Outreach and Communication Strategy
Sustainability Plan at TBU for 2026+
- Sustainability activities with departments, ORLZ, the Counseling Center, and student clubs
- Communication – newsletter, website, TVIS, Moje UTB
This April will be HEALTHY UNIVERSITY month at our university. We will celebrate World Health Day and Earth Day.
World Health Day – April 7, 2026
Dedicate this year’s Tuesday, April 7, to your body as part of World Health Day. The goal of this day is to promote prevention, raise awareness of one’s own health status, and strengthen skills important for health protection.
Take advantage of interactive stations, lectures, and workshops to take care of your health.
World Health Day with FHS
FHS has prepared four interactive stations where visitors can check their health status for free and without obligation, try out new approaches, and find inspiration to actively care for their health.
Program – Stations
- Get to Know Your Body with InBody
At this station, visitors can undergo a preliminary body composition analysis using the InBody device, which measures body fat, muscle mass, and body water content. The results will help you better understand your own body composition and can serve as motivation for a healthier lifestyle. The station also offers the opportunity to try out an aging simulator, which clearly demonstrates how physical abilities can change with age and highlights the importance of actively taking care of your health throughout your life. - Minutes That Matter – CPR Training
Hands-on training in lay cardiopulmonary resuscitation using a mannequin allows participants to practice, under professional supervision, how to respond correctly in a life-threatening situation, gain confidence in basic first aid procedures, and overcome fears of providing assistance in real-life conditions. The training is designed for both complete beginners and those who want to refresh and reinforce their skills. - How to Recognize Warning Signs: Self-Examination
This station focuses on cancer prevention and promoting a responsible approach to one’s own health. Using educational models, visitors will learn the correct procedure for self-examination of the breasts and testicles and gain practical information on how to recognize warning signs and when to seek professional help. The practical demonstration helps alleviate uncertainty, boosts self-confidence, and motivates people to make regular self-care a natural part of their daily lives. - Health Under Control
At this station, we offer the opportunity to check blood pressure and verify proper hand sanitization using a UV lamp. Visitors can easily find out what their blood pressure is. High blood pressure often occurs without obvious symptoms, yet it represents a significant risk factor for heart, vascular, and brain diseases. At the station, interested visitors can also verify whether they are disinfecting their hands correctly. Hands are the most common carriers of bacteria and viruses, yet we often don’t even realize when our hand hygiene is inadequate.
World Health Day with KNTB
The FHS booth will be joined by the Tomáš Baťa Regional Hospital in Zlín, which will set up three additional free interactive booths.
Program – Stations
- Blood Types
At this station, visitors can find out their blood type and receive information about blood donation from staff at the transfusion department. - Intraocular Pressure Measurement
This station will offer eye examinations and intraocular pressure measurements using a device commonly used in ophthalmology departments. - Carbon Monoxide in Breath
At this station, smokers in particular can have the carbon monoxide levels in their breath measured to assess their health status. The measurements will be performed by experts from the tobacco addiction treatment center, who will be happy to provide further information on this topic.
Personal Safety: Be Your Own Bodyguard
Personal safety is a way of life and starts with UTeBe. Its level depends on safety awareness and the ability to take care of oneself and one’s surroundings using the skills and knowledge I possess, as well as the ability to use all available means to protect my health, including those I normally carry with me or have on hand.
There will be an information booth set up for you, and three short presentations by the UTB Physical Security Manager will also take place throughout the day. The presentation times will be announced later.
Mental Health as the Key to Well-being
Mental health is an important part of our professional and personal lives. Come check in on your mental well-being. At our booth, you can fill out a short self-assessment questionnaire and then discuss your results with staff from the Counseling Center. You’ll learn what support options are available to you and can create your own well-being plan.
Lecture and Discussion: Cancer Prevention in the Czech Republic
This lecture is intended for the general public and aims to explain in an accessible way:
- which types of cancer are most common in the Czech Republic,
- what their main risk factors are,
- and, above all, what prevention options and regular screening programs are available to each of us in the Czech Republic.
