20 – 24. 4. 2026
Global Challenges – Local Solutions
Brno, Czech Republic
Why IW?
The International Week will give participants an unique opportunity to find out more about our university, network and share best practices with other colleagues working for the international, study abroad offices or professional academics. Join us at Mendel University in Brno for an inspiring International Staff Week focused on major global challenges and their concrete impacts at the local level. Plenary sessions and thematic workshops will open discussions on topics such as climate change, migration and the refugee crisis, digital transformation, cybersecurity, forest restoration, food and water security, an aging population, and psychological resilience. Participants will gain insights into how these complex issues can be addressed through local strategies, community initiatives, and innovative practical solutions. Participants will also benefit from networking opportunities, cultural activities, and the exchange of best practices in a vibrant international environment.
Global Challenges – Local Solutions
Climate Change
Migration
Refugee Crisis
Digital Transformation
Food Safety
Water management and Local Solutions
Psychological Resilience
Aging Population
Forest Restoration
Cybersecurity
Information
- Target Group both academic and non-academic staff of different fields of study
- Language English (at least level B2 is required)
- Duration 5 working days (20.-24.4.2026)
- Costs The fee will cover the programme, participants are expected to cover their travel and accommodation costs and field trips (it is recommended to use an Erasmus+ grant provided by your home university)
University
Mendel University in Brno (MENDELU) is a public institution with a long tradition of excellence in teaching and research that has driven new ways of thinking since 1919 and proudly bears the name of J. G. Mendel, the founder of modern genetics. There are almost 9,000 students at the university. Mendel University offers more than 100 graduate degree programs in Czech and English. The University comprises one Institute and five faculties: AgriSciences, Horticulture, Business and Economics, Forestry and Wood Technology, Regional Development, and International Studies. The university campus is based in Brno, just ten minutes from the city centre. The university provides students with modern, well-equipped classrooms, laboratories, and study rooms. A library, canteens, and a pizzeria also form part of the campus, as well as a large botanic garden and an arboretum, which are great places to study or relax.
Registration
Would you like to attend our event? The deadline for registration is February 15, 2026. Once you register, we will contact you within 2 weeks and send you an Invitation letter.
Save the date
We are pleased to invite you to the Christmas edition of our International Week in November (23 – 27), 2026.
Registration will open in May.
Price list
IW
Attending only the International Week
- Networking activities & Workshops, Transfer of knowledge
- Sharing of experiences and best practices among colleagues from partner and non-partner institutions
- Cultural activities
- Individual meetings with representatives of the particular departments and discussion on cooperation possibilities
- The fee is approx. 80 EUR, the payment is made in Czech Crowns – 2000 CZK (not including the field trip)
Field trip
On Wednesday, participants can join us for a field trip.
- Visit to Lednice Chateau (UNESCO Heritage Site)
Explore the stunning Lednice Castle, one of the most beautiful examples of Romantic architecture in Europe, located in the heart of South Moravia. We will enjoy a guided tour inside the chateau, where you’ll see richly decorated interiors and learn about the history of the Liechtenstein family. - Tour of the Faculty of Horticulture – MENDELU
Discover the beautiful campus of our Faculty of Horticulture in Lednice. You’ll see experimental gardens, greenhouses, and research areas, and get insight into current academic and practical work in horticulture. - Wine Tasting Experience
- The fee is approx. 20 EUR, the payment is made in Czech Crowns – 500 CZK (not including the IW fee)
- Payment Info – https://pay.flywire.com/: select Mendel University as the institution from the list, then enter your payment amount (according to the selected type!) in Czech coronas to the third column – Participation fee, and country of origin in the Flywire form.
– IW only: 2000 CZK
– IW + field trip: 2500 CZK - Payment method – select your preferred payment method to complete your payment in your home currency. For debit/credit card payments, enter your card details online to complete your payment in your home currency. For bank transfers, follow the instructions provided to send your funds. Depending on your bank, payment may be made online, in person, or over the phone.
