research institutions, companies such as Gorenje, Arcelik and Lexmark are also involved in the research. ECON MUNI is for the first time in the role of coordinator of a project of this size. The principal investigator is Alena Klapalová from the Department of Business Management.
The MUNI Innovation Award, which is awarded by the Technology Transfer Office for the successful linking of research and practice, went to Vilém Pařil, Martin Šauer and Daniel Seidenglanz (in memoriam). Using SIM card movement data from mobile operators, they calculated how many people regularly travel among Prague, Brno and Ostrava. Their research can be used, for example, by the Ministry of Transport or Czech Railways in planning transport investments.
Researchers from ECON MUNI deal with a wide range of topics from air quality in Brno, to high-speed railways, to digitalization in public administration. This spring, for example, they developed an online app that can identify the locations of frequent serious traffic accidents on Czech roads. It is used by traffic police officers, but a less complex version is also available to the public.
The new Health Economics, Policy and Innovation Institute (HEPII) was established this summer to conduct research in the field of health and healthcare. It aims to improve the functioning of the Czech healthcare system as a whole. Researchers will, for instance, measure the effectiveness of specific medical interventions and treatments and calculate their economic impact.
Alena Kluknavská received the prestigious GA CR President Award for her research on disinformation. Together with her team, she analysed politicians' statements on migration. The primary focus of the research were the ways in which the facts and trustworthiness of one’s political opponents are questioned in the Czech political environment.
Thanks to funding from the EEA and Norway Grants, a new green roof will be constructed on the ECON MUNI building. The works will be completed in Spring 2024.The green roof will not only serve the students, staff and visitors of the faculty, but will also help the environment in the city of Brno.
In December, the Vice-rector for Research and Doctoral Studies honoured selected Masaryk University scientists for their excellence and significant achievements in research. The MUNI Scientist Award was presented to Ahad Zareravasan from the Department of Business Management and Lucie Coufalová from the Department of Economics, along with thirty-five other excellent researchers.
In some parts of the city, it can be faster to ride a shared bike than to drive or take public transport. In Brno, these are areas like Nová Zbrojovka or Spielberg Office, where traffic is heavy and public transport accessibility is poor. Dr Ondřej Špetík from ECON MUNI talks about how Brno residents use the bike-sharing system in the following interview.
Fourteen courses at ECON MUNI will include sustainability and ecology topics starting next autumn. Marie Hladká, Vice-Dean for studies, explains what exactly the "greening" will involve and why it is an important part of university education.