The lecture will last approximately 20 minutes, followed by a short discussion and Q&A session.
The lecture will be led on behalf of the Young Oncologists Section of the Czech Society of Oncology by Dr. Nikol Mravcová, Motol University Hospital.
Workshop – Running for Beginners
This running course is designed for complete beginners who may have never run before and now want to learn proper running techniques, find their way into running, and enjoy physical activity in the long term. The instructor is Jana Knapová Stehlíková, a former Czech national team member in orienteering and now a mother who enjoys staying active – www.janaknapova.com.
Workshop – Running for Advanced Runners
This single course takes place the following day, Wednesday, April 8, 2026. The advanced running course is designed for more experienced runners who want to learn more about proper running technique and expand their knowledge of running fundamentals and exercises. For those who want to learn how to run better, faster, and healthier. The instructor is Jana Knapová Stehlíková, a former Czech national team member in orienteering and now a fitness enthusiast – www.janaknapova.com.
Healthy Eating in the Cafeteria
On this day, our cafeteria chefs will offer healthy meals inspired by spring and Easter. You can look forward to organic foods, chicken and fish specialties, vegetarian dishes, and a healthy dessert—this time in a healthy form. Unfortunately, french fries and fried foods will not be available on this day.
Other health-related offerings
The UTB Counseling Center offers activities related to well-being and mental health year-round. You can take advantage of services such as psychological counseling, coaching, legal and social counseling, or information on social security.
Benefits related to more than just health can be found on the ORLZ website. There you’ll find, for example, free eye exams at Orange Optik or discounts on workouts at Vitasana and Contours Fitness.
Earth Day – April 22, 2026
Earth Day is a holiday that aims to remind us that we have no other home than our planet. And that we should therefore take care of it. As part of Earth Day on Wednesday, April 22, let’s support our planet together through volunteer activities. Join us in helping animals, let’s take care of the University Park together with the city’s green spaces, or show off your handy skills and build a birdhouse at ROBOTA. Or refresh your wardrobe for spring and visit the SWAP clothing swap.
Green Space Maintenance
Come join us in maintaining and landscaping the University Park.
We’ll be weeding flower beds, planting new flowers, and trimming shrubs together. Under the guidance of staff from the City of Zlín’s Department of Urban Greenery, we’ll work together to beautify the area around the university building.
Birdhouse Making
Come lend a hand and try your hand at making birdhouses under the guidance of the skilled staff from ROBOTA. Materials will be provided; you can either keep the birdhouse you make for your own garden or donate it to us (at the U13 reception desk), and we will use it at our UTB buildings.
You can find the ROBOTA open workshop at Vavrečkova 7029, Building 44 of the Svit complex, Zlín. The entrance is on the left side of the building, 5th floor (take the stairs to the top floor).
Clothing SWAP
Take advantage of this free clothing swap to exchange your spring and summer clothes. Bring items you no longer wear at home, or bring nothing at all and take anything that catches your eye for free. Please, however, only bring us nice clothes that you would wear yourself.
Other participating UTB units
UMŠ Qočna, the Faculty of Technology (FT) as part of the Experience Science event, and the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering (FLKŘ) in Uherské Hradiště as part of BE THE HELP will also participate in Earth Day.
Sustainability at UTB in 2025
- Activities and collaboration with ORLZ and the Counseling Center
- European Sustainable Development Week (ETUR) across UTB – theme “Resilience and Balance”
- Small Projects for Big Things
- Communication strategy, symbol of sustainability – healthy university + UTB symbol = heart
Sustainability at UTB in 2024
UTB actively organizes events not only for its students and staff but also for the wider local community. In 2024, 162 events related to sustainability took place across all UTB units; of these, 133 were held directly on UTB premises, and 96 events were also intended for the local community and the public. A brief overview of selected events highlights the specialization and focus of individual UTB units.
Among the most significant events is the university-wide event promoting science and research called Researchers’ Night. This nationwide event for the public focuses on popularizing science. The theme of Researchers’ Night 2024 was TRANSFORMATION. The program included lectures, scientific workshops, experiments, creative workshops, competitions, and games. Researchers’ Night was attended by more than 3,000 people, and nearly all faculties participated in the program.
