Our expedition, comprising eighteen scientists and technical staff not only from Masaryk University (MU) but also from Mendel University in Brno, Charles University, the Czech Academy of Sciences, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, and the company Czechoslovak Ocean Shipping, a.s., successfully landed on James Ross Island in Antarctica on Friday, 6 February, with the support of the Chilean Navy vessel Almirante Viel. After the wintering period and the recommissioning of all technical systems at the J. G. Mendel Czech Antarctic Station, the twentieth expedition will focus on monitoring climate development and its impact on local ecosystems. Research activities will include monitoring the condition of local glaciers and permafrost, freshwater streams and lakes, as well as sites hosting lower plant species.
An integral part of the MENDEL mission on James Ross Island is a significant modernization of the medical equipment at the J. G. Mendel Station. Newly acquired medical devices, initiated by expedition physician Bronislav Stibor, will enhance the expedition’s ability to respond to unexpected situations and the demanding conditions of Antarctica, thereby improving the level of healthcare provided at the station. “The new equipment will enable higher-quality basic diagnostics, help prevent injuries, allow monitoring of vital functions, perform ultrasound examinations, and manage acute medical complications until the arrival of an evacuation team,” explained anesthesiologist Bronislav Stibor.
This year, MU researchers have also deepened their cooperation with Charles University. “The strengthened collaboration has resulted in the establishment of a new research section focused on holistic and long-term monitoring of the natural environment,” said Daniel Nývlt, Head of the Czech Antarctic Research Programme at the Department of Geography, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University.
The second expedition, currently consisting of seven scientists and technicians heading for Nelson Island, is already working hard on its tasks, including planned general maintenance of the roof of the local technical and logistical facilities.
Masaryk University is the only university in the world that simultaneously oversees a national Antarctic programme. Since 2007, MU has owned and operated the J. G. Mendel Czech Antarctic Station in one of the fastest-changing regions of Antarctica. In the vicinity of the Antarctic Peninsula, intense warming, glacier retreat, and ecosystem transformations are taking place. This makes the area an ideal “laboratory” for research into climate change, as well as into more than fifty scientific disciplines today, including ecology, glaciology, microbiology, and geology.
Masaryk University is restoring over 500 hectares of endangered wetlands within the agricultural landscape of South Moravia. As well as supporting biodiversity and improving conditions for protected species, the ‘LIFE in Salt Marshes’ project will now also focus on improving the quality of water flowing...
On Saturday, March 21, 2026, 200 students aged 9-18 visited the University Campus in Bohunice as part of the MjUNI Children's University program. Lecturers from the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Sports Studies prepared a rich interactive program.
