Submitted and Approved Projects
A total of 92 competitive proposals were submitted in 2024, with 15 projects starting that same year, 72 slated for 2025, and 5 set to begin in 2026. The overall number of projects underway at FSS in 2024 reached 107.
The Transition to a New Operational Program
The year of 2024 marked the faculty’s full transition from the Operational Program Research, Development, and Education (OP VVV) to the new Operational Program Johannes Amos Comenius (OP JAK). A significant financial milestone was the launch of the DigiWELL excellence research project, which received funding of approximately CZK 120 million. Another notable achievement was securing four partnership projects and one coordinating project (PRINS) under the SHUV call, with a total funding of approximately CZK 150 million.
GACR and TACR Grants
GACR grants remained a strong pillar of basic research at the faculty. In 2024, 25 standard proposals were submitted, five of which were successfully funded. This resulted in a 20% success rate, slightly exceeding the national average of 19%. For the first time, the faculty secured a grant under the POSTDOC INDIVIDUAL FELLOWSHIP / Incoming program, enabling Mgr. et Mgr. Jan Kotýnek Krotký, Ph.D., to return to FSS after his tenure working at universities in Poland and Germany.
The faculty was also highly active in applied research through TACR grants, submitting 15 project applications, 10 of which fell under Sub-objective 3, aimed at enhancing the innovative potential of social sciences, humanities, and the arts. The results of these submissions are expected to be announced by July 31, 2025.
International Projects and Horizon Europe
In 2024, FSS made significant strides in preparing international projects. Of the 19 proposals submitted, 9 targeted the Horizon Europe program, including two for MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships (MSCA PF), two for MSCA Doctoral Networks (MSCA DN), and one for an ERC Starting Grant. The results for these calls are still pending.
Success in the Jean Monnet Program
One of the faculty’s major achievements was the approval of the Jean Monnet Chair in EU Digital Diplomacy, proposed by Associate Professor Monika Brusenbauch Meislová. This project was successful in the ERASMUS+ Jean Monnet Actions in the field of Higher Education: Chairs call. This prestigious award is an important form of recognition for academics specializing in European studies.
The Czech Science Foundation (GA ČR) has announced calls for project proposals in the areas of Standard Projects, JUNIOR STAR, POSTDOC INDIVIDUAL FELLOWSHIP, and International Projects, as well as a new scheme, the Restart Grants, designed for researchers resuming their careers after a break.
The Rome Summer Institute, the summer school of the Department of Social Policy and Social Work in Rome, is an excellent opportunity for both students and academics. It offers international collaboration, exchange of experience, and professional development in an inspiring environment. Participants gain new perspectives on social issues and establish valuable contacts.
