The Faculty of Mining and Geology was present at PDAC, in Canada

Representatives of academic institutions and private companies were informed about the Faculty's specialisation and opportunities for cooperation by Kamila Pokorná, Internationalisation Manager at FMG, in cooperation with the Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Toronto.

"Cooperation with the Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Toronto was established a year ago, when the Consulate's staff first represented us in meetings with universities in Ontario. The main goal of my visit to Canada was to look for other potential partners and to show the possibilities of the Faculty of Mining and Geology. Our participation at the PDAC Convention allowed us to inform leading mining companies and companies involved in mining and related industries that there is an institution in the Czech Republic that deals comprehensively with the education of professionals in these fields. In the context of networking, it was mainly about finding opportunities for our students to work in such companies and possibly to establish cooperation in the area of science and research," said Pokorná.

Pokorná assesses her mission as very successful. Further discussions and exchange of more detailed information focusing on the specific intersection of expertise within the Faculty are now underway. "But I can already say that the portfolio of companies where our students will be able to apply for internships is extensive. We believe that this will lead to an overall increase in internationalisation at our Faculty. I also see great potential in cooperation on international projects. Canada, although not a member of the EU, is an eligible country in many international project calls, and there is therefore the possibility of achieving joint funding," Pokorná added. She sees the support of the Dean of the Faculty of Mining and Geology, who actively seeks to develop the international cooperation, as quite crucial.

Collaboration was also a key word during visits to six leading technical universities in Ontario. These included the University of Toronto, Toronto Metropolitan University, the University of Waterloo, Ontario Tech University, Algoma University and McMaster University, where the topics of potential collaboration in geology and mining, the environment and materials processing were discussed.

"The response from the universities has been very positive. Initial face-to-face contacts are being followed up with further discussions, this time in an online environment, and we hope that our students and staff will soon be able to travel to one of these excellent universities for their study or work placement. Experience abroad is non-transferable and we see it as essential for their professional and personal development," said Hana Staňková, Dean of the Faculty of Mining and Geology.