Strategic investments worth CZK 1.1 billion will take education at BUT to a new level
(PR, Brno, March 4) Brno University of Technology has succeeded with its key projects in the "triple call" from the Jan Amos Komenský Operational Program (OP JAK), which aims to support the development of an open and educated society. All three submitted projects, focused on the quality of education, student support, and modernization of the educational environment, secured funding totaling nearly 1.1 billion CZK. In the coming years, the university will undergo a dynamic transformation full of innovations and technological progress.
BUT succeeded in the OP JAK triple call. | Autor: Václav Koníček Thanks to the projects NEXT VUT, OPEN VUT, and NEXT GENERATION VUT,strategic investments in educational processes and study facilitieswill be implemented in the coming years. Modern infrastructure, higher quality teaching, and support for all students without distinction will enable Brno University of Technology toenhance its prestige and competitiveness as an educational institution on an international level.
"Success in this project challenge is the result of great teamwork coordinated by the BUT Project Support Department. The combination of these three projects presents a unique opportunity to elevate higher education at our university to a new level. The key will again be teamwork and collaboration with individual faculties and gradually with everyone involved in education. Quality teaching deserves more attention and support," said Vice-Rector for Continuing Education and Quality Vítězslav Máša, adding that it is crucial to create an environment at BUT where studying and teaching not only function but also bring joy to both students and educators.
According to Vice-Rector for Research and Knowledge Transfer Martin Weiter, the funded projects will allow for innovations in teaching at BUT, aligning even more closely with students' educational needs and the current requirements of society. "The projects will also support students in practical training, including 'Learning by Doing' education. Additionally, along with doctoral study reform, they will improve conditions for doctoral students. A newly conceived doctoral school, as an extension beyond doctoral studies, will provide students with guidance and support beyond standard study conditions and lead to further development of essential competencies," Weiter stated.
Modern education for everyone
The first successful project,NEXT VUT, received the highest funding amounting to nearly 900 million CZK. It focuses on developing educational infrastructure and technological facilities. The university plansconstruction modifications of laboratories, workshops, classrooms, and lecture halls, as well as the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment. "This approach supports not only an increase in students' professional level but also their practical skills and readiness for the job market," described Tereza Stodolová, head of the Project Support and Knowledge Transfer Department.
The highest-rated project in its category,OPEN VUT, focuses onsupporting talented students and those with specific needs. Its goal is to create an inclusive academic environment where all students have equal opportunities to fully develop their potential.
BUT plans to use the 50 million CZK investment for the reconstruction of educational spaces, the removal of barriers, and the acquisition of equipment for students with specific needs. Additionally, the university will establish the BUT Student Center, providing support and facilities for talented students and members of student creative teams, such as TU Brno Racing, YSpace, Pneuracer, strojLAB, and Chicken Wings.
A new community facility foreducation, presentations, and coworkingwill be built at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. "The investments made in reconstructing the student center will create conditions for student creative teams in emerging technology fields and help develop their knowledge for practical application while building a community of experts on an international level," added Stodolová.
The final project,NEXT GENERATION VUT, also the highest-rated in its category, focuses onimproving educational processes, increasing student success, strengthening internationalization, and supporting strategic institutional management. The 145 million CZK investment will support the development and innovation of study programs, expand opportunities for international mobility, enhance counseling services, andpromote technical disciplines among younger generations.
Besides working with students and applicants, the project will also enhance the professional competencies of academic and non-academic staff, improve strategic institutional management, and connect the university environment with industry.
Successful "triple call"
The submitted projects NEXT VUT, OPEN VUT, and NEXT GENERATION VUT received high scores, with NEXT GENERATION VUT being the best-rated project in its call, and OPEN VUT achieving a perfect score. The positive outcome in this investment "triple call" marks a great success for the university, further elevating Brno University of Technology.
TheOP JAK programsupports the development of an open and educated society based on knowledge, skills, and equal opportunities. Its goal is to develop individual potential and enhance overall competitiveness. The support is provided by the Ministry of Education through European Union funds and the state budget.
