The third year of the grant competition to support sustainable development took place in 2025 (announced throughout the month of April). A total of CZK 350,000 was allocated for the call.

In 2025, the third edition of the Sustainable Development Grant Competition took place (announced throughout the April). CZK 350,000 was allocated for the call.

A total of 18 submitted projects were evaluated by an expert committee consisting of:

Tereza Entlerová, Chair of the Commission for the Third Role of the CU AS

Dana Kapitulčinová, Ph.D., CU Environment Centre

Mgr. Martin Maňásek, CU Bursar

Mgr. Zuzana Poláková, Head of CU Point

Mgr. Ing. Nikola Rusová, CU Sustainable Development Manager

Ing. Lenka Henebergová, Member of the Rector’s Board for Social Affairs and Sustainable Development.

Eleven projects were selected for the final round. Five of them received full funding, while six underwent budget adjustments. Depending on the size of the budget, the second half of the grant is paid after the final report is submitted. This year’s winning projects include:

• Increasing legal literacy in prison

  Under the leadership of Boreš Šteffl, a project focused on promoting legal literacy among convicts through the Street Law program was carried out at the Faculty of Law of CU. Law students prepared a series of interactive lessons that introduced participants to key areas of law and enabled them to actively work with specific situations. The project followed on from a successful pilot implementation at Jiřice Prison in 2024, and its expansion opened up opportunities for a wider group of prisoners to participate. The initiative contributed to a better understanding of legal matters and supported smoother reintegration after release.

  The project was supported with a total of CZK 27,100.

  
  
  

  

• Expansion of equipment in the "jungle"

  As part of the project led by Kamila Švejdová, the community space known as the "jungle" was further expanded and made accessible in this follow-up year at the Faculty of Humanities. New elements were added to increase the functionality and aesthetic value of the space, such as a wooden information panel with a roof and a blackboard, a pond with plants and stones, and a solar panel installed on the roof of a trailer. The project has further improved the facilities for students and dormitory residents and contributed to the development of a vibrant community culture at the faculty.

  The project was supported with a total of CZK 20,000.

  
  

  

• Blossoming between disciplines – Charles University's inter-faculty community garden at the BIOCEV campus

  The community garden was created on the initiative of Markéta Skaličková with the active participation of students from Charles University's Faculty of Science and First Faculty of Medicine. The project strengthened environmental sustainability, used recycled materials, and increased the biodiversity of an area that had previously been predominantly monocultural. The garden has become a place for informal meetings, sharing experiences, and exchanging plants, and has promoted dialogue between the natural sciences and medical disciplines. At the same time, it has provided a place for relaxation and contributed to the mental well-being of students and employees.

  The project was supported with a total of CZK 30,000.

  
  

  

• Blue and Green II

  The development of green spaces at the Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen was inspired by the follow-up project "Blue and Green II," led by Jolana Ťažiarová. Unused parts of the campus were transformed into a community and teaching environment where herbs and trees promote biodiversity and medicinal plants are used in pharmacology classes. The space also provides students and academics with an opportunity for relaxation, informal meetings, and the development of community spirit. The project has thus created a platform for further environmental and community initiatives at the faculty.

  The project was supported with a total of CZK 20,000.

  
  

  

• Outdoor study area

  Sebastian Sedlák designed a project for an outdoor study area in the park of the Hussite Theological Faculty, which offers a place for self-study, seminars, and accompanying conference activities. The space connects students and academics from various fields and provides a suitable environment for relaxation and leisure activities. It includes benches with tables and community planters with fruit bushes, which students can help to tend. The openness of the space allows it to be used by the wider academic and local community.

  The project was supported with a total of CZK 20,000.

• Community garden at the Second Faculty of Medicine for relaxation, education, and practical use

  A project led by Karolína Smolárová transforming the rear part of the Plzeňská campus into a space for relaxation, education, and community gatherings. Raised beds with medicinal plants support the teaching of the subject Medicinal Plants and Their Place in Contemporary Medicine, increase biodiversity, and enhance the aesthetic value of the faculty environment. The space provides students, academics, and visitors with the opportunity to spend time outdoors, learn, and get involved in caring for the garden.

  The project was supported with a total of CZK 23,396.

  
  

  

• Sustainable workshops at the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport

  Kamila Frontzová and her team from the faculty decided to offer a space for practical learning about sustainability. The Sustainable Workshops project includes three thematic blocks where participants engage in upcycling, zero-waste cooking, and eco-friendly sports event organization. The initiative connects students, teachers, educators, and the public, promoting environmental awareness, healthy lifestyles, and community education. Thanks to its participatory and innovative format, it also offers opportunities for long-term development.

  The project was supported with a total of CZK 55,000.

  
  

  

• Game for Time

  In order to bring the topics of sustainability and environmental protection to a wider audience, Zuzana Drahotová from the Faculty of Science, Charles University, and her team created this project. The board game is designed for elementary and high school students, CU students, and the general public, and offers various levels of difficulty to make it accessible to everyone. It introduces participants to climate change in a playful way, motivates them to make the right decisions, and promotes a sustainable lifestyle. The project combines education and entertainment and allows hundreds of players in schools and universities to participate.

  The project was supported with a total of CZK 52,000.

  
  

  

• Popularization of the use of geographic information systems and remote sensing in sustainable development

  Josef Zátka and his team from the Faculty of Science, CU, decided to combine modern technology with environmental protection. Practical workshops enable secondary school and CU students and employees to monitor the development of water resources, droughts, and the potential of the territory for solar energy using modern geoinformation tools. The project combines technical skills with practical application in sustainable development, promoting critical thinking and interest in spatial sciences. The materials created and the trained teaching staff make it possible to reach hundreds of other participants and spread environmental awareness across regions.

  The project was supported with a total of CZK 51,400.

  
  

  

• Green space for Švehlovka

  Filip Gašpárek from the Faculty of Science and his team decided to transform the courtyard of the Švehlova dormitory into a green center of community life. Their project offers students the opportunity to grow herbs, vegetables, and flowers in an environmentally friendly way, promotes informal meetings and the exchange of experiences, and inspires a sustainable lifestyle. The community garden also improves the dormitory environment, contributes to mental well-being, and develops long-term environmental awareness. The project thus combines practical ecological activities with community development and creates an open, inspiring space for all residents.

  The project was supported with a total of CZK 31,000.

  
  

  

• Relax Hub

  Under the leadership of Gabriela Bernardová, a new multifunctional space for relaxation, education, and sustainable habits has been created at the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport. Students, employees, and visitors can find a place to relax and engage in passive or active learning through educational elements. The space combines environmentally friendly equipment with support for mental well-being and community involvement, with students taking care of its operation and maintenance. Relax Hub thus creates an inspiring environment and promotes environmental awareness and social cohesion.

  The project was supported with a total of CZK 20,000.