IDEATHON is an intensive 24-hour workshop that gives students the opportunity to tackle the pressing challenges of our time in a short period of time; it focuses on finding innovative solutions to real-world challenges facing the Zlín Region. In addition, the best projects will have the opportunity to be implemented. In 2024, the topics included supporting social entrepreneurship in the creation of a strategy that inspires young people to engage in responsible business, and how to transform the Malenovice Zone into an attractive place to live and work.
The new family game Don’t Forget Your Feet was created in 2024. This educational game focuses on foot care, is suitable for children ages four and up, as well as schools and preschools, and promotes a healthy lifestyle. Learning good habits for foot health can be not only practical but also fun, thanks to the new family game Don’t Forget Your Feet, which loosely follows the previously published book of the same name. The game is based on a richly illustrated book that offers practical advice and examples of exercises focused on foot care. The exercises from the book have been adapted into a board game with cards that include both exercises familiar from the book and new activities. Players will encounter the same characters and exercises, which they can try not only at home but also on the go, thanks to the game and the mobile app. It is thus a great addition to the original book.
From September 20–26, 2024, TBU actively participated in European Sustainable Development Week (ETUR). A wide range of activities promoting sustainability and eco-friendly approaches took place during this week. Students and staff had the opportunity to participate in various events, including workshops, discussions with experts, sports activities, and a documentary film screening. The cafeteria also got involved, offering an expanded selection of healthy and sustainable meals.
Experience Science is a public outreach event showcasing the scientific focus of the Faculty of Technology. The science festival features a program of 45-minute workshops. The morning is dedicated to high schools, while the afternoon workshops are open to the general public. In 2024, 22 thematically diverse workshops were offered, focusing on topics such as water purification and polymer materials.
As part of the Zlín Film Festival (ZFF), the Faculty of Technology annually prepares a popular science program for children—The Secret Laboratory. The theme of the ZFF was intergenerational relationships, and the exhibition was inspired by a well-known building block set. More than 2,000 potential future scientists visited the station. Volunteers from the faculty introduced children to the world of polymers—the materials of the future, from which, for example, the popular Lego building blocks are made.
The Faculty of Technology (FT) welcomed world-renowned chemist Prof. Dr. Krzysztof Matyjaszewski, who presented his findings in November 2024. The renowned chemist’s lectures focused on the topics of energy, climate change, and carbon footprints, specifically “Fundamentals of Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization” and “Applications of Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization.”
In February, an event titled Coffee with Environment Minister Petr Hladík took place at FaME. The discussion-based lecture primarily addressed sustainability in education, as well as the Green Deal: new programs, subjects, and continuing education courses related to sustainability at UTB.
The theme of the conference Baťa’s Legacy to the World was The Power of Human Potential and Technology. Tomáš Baťa: “No great works were created because someone had to, but because they wanted to. I want people who want to work to be employed in our company. Our company must offer the conditions for such a desire.” This remains true today. People, their knowledge, skills, attitudes, and methods of education and knowledge-sharing in a changing world are the key to the successful operation of any company.
A unique experiential game called Financial Fortress was created at FaME. The goal is to develop the financial literacy of children in children’s homes. It was designed in collaboration with directors and representatives of children’s homes to best meet the needs of young people growing up in foster care. The Financial Fortress game simulates the real lives of adults. Players try their hand at earning money, covering housing costs and other necessary expenses, and resisting the temptations of “bargain” purchases and quick loans. The game features eight key decision-making stations that show children how important it is not only to manage their money but also to develop the habit of regular saving. The game is intended for children aged 15 and older. Another game simulating a real-world environment is Start Your Own Business.
In October 2024, FaME once again participated in the nationwide event Exhibition in the Trees, focused on the Fairtrade system and the lives of farmers. As part of this event, students watched the documentary “The Coffee Future” and subsequently discussed the situation of farmers and the importance of decent work.
FaME organized a pre-Christmas craft workshop with the EDUCO Zlín Early Care Center. Faculty staff made 50 bracelets for mothers of children with disabilities as a symbol of support and care for their mental well-being.
