As 2023 is coming to an end, here is a brief recapitulation of the achievements of our scientists and research teams.
In January, the four-year DiCiM project started to develop digital solutions to improve the circular economy in companies. It will help return working parts from non-functioning appliances back into circulation. In addition to research institutions, companies such as Gorenje, Arcelik and Lexmark are also involved in the research. ECON MUNI is for the first time in the role of coordinator of a project of this size. The principal investigator is Alena Klapalová from the Department of Business Management.
The MUNI Innovation Award, which is awarded by the Technology Transfer Office for the successful linking of research and practice, went to Vilém Pařil, Martin Šauer and Daniel Seidenglanz (in memoriam). Using SIM card movement data from mobile operators, they calculated how many people regularly travel among Prague, Brno and Ostrava. Their research can be used, for example, by the Ministry of Transport or Czech Railways in planning transport investments.
Researchers from ECON MUNI deal with a wide range of topics from air quality in Brno, to high-speed railways, to digitalization in public administration. This spring, for example, they developed an online app that can identify the locations of frequent serious traffic accidents on Czech roads. It is used by traffic police officers, but a less complex version is also available to the public.
The new Health Economics, Policy and Innovation Institute (HEPII) was established this summer to conduct research in the field of health and healthcare. It aims to improve the functioning of the Czech healthcare system as a whole. Researchers will, for instance, measure the effectiveness of specific medical interventions and treatments and calculate their economic impact.
Alena Kluknavská received the prestigious GA CR President Award for her research on disinformation. Together with her team, she analysed politicians' statements on migration. The primary focus of the research were the ways in which the facts and trustworthiness of one’s political opponents are questioned in the Czech political environment.
Thanks to funding from the EEA and Norway Grants, a new green roof will be constructed on the ECON MUNI building. The works will be completed in Spring 2024.The green roof will not only serve the students, staff and visitors of the faculty, but will also help the environment in the city of Brno.
In December, the Vice-rector for Research and Doctoral Studies honoured selected Masaryk University scientists for their excellence and significant achievements in research. The MUNI Scientist Award was presented to Ahad Zareravasan from the Department of Business Management and Lucie Coufalová from the Department of Economics, along with thirty-five other excellent researchers.
Poor air quality has significant economic impacts on people's health. A team of scientists from ECON MUNI and the RECETOX centre has been preoccupied with air quality in Brno since 2021. They have even involved in their research children from several primary schools. Dr Dominika Tóthová, Associate Professor Vilém Pařil and Dr Ondřej Mikeš answer the questions.
Since the beginning of the year, the researchers involved in the In-Touch project are trying to improve the lives of people with dementia and of those who take care of them. Health economists from ECON MUNI are also part of the international team. Jakub Hlávka, head of the Health Economics, Policy, and Innovation Institute (HEPII), says that palliative care should take the emotional, spiritual, and cultural needs of patients into account.
