From Labs to Life: PhD Journeys Unplugged
From coffee breaks to career tips, students explored the twists and turns of the PhD journey with those who’ve walked the path before them.
In South Moravia, the LIFE in Salt Marshes project has successfully reintroduced traditional community grazing, which helps protect rare wetlands while also reviving the historic concept of common pastures. Grazing livestock, such as horses and cattle, effectively prevents the spread of invasive plants and supports the return of rare plant and animal species.
The project is led by a team of experts from the Department of Botany and Zoology at the Faculty of Science, Masaryk University (SCI MUNI). According to Marie Kotasová Adámková, head of the ENVIROP working group, community grazing integrates modern nature conservation with traditional practices. “Community grazing benefits not only nature but also local residents – livestock owners gain pastures for their animals, municipalities enjoy maintained landscapes, and people have a pleasant place for walks and nature observation,” she explains.
The project currently includes three protected areas, which are maintained by local livestock owners, hunters, and volunteers. This collective effort supports biodiversity and strengthens community ties.
From coffee breaks to career tips, students explored the twists and turns of the PhD journey with those who’ve walked the path before them.
The Czech national team achieved an extraordinary triumph at the International Earth Science Olympiad (IESO 2025), a prestigious competition for high school students from around the world. The event, held in Jining, China, from August 7 to 17, 2025, tested both theoretical knowledge and practical skills across disciplines such as geology, hydrology, climatology, astronomy, and environmental science. In addition, the competition evaluated research capabilities and teamwork.