Czech President highlights ‘immense potential’ for research collaboration

President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, emphasised the importance of international collaboration in research and innovation during his visit to Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland.

President Pavel visited the Faculty of Engineering on 2 December to outline the Czech Republic’s vision for Euro-Pacific partnerships. In his address, President Pavel underscored the strategic importance of these collaborations, particularly as the world grapples with challenges like climate change, supply chain resilience and digital transformation.

“Czechia is committed to green transformation, and we see immense potential for collaboration with New Zealand and other Pacific nations in renewable energy and sustainable technologies.”

He said the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent global disruptions have demonstrated the need to diversify Czechia’s economic partnerships.

“This is where Czechia sees tremendous opportunity for deeper engagement with New Zealand and the broader Indo-Pacific region.”

President Pavel also commended New Zealand’s participation in the Horizon Europe research and innovation programme, a flagship European Union initiative that has seen University of Auckland academics partnering in world-leading research.

“This will enable both New Zealand and the EU to progress together on issues like climate, energy, mobility, digital, industry and space, health, and many more.”

Professor Frank Bloomfield, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation at the University, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the shared ambitions of New Zealand and Czechia in sectors such as artificial intelligence, space science and environmental sustainability.

“We have researchers from both countries collaborating and co-authoring in areas of computer science, agriscience and chemical engineering, but there is significant potential to develop deeper research collaborations between our two countries to contribute to global prosperity and sustainability.

“As part of our strategic objectives here at the University we have sought to facilitate many opportunities for transdisciplinary and multidisciplinary projects to break new ground in socially impactful ways.”

The event began with a mihi delivered by Michael Steedman, kaiarataki from the office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Māori. President Pavel was then introduced by Professor Nuala Gregory, Dean of the new Faculty of Arts and Education that will be established in 2025.

Following his address, President Pavel participated in a Q+A moderated by Professor Jennifer Curtin, director of the Public Policy Institute at the University.

The visit concluded with a tour of Te Pūnaha Ātea Space Institute, where the President was briefed on the Mission Operations Control Centre, soon to oversee the MethaneSAT space mission. He also visited the Fabrication and Assembly Facility and the National Satellite Testing Facility, showcasing the University’s growing role in advancing space research and innovation.