Note: Additional local payment options may be available depending on the country you are paying from. - Payer Info – enter some basic information to initiate your payment booking.
- Info for the receiver – enter only your name, surname, and email and as the Program name write International Week
- Review & Confirm payment information
- Make payment
Deadline for payment: February 28, 2026
Refund Policy for International Week 2025
Please note the following refund policy for any cancellations:
- Full Refund (80 EUR + 20 EUR field trip): Cancellations made by March 10, 2026 will receive a full refund.
- Partial Refund (50% of total fee): Cancellations made between March 11 and March 19, 2026 will receive a 50% refund of the total fees.
- No Refund: Cancellations made on or after March 20, 2026 will not be eligible for a refund.
All refund requests should be submitted in writing by the deadlines outlined above. Thank you for your understanding.
Programme
The programme is provisional; it has not been finalized yet.
| Time | Agenda | meeting point |
|---|---|---|
| MONDAY | to be updated | |
| Registration | Rector’s meeting room (building A) | |
| Opening ceremony Welcome speech and introduction to the programme of International Week 2026 | Rector’s meeting room (building A) | |
| Panel discussion: Global Challenges – Local Solutions | Rector’s meeting room (building A) | |
| Lunch | Canteen X | |
| Networking coffee – Meet & Connect | ||
| Brno city tour | – | |
| all day | Lectures & Individual meetings at particular departments (throughout the day) | – |
| TUESDAY | to be updated | |
| Day at Faculty of Business and Economics | building Q | |
| Day at Faculty of AgriSciences | building M | |
| WEDNESDAY | to be updated | |
| 8:30 | Trip to Chateau Valtice & Day with Horticulture faculty The trip features a 45-minute visit to Chateau Valtice, followed by a stop at the Horticulture Faculty. Here, you’ll enjoy a wine tasting of products made at MENDELU. Please note that lunch and shops will not be available, so make sure to bring some snacks. We will return to Brno around 2-3 PM. | meeting in front of building A (Rectorate) |
| THURSDAY | to be updated | |
| Day at Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology | building B | |
| Day at Faculty of Regional Development and International Studies | building Z – Faculty of Regional Development and International Studies tř. Gen. Píky 2005/7 Google Maps | |
| Quiz Afternoon | building Z – S Klub | |
| Closing ceremony and Farewell dinner | building Z – S Klub | |
| FRIDAY | to be updated | |
| 11:00 | Water Tanks Brno – optional, self-paid (additional 350CZK) Visiting the Brno Water Tanks is like stepping into a hidden underground cathedral—three astonishing tanks from 1874–1917 offer a surreal, otherworldly experience beneath a peaceful park. With striking industrial architecture and unique acoustics, it’s not just a history lesson but an unforgettable sensory adventure that’s absolutely worth seeing. See more info here. | Tvrdého 15, 602 00 Staré Brno Google Maps |
| all days | Lectures & Individual meetings at particular departments (throughout the day) |
Accommodation
We recommend the following:
- Hotel Continental 4* - use MENDELU as a reference to get a discount www.continentalbrno.cz
- Hotel Passage 4*- walking distance 10 minutes, use MENDELU as a reference in order to get a discount https://www.hotelpassage.eu/
- Cafe Placzek – write an email to cafe@cafeplaczek.cz and use Mrs Mensikova as a reference in order to get a discount www.cafeplaczek.cz
- Hotel Arte 4* – walking distance 10 minutes, www.hotelarte.cz
- Hotel International 4* - not within walking distance, about 30 minutes by public transport, city centre, www.hotelinternational.cz
- Barceló Brno Palace 5* - not within walking distance, about 30 minutes by public transport, city centre, www.barcelo.com (please contact brnopalace.res@barcelo.com)
- University dormitories – https://skm.mendelu.cz/en
For Mobility Agreements, please use the following information:
Consent to the capture and use of personal photographs and videos – to download
Contact
Mendel University in Brno
Zemědělská 1665/1, 61300 Brno
IČO: 62156489
DIČ: CZ62156489
DIČ: CZ62156489