On Thursday 4 September, Sussex's Global Partnerships team was delighted to host a delegation of 11 colleagues from Charles University, Prague, for a day of talks and partnership building.

Led by Professor Eva Voldřichová Beránková, Vice-Rector for International Affairs, the group included senior academics and professional staff from across Charles University, representing faculties including Sociology, European Studies, Medicine, Social Work, Physical Education and Sport, and American Literature.

The day began with a warm welcome from Professor Robin Banerjee, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Global & Civic Engagement, alongside Sussex colleagues. Both universities shared insights into their existing partnership and discussed priorities for future collaboration.

Presentations from Dr Claire Potter and Debbie Foy in Research and Innovation Services highlighted Sussex’s Centres of Excellence and opportunities for joint bids, while Charles University shared updates on their own research priorities.

After a networking lunch and campus tour, the group divided for Faculty and School meetings. Colleagues across Science, Engineering and Medicine; Law, Politics and Sociology; the University of Sussex Business School; Media, Arts and Humanities; Education and Social Work; and Sussex Sport all hosted sessions, exploring potential collaborations in research, student mobility and recruitment.

The visit also included conversations around our European Partnership Development Fellowship, which provides funding for both Sussex and Charles University staff to explore new ways of working together, with both institutions considering opportunities to apply for joint funding.

This visit marked another step forward in strengthening Sussex’s relationship with Charles University and underscored the shared commitment to building meaningful international partnerships.