Nature inspires us to explore, develop, and share knowledge across biology, chemistry, geology, geography, environmental sciences, and their interdisciplinary connections and applications. This idea forms the foundation of the identity of the Faculty of Science, Charles University—a place where the tradition of the oldest university in Central Europe meets the dynamics of modern science. A History Rooted in Academic Tradition The roots of natural sciences at Charles University reach back to the 14th century. The Faculty of Science was established as an independent faculty in 1920 as a natural response to the development of modern natural sciences in the Czech lands. Thanks to the tradition and breadth of its research, Charles University has become one of the highest-ranked research institutions not only in the Czech Republic but also in Central Europe as a whole. The founding of the Faculty of Science was shaped by scientists who helped define entire disciplines—from pioneers of Czech geology and biology to eminent chemists and geographers who mapped the world at a time when this was far from common. The Faculty is also associated with world-renowned figures such as Albert Einstein, Nobel Prize laureate Jaroslav Heyrovský, Otto Wichterle, and the distinguished chemist Antonín Holý. This tradition remains very much alive today: the Faculty of Science stands on solid historical foundations while continuously evolving to meet the needs of contemporary science and society. Excellent Research, High-Quality Education, an Open Environment One of the Faculty’s greatest strengths is the wide range of natural science disciplines brought together under one roof. Students gain a comprehensive education and naturally operate at the interface of disciplines—collaboration among biologists, chemists, geographers, physicists, and mathematicians is a common part of both teaching and research. Thanks to relatively small study programmes, an individual approach is possible, as is the early involvement of students in the everyday work of laboratories, research teams, and grant projects. Another strong asset of the Faculty is its international outlook. The Faculty of Science is an active member of the 4EU+ Alliance, offers a number of degree programmes and courses taught in English, and supports student mobility through the Erasmus programme and other international exchange opportunities. In addition to subject-specific expertise, the Faculty places strong emphasis on developing skills required for today’s labour market—for example through the Center for Further Education, which helps students strengthen their soft skills and interdisciplinary competencies. Studying at the Faculty of Science also means being part of a vibrant student life. Numerous student associations operate at the Faculty, and students actively participate in its governance, including through equal representation in the Academic Senate, reflecting their role as genuine partners in decision-making. Students can take part in a wide range of sports courses (the Faculty even operates its own boathouse in Podolí) as well as numerous field excursions. Faculty life is further enriched by traditional social and cultural events, such as the Faculty Ball and the Christmas Concert, where prestigious awards are presented. These events foster a strong sense of belonging within the academic community across generations. The Future: Science for Society Today, the natural sciences stand at the forefront of responses to global challenges—climate change, biodiversity conservation, the sustainable use of resources, and rapidly advancing technologies. The Faculty of Science, Charles University actively engages with this future. We develop new methods of environmental monitoring, contribute to pharmaceutical research, study processes within the Earth and the surrounding landscape, we map transformations of cities and social processes, and build interdisciplinary teams that transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries. Our goal is not only to make discoveries, but also to share knowledge—with students who will shape the future of Czech and global science, and with society as a whole, which is undergoing turbulent changes to which we seek to respond and adapt. Talented students and the development of high-quality teaching are also supported by the Endowment Fund of the Faculty of Science of Charles University, established in 2017. Its mission is to create the best possible conditions for students’ education, help them gain international experience, and support collaboration with leading international experts who come to the Faculty to share their knowledge and expertise. A Modern Faculty with a European Reach The Faculty of Science, Charles University is inseparably linked to the legendary Albertov Campus—the largest campus of Charles University and one of the symbolic centres of Czech science and academic life. It was here that the Velvet Revolution began, and Albertov became a symbol of student resistance. The campus offers a unique integration of education, research, and public space, including university museums, a botanical garden, an outdoor amphitheatre, and specialised teaching and research facilities. The Faculty also operates its own boathouse in Podolí, which expands opportunities for sports and field-based activities and contributes to the Faculty’s distinctive identity. Key elements of the University’s strategic development include major projects that extend beyond the Faculty itself: BIOCEV, a biotechnology and biomedicine research centre, and the emerging Albertov Campus, which comprises the Biocentrum and the Globcentrum and will significantly transform and strengthen Albertov as a modern hub for education, research, and academic life. These projects connect the scientific and teaching capacities of several faculties and enhance engagement in European research networks. The Faculty also supports international student mobility, cooperation with leading foreign universities, and active outreach to secondary schools, academic institutions, and the wider public.
