New Leadership at the Faculty of Science UHK

RNDr. Alena Myslivcová Fučíková, Ph.D.
Dean of the Faculty of Science UHK

Dr. Alena Myslivcová Fučíková began her career at UHK ten years ago, when she first set foot in what was then Building C. Although her initial impressions were not very positive, she quickly adapted to the new environment. "I remember thinking that the building was outdated, and it was hard to imagine where I would be teaching my molecular biology courses," recalls the dean, who quickly adjusted and whose passion for her field and work with students led her to her current position.

As dean, she intends to focus on several key areas. One of her main priorities is ensuring fair and stable funding for the faculty, which she sees as the foundation for successful operation.

In addition, the dean places emphasis on increasing the attractiveness of study programs to attract more students while also enhancing their satisfaction. The dean believes that quality education, along with motivated educators, is the key to the faculty's success in the coming years.

doc. PhDr. Michal Musílek, Ph.D.
Vice-Dean for Education and Internal Affairs of the Faculty of Science and Statutory Representative of the Dean

Associate Professor Michal Musílek has extensive experience in education, gained over a twenty-year career as a teacher of mathematics, physics, and computer science at secondary schools. He joined UHK from the position of deputy director of a secondary school, where he worked while completing his doctoral studies. After successfully completing his studies, he began working as an assistant professor at the Department of Computer Science of the Faculty of Education, and a year later, the department became part of the newly established Faculty of Science.

In his role as Vice-Dean for Education and Internal Affairs, Assoc. Prof. Musílek aims primarily to reduce the administrative burden associated with academic affairs, though he acknowledges that this may be challenging.

The vice-dean also emphasizes that changes in the law on higher education will bring a lot of work, but also new opportunities to improve the quality of courses. "A pleasant aspect of my work will undoubtedly be the collaboration with the academic affairs department of the Faculty of Science UHK, where the academic agenda is managed by a team of experienced and personally outstanding colleagues," concludes Assoc. Prof. Musílek.

RNDr. Patrik Olekšák, PhD.
Vice-dean for Strategy, Development and Legislation of the Faculty of the Science

Dr. Patrik Olekšák has been at UHK since 2018, when he joined the Department of Chemistry as an assistant professor. From the beginning, he was enthusiastic not only about the friendly approach of his colleagues but also about the modern equipment, which provided ideal conditions for scientific research. He often recalls the freshmen from the 2018/2019 academic year, with whom he shares a common start at UHK. Today, two of them are members of his research team, and together they work on specialized scientific topics. "Such situations are additional motivation and confirmation of the importance of our work," shares Vice-Dean Olekšák.

As Vice-Dean for Strategy, Development, and Legislation, dr. Olekšák sees great potential for further development of the faculty. His main goal is to ensure a modern and environmentally sustainable environment that does not lag behind leading international institutions. He intends to focus on the efficient use of resources while also protecting the environment.

Dr. Olekšák believes that the combination of quality equipment and a responsible approach to research will create ideal conditions for the development of scientific activities and attract new talents.

RNDr. Zuzana Kovalíková, PhD.
Vice-dean for International Affairs of the Faculty of Science

Dr. Zuzana Kovalíková began her career at UHK in 2015. Her first day was full of challenges, particularly due to the old Building C. However, Dr. Kovalíková quickly found her bearings and settled into the university, allowing her to fully engage in her professional work.

In her new role as Vice-Dean for International Relations, Kovalíková plans to continue developing international cooperation and increasing the faculty's attractiveness to international students. Her goal is not only to increase the number of international students but also to support the mobility of academic staff.

Vice-Dean Kovalíková also aims to expand the range of study programs taught in English, which she sees as a key step in attracting international talent and improving the faculty's international prestige.

doc. RNDr. Jiří Lipovský, Ph.D.
Vice-dean for Creative Activities of the Faculty of Science

Associate Professor Jiří Lipovský joined UHK in 2012, but he spent his first working day at the university in January 2013 after returning from a postdoctoral stay in Portugal. He was welcomed to the university by the current rector, Jan Kříž, with whom he shared an office. "I was satisfied at UHK from the beginning," recalls Assoc. Prof. Lipovský about his first moments at the university.

In his position as Vice-Dean for Creative Activities, Associate Professor Lipovský will face several key challenges. Among his main goals are supporting researchers in securing prestigious international projects and ensuring quality conditions for scientific activities.

The vice-dean believes that with careful preparation and a clear vision, the faculty will succeed in these challenges and strengthen its position in the field of science and research.