Fashion and design enthusiasts looked forward to the Event Dotek , a non-profit project of the FMK. The theme of this year’s event was METAMORPHOSIS, or natural evolutionary change. Dotek also includes panel discussions and charity auctions. As is tradition, the main event was a fashion show featuring the work of design students not only from the Czech Republic, followed by a charity auction, the proceeds of which supported the Alliance of Women with Breast Cancer o.p.s.
The international student project DESIGN X HOBBY develops the concept of inexpensive, accessible, aesthetic, functional, and eco-friendly design for those who cannot afford more expensive solutions . Students from three European countries designed various products (seating and storage furniture, etc.) assembled solely from inexpensive items purchased at the nearest hobby store, with the ambition of elevating the quality of DIY production to a new level. For each product designed in this way, an infographic with instructions was created so that anyone could assemble it if they wished. The project was presented at several design exhibitions.
As part of the Silent Face project, FMK students organized an event called Spring at the Shelter, specifically at the Zlín Vršava Shelter for Animals in Need. The purpose of the event was to support the local shelter that cares for abandoned animals. All participants enjoyed not only the traditional dog-walking activity but also a varied accompanying program.
The Skrz Prsty Festival highlights and discusses topics that are taboo and controversial in society—topics that people tend to turn a blind eye to. In 2024, the festival focused on body image. Speakers included nutrition therapist Anna Štorchová and Natálie Šobrová, who has experienced an eating disorder. Former professional ballerina Barbora Slováčková also spoke; for years, she was in an environment that placed high demands and pressure on her physical appearance. A psychotherapist was available all day, offering visitors the opportunity for a free consultation, and the evening concluded with a yoga workshop.
The week-long international event Revolution Week took place at the G18 University Gallery. The main goal is to raise public awareness of how the fashion industry operates and the negative impacts of its practices. The campaign also strives for maximum transparency in the supply chains of clothing brands. The week-long program included a pop-up shop for lovers of local crafts, educational workshops for elementary and high school students introducing the principles of sustainability, a creative workshop on the topic of “Giving a Second Life to Household Textiles,” and a screening of the film Westwood: Punk, Icon, Activist.
The intriguing KAFELÍMEK exhibition explored future scenarios for coffee drinking through design proposals for beverage sets by students and faculty of the FMK Industrial Design Studio, crafted from a unique polymer blended with coffee grounds.
Queer Halloween 2024 is a themed event celebrating diversity and inclusion within the student community. For the third time, in collaboration with the Q Prostor Zlín association, it is organizing an evening full of creative activities such as a best costume contest, a themed trivia quiz, tarot readings, and drag performances.
At FMK, they organized a four-part lecture series on sustainability, which included lectures on topics such as “When Green Isn’t Green,” “Paths to Sustainability from a Social Science Perspective,” “Design for a Ugly Day,” and “Adolf Loos as a Prophet of Sustainability.”
A rather unusual exhibition appeared at the castle in Zlín. The showcase of design models Fashion: Start with Yourself combined creativity, fashion, ethics, and sustainability. The exhibition offered a unique blend of fashion and a responsible approach to life. At the same time, it inspired reflection on how even our everyday decisions can positively impact society and the planet and contribute to greater changes in our world.
FAI organized the popular event Robogames2024, which was a hit not only with children. The goal of the event is to foster interest in robotics and programming. Robotics clubs are becoming increasingly popular at many elementary and secondary schools, which are incorporating robotics into their computer science curricula.
Another event for students from FAI and FMK was Game Jam Zlín 2024, the second annual game development competition, where students created game projects over the course of 48 hours.
FHS organized an event called Get Active with FHS, in which they challenged employees and students to support their health and well-being by performing any 8 physical activities lasting at least 30 minutes during the month of April.
Health Day 2024, or “Heal the Planet—Heal Ourselves”, was organized for the children of UTB employees. The event’s theme was the legacy of the Anthropocene, planetary pollution, and its impact on our health. Through an experiential game, we worked with the children to symbolically save the seas, oceans, rivers, and lakes from all kinds of waste and discussed the impacts on human health. Thanks to their creativity, the children created an ocean filled with animals and plants.
