On the rainy evening of 14th November, the traditional event "Přírodovědci sobě" took place in Albertov 6, where individual student associations and other student activities are presented. The rich and varied student life is characteristic of the Faculty of Science, Charles University, which is reflected in the fact that every year new associations present themselves at the event. This year was no different.
The evening was opened with an introductory speech by the organizer of the event, Anna Altová, who, together with the President of the Student Chamber of the Academic Senate, Daniel Vašek, officially thanked the former Dean, Prof. Jiří Zima, for his support of student activities and student life at the Faculty. For his active support and development of student activities, SKAS representatives dedicated a tree to Prof. Zima, which they planted on his favourite Albertov hillside and placed a plaque with a dedication. "The tree is young and freshly planted, so please water it when you walk by. We would definitely appreciate your help in this regard," Anna Altová said. Professor Zima thanked for the donation and commented on the cooperation with SKAS with the following words: "I have always had a good relationship with the Senate and I hope that under the new administration, the cooperation with the Senate and the support of students and their activities will continue in a similar spirit."
Then it was time to introduce the individual associations. As every year, the audience in the Great Geological Auditorium was invited to various events and excursions. For example, if you are a sports fan, you can take part in the demographic orientation run on November 28 or come to watch our floorball team play. Alternatively, you can join our hockey players for practice at Hasa Ice Rink on any Tuesday at 3:30 pm. Unfortunately, you have already missed the expedition to Kyrgyzstan with the Mountaineering Club, but you can go with the Tourist Club of the on their 93rd trip or at least join the sliding down the railing on the Great Albertov Stairs, which will hopefully be organized by the memesforgeographyteens Instagram project in cooperation with one of the other associations.
If you're a freshman geology student, you should definitely know about the Geology Academic League, which organizes two big events - First Time? Or How to Pass Your First Exam Season and then a Survival Party for those who can handle the rigors of entering the university. You might also be interested to know that the SGA Student Chapter Prague field trips are said to bring a lot of fun, but also a lot of rocks. But even future teachers need not despair. There's a new chapter for them, Element Teaching, which is just emerging and brings together active future teachers of all majors and double majors.
You'll also find your place among the faculty associations if you like more formal events or even slightly more wacky games. The new Element society tries to connect students across the four sections and promote the faculty at official events like Na Karlovku or the 17 November celebrations. The Hydrant Society says it looks after the welfare of students in two places in particular, the amphitheatre on the Albertov Stairs and the Albertov Bar. It organises, for example, the Albertovské stairs race, table football tournaments in the Albertov bar, as well as gambling championships.
Three associations, Fluorescence Night, the Arachne Association, and the Biozvěst Correspondence Seminar, focus more on high school students and potential future students of the Faculty of Science. These associations work closely together, but also independently organise camps or expeditions. But as members of the Biozveěst pointed out, "We need new blood. Most of our members are getting older and are therefore running out of time". So if you'd like to come up with questions for high school students or otherwise participate in their activities, get in touch.
Also featured during the evening was Charlie, a university-wide club that brings together members from the LGBTQ+ community and other supporters. Kuba and Majda from Studentská Hybernská also remotely said hello, and through the mouth of Anna Altová, reminded everyone that they are here "for all the people who plan more than a week in advance."
The programme then moved to the first floor of the building, where the corridor between the tables of the individual associations was immediately clogged. Here, visitors could see the beautiful photographs from a fluorescence microscope that the Fluorescence Night Society had printed for an exhibition in the Didaktikon, play the board game Panic Lab with members of the Element Society, pet the Erasmus Club mascot, Emík, or create their own meme. The programme also included rich refreshments, thanks to which the bustle in the corridors of Albert 6 stretched into the night hours.
"I've been organising the Přírodovědci sobě event for several years and I'm really sorry that this year is the last time. For how big the event is, it has taken us really little time and energy to organise it over the last few years. We already have instructions for everything, prepared concepts for invitation emails and so on," says Anna Altová, the event organiser, with emotion, adding: "What I find especially great about the event is that the most active students from the whole faculty gather here in one place and at one time. People with different interests and from different sections are here to discuss with each other and are not afraid to debate with SKAS members. We are also very happy that the Dean has regularly attended the event and we hope that with the new faculty leadership and a much renewed SKAS membership, the event will continue to be held in the years to come and carry on in a similar spirit as before."
