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Supporting young people who, through their initiative and enthusiasm, push the boundaries of society and whose work has a profound impact on society. That is the purpose of the Jan Opletal Awards. The Czech Republic’s highest student award can once again be presented to a student who makes a significant contribution to their community, stands up for the rights of others, seeks to strengthen the freedoms of others, or makes a significant contribution to the fight against injustice or any form of discrimination. Anyone can submit a nomination via the nomination form. Nominations are open until Friday, October 2. The laureates will be announced at a ceremony in Prague on Wednesday, November 11.

The Jan Opletal Awards are presented annually to exceptional young people in three categories. Nominations can be submitted for secondary school students, university students, and other individuals under 30. In the university student category, graduates who completed their studies within the past two years can also be nominated. Further details are available in the Statute of the Jan Opletal Awards.

The award commemorates the tragic sacrifice of young medical student Jan Opletal in the fight for freedom and democracy. A student at the Faculty of Medicine of Charles University, Opletal, took part in an anti-Nazi demonstration in Prague on October 28, 1939, and was shot in the abdomen and taken to the hospital. He succumbed to his injuries on November 11, two weeks later. His death sparked further unrest in the Protectorate and was followed by the mass closure of all Czech universities and student dormitories.

Freedom and democracy are values also shared by the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen. The university seeks to support students in their activities, student and civic engagement, volunteering, and other activities benefiting the public. This year, it has therefore also become an official partner of the Jan Opletal Awards, joining Charles University in Prague and eight other Czech universities.

The award has been presented since 2004 by the Student Chamber of the Council of Higher Education Institutions (SK RVŠ), which in recent years has also collaborated with the Díky, že můžem association. This year’s winners will be decided at the end of October by the Jan Opletal Awards Committee, made up of figures selected by SK RVŠ and Díky, že můžem. One laureate will be selected in each category. At the awards ceremony in November, each winner will receive a physical gift and a commemorative statuette created by young sculptor Sára Skoczková.