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This year, people across western Bohemia could spot the image of a torch — a symbolic relay of knowledge — on public transport stops and on social media. At the University of West Bohemia’s Social Evening, sociologists Jan Váně and Lukáš Dirga passed this torch to one another as well. They showed academic colleagues, regional politicians, and representatives of partner companies how their research on society’s treatment of marginalized people contributes to change in Plzeň and the wider region. „Thanks to our research, we managed to lift the court ban on construction of the so-called ‘wet house,’ a facility where homeless people can stay even under the influence of alcohol,” said Jan Váně. Together with Dirga, they were one of ten pairs who spent the autumn reminding the public that Together, we shape the future.

Scientific pairs, often separated by decades in age yet working in harmony, focus at the multidisciplinary university on developing new materials, training future generations of teachers and rescuers, or promoting sustainable business. Whether from Domažlice, Rokycany, or Mariánské Lázně, their stories came together in Pilsen at UWB.

 „It doesn’t stop with today’s young researchers — every year, students from the university’s nine faculties emerge with a passion for science or change their surroundings through volunteer work. The goal was to show others what can be achieved under the banner and with the support of UWB,” said Markéta Balíková, the Social Evening organizer from UWB’s External Relations Department. This year’s University Social Evening was also an opportunity to honor outstanding students, with scholarships awarded by the rector, the city of Pilsen, and the Pilsen Region governor. We covered the awardees and details of their work and academic achievements here.

Guests at the evening had the opportunity to make new connections and see how the university performed in 2025, as well as its plans for 2026, when it will celebrate 35 years under the UWB brand. „We want to be more visible and more recognizable, not only in the surrounding regions but also worldwide,” said Rector Miroslav Lávička on stage. According to him, new ambitions and many decisions await the university next year. He did not provide specifics but mentioned plans to expand the university’s partnerships and strengthen cooperation with the city and the region.

Next year, the long-planned renovation of the rectorate building on the UWB campus is also expected to begin. A visualization presented at the Social Evening showed guests what the renovated rectorate will look like. According to Rector Lávička, the building will lose its current green color but will not completely lose its “green” character, as it will feature so-called green technologies and a green roof. Construction is expected to start in the summer.

At the very beginning of the new year, a university tram will hit the streets of Pilsen. Passengers will be able to learn about UWB news, study opportunities and the admissions process. The tram, decorated in the university’s colors, symbolically shows that UWB is a stable part of daily life in Pilsen and has long-standing ties to the city. On January 27, people can also take the university tram to reach UWB’s Open Day.