Students of the International Cooperation in Agricultural and Rural Development (ICARD) bachelor programme at FTZ, Jan Müldner and Anna Pražáková, travelled to the Brazilian part of the Amazon as part of their final thesis. The topics of their theses are related to the long-term plan of the research team TRACE (Tropical Farming Systems & Ecological Economics) at the Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, led by Assoc. Ing. Vladimír Verner, Ph.D., which is to strengthen food security and economic self-sufficiency of agricultural communities facing climate risks and to promote agrobiodiversity. Anička and Honza focused specifically on deforestation, sustainable farming and the use of local palm species. We are happy to share their experiences.

On 29–30 April 2025, the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CZU) hosted the EU CAP Network brokerage event titled “Partnering for innovation with impact in agriculture and rural areas.” Organised by the EU CAP Network in cooperation with CZU, the event brought together stakeholders to exchange knowledge and foster collaboration under the EIP-AGRI initiative, with a strong emphasis on funding opportunities within Horizon Europe. The programme featured field visits, a networking dinner, and tailored matchmaking activities to build impactful partnerships across the agriculture, forestry, and rural development sectors. 

The event focused on innovation topics aligned with Horizon Europe Cluster 6 — including digital technologies, sustainable food systems, new business models and value chains, and soil and water health.  

During the event, representatives from the Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences (CZU) presented their research and international project experience. 

• Petra Chaloupková shared insights on value chain management based on her work in the ADVALUE project in Kenya and Uganda and the SmartAgri Cambodia project. 

• Pavla Hejcmanová introduced activities of Antelope Conservation in Senegal. 

• Zbyněk Polesný presented research activities of the Laboratory of Ethnobotany and Ethnopharmacology. 

• Francisco Herrador Ceacero contributed with expertise in Animal physiology and behaviour. 

• Radim Kotrba highlighted activities under the AfroGrow project. 

• Jan Staš shared experience from field projects in Zambia. 

• Aishwarya Chaure showed the etnopharmacology laboratory and presented the main target products of the research. 

• Anežka Daníčková conducted the excursion in the greenhouse. 

These contributions showcased the diverse and impactful role of academic institutions in fostering innovation for sustainable development in agriculture and rural areas. 

The SmartAgriCambodia project officially launched this week at the National University of Battambang (NUBB), marking a major step forward in promoting sustainable agricultural practices in northwestern Cambodia. The two-day kick-off meeting, held from May 16–17, 2025, brought together representatives from academic institutions, local cooperatives, non-governmental organizations, government authorities, and international partners.

As part of the academic exchange program Erasmus+, Associate Professor Karolína Brandlová and Professor Pavla Hejcmanová visited Université de Bangui in the Central African Republic (CAR). This collaboration began in October 2024 and is now progressing with concrete steps towards scientific and educational cooperation between the Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences at CULS and this university in the capital of CAR, Bangui.

On Monday, 5 May, a meeting of the Academic Senate of the Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences (FTZ) was held, during which the new Dean of the faculty presented his proposals for Vice-Deans. The Academic Senate of FTZ expressed its support for the Dean's intention to dismiss the current Vice-Deans and to appoint the proposed new Vice-Deans.

In Spring 2025, two researchers from the Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences at CZU traveled to the untouched savannah in the heart of Africa at the invitation of the organization African Parks (AP). Associate Professor Karolína Brandlová and Professor Pavla Hejcmanová had a unique opportunity to observe the Eastern giant eland in its natural habitat for the first time, gaining firsthand insight into its ecology and behavior.