In October, the FHS hosted the international conference Family – Health – Illness. The conference focuses on the relationship between family, health, and illness and is organized in collaboration with other institutions from the Czech Republic and Poland.
Students from the FHS brought St. Nicholas to children and seniors. The students prepared an extraordinary experience for the residents of the Burešov Senior Home and ALZHEIMER HOME when they visited them dressed as St. Nicholas, an angel, and a devil. “St. Nicholas Day is much more than just handing out small gifts. It is an unforgettable moment that is above all about a sense of belonging, love, and mutual understanding,” said the director of the Burešov Senior Home about this event. St. Nicholas did not forget the kindergartens either. Students from the Department of School Pedagogy visited the Qočna University Preschool and the Dětská Preschool in Zlín.
FHS also regularly organizes several charity fundraisers. In 2024, this included the “Christmas Star” campaign, whose proceeds of 64,250 CZK from the sale of 500 flowers went to support the Hematology-Oncology Department at the Children’s Clinic of the University Hospital in Olomouc. Other events include the White Crayon campaign to support the blind and visually impaired, and a charity fundraiser to support a talented blind student.
FLKŘ organized the Back to Green alumni reunion, which was held in the spirit of sustainability. Alumni had a unique opportunity to see how the faculty is advancing in areas such as environmental responsibility, sustainable development, and social engagement. The gathering was not only an opportunity to reconnect and share memories, but also to discuss the faculty’s future and its direction in the context of current global challenges.
FLKŘ actively participated in the event Become a Rescuer Through Play or Zlín Region Safety Week, which includes an educational program for elementary school students. The goal of the event was to teach children the basics of handling risky situations and emergencies in a fun way. The event showcased the cooperation between the Zlín Region, the Zlín Region Fire and Rescue Service, the Zlín Region Police Directorate, the Zlín Region Emergency Medical Service, the Zlín Municipal Police, Rallye Zlín, and FLKŘ.
The project days held at FLKŘ as part of Region 47 in Action demonstrated the potential and power of collaboration between businesses and the academic community. The event was part of the activities of the Region 47 association, which brings together major and key companies from the Uherské Hradiště and Uherský Brod regions, with the goal of supporting the development and future of both regions. The project days were a great opportunity to strengthen mutual ties and brought many benefits to all parties involved.
The UTB Fire Sports Club organized the second annual TFA (Toughest Firefighter Alive) competition. This prestigious competition, which is gradually gaining enormous support among fire sports enthusiasts and students alike, is becoming an integral part of our university’s sporting activities. Not only is it a great opportunity to test one’s limits, but also a chance to demonstrate team spirit and mutual support among students.
FLKŘ organized a Healthy Brunch, which was combined with a book swap — Swap Books, Enjoy Brunch: A Week Full of Inspiration at the Faculty! The brunch was not only about tasty and healthy refreshments but also about sharing ideas on sustainable development and how we can build the faculty’s future together.
In 2024, two major international conferences related to sustainability were held at CPS. The first was the PLASTKO conference, focused on materials science and plastics in industry. Among other things, the conference featured a series of lectures by leading experts, this time on the topic of Polymers and Technologies in the Context of Sustainable Development—new materials and technologies in the circular economy, the assessment of materials and technologies in terms of their environmental impact, and the legislative and practical aspects of the ecological transition.
The second is GUMFERENCE, a platform for networking and collaboration among companies, universities, and institutions active in this field, as well as individuals interested in the rubber industry, this time focusing on rubber with an emphasis on tire emissions. The goal is to bring together a community of researchers from academia and industry who are interested in methods for testing the properties of materials that have not yet been characterized using conventionally available approaches.
Sustainable Development Strategy 2025–2030
Sub-objective 3.I. Create and actively implement a communication strategy for UTB sustainability
Implementation Measures for the Period 2025–2026
- Develop TBU’s Communication Strategy in the Area of Sustainability