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October 2025
24 Oct 2025, 12:01
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Čeština
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Dear readers,
In the current newsletter, you will find a bit of everything – reports from training sessions, publication highlights, community meetings, and AI-related events across the EU. In October, as part of the EOSC CZ Networking event in Ostrava, representatives of the three Silesian universities met to discuss key topics, particularly the training of researchers and the role of data stewards.
In our next issue, you can look forward to a more detailed introduction to the programme of the upcoming Long Live Research Data – the National EOSC CZ Conference 2025.
We wish you a pleasant autumn read.
The EOSC CZ team
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The results of the latest round of EuroHPC JU calls for European AI Factories were announced in Luxembourg, and among the selected projects is the Czech AI Factory (CZAI), led by the VSB – Technical University of Ostrava. CZAI will connect cutting-edge infrastructure, expert services, and support for the development and application of artificial intelligence in the Czech Republic. At its core will be the new supercomputer KarolAIna, offering a performance of up to 850 PFlop/s in AI operations. It will serve industry, public administration, research teams, and start-ups alike. The project will strengthen the Czech Republic’s position within the European network of AI Factories and builds upon the existing collaboration within the LUMI AI Factory initiative.
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We are delighted to see that the conference is now fully booked! You can still register for online participation, as the event will be live-streamed. A few final places remain for the Young Researchers training, to be held in person in Ostrava on 3 December. The programme is specifically designed for early-career researchers and offers a comprehensive, one-day intensive introduction to key aspects of research data management in line with the FAIR principles.
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Are you interested in developments in science and keen to take an active role in evaluating innovative projects? We are looking for experts from a wide range of disciplines to join us as reviewers of mini-projects within the following thematic clusters: Bio/Health/Food, Materials Sciences and Engineering, Data Management for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Social Sciences, Physical Sciences, Humanities and the Arts, Environmental Sciences, and Sensitive Data. Your expertise will help ensure the high-quality and fair evaluation of proposals that have the potential to make a significant contribution to the development of the Czech research environment.
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On Thursday, 25 September, nearly 80 research data management experts gathered in Prague. The highlight of the programme was a workshop demonstrating that data stewardship is not only about technologies and processes but primarily about people and the ability to communicate effectively in challenging situations. International perspectives and comparisons were provided by guests from Poland and Germany. Stefano Della Chiesa, a researcher from Dresden, noted in an interview that he was impressed by the energy and drive of the Czech Data Steward Community.
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On Thursday, 2 October, the MetaCentrum 2025 high-performance computing seminar took place at Klub Lávka in Prague. The programme focused on current topics including data processing and storage, security, container and cloud computing, as well as the use of AI models on the MetacCntrum and CERIT-SC infrastructure. The event also featured a presentation by David Antoš, who introduced the National Repository Platform (NRP) and its planned integration with e-INFRA CZ computational services.
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On 7 October, the networking event of the EOSC CZ initiative took place at VSB – Technical University of Ostrava (VSB-TUO), bringing together representatives from the three Silesian universities – VSB-TUO, Ostrava University, and the Silesian University in Opava. The discussion focused on researcher training, the role of data stewards, and collaboration in the field of open science. The event provided an opportunity to exchange experience, find inspiration, and explore possibilities for regional cooperation.
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At the online general assembly on 10 October, Michael Arentoft from the European Commission presented the proposal for the new EU Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034) and the Horizon Europe research programme. The panel discussion with representatives of EOSC entrusted organisations also featured Luděk Matyska, who emphasised the importance of national coordination within the EOSC ecosystem. Save the date: the next EOSC Association General Assembly (GA#12) will take place on 10 December, with the election of three new board members as a key agenda item.
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Nature Methods has published an article presenting the MIFA recommendations, which address data-related challenges in advancing AI-based biological image analysis. One key principles is improving data accessibility by supporting repositories such as the new archive for Czech Bioimaging. Among the co-authors and members of the international team is Vladimír Ulman from IT4Innovations, who also presented the MIFA recommendations at the Research Data Day & EOSC National Tripartite Event.
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On Wednesday, 9 October, the international TEHDAS2 – Health Data Policy into Practice meeting took place in Copenhagen. The event built upon the ongoing European collaboration within the European Health Data Space (EHDS) and presented the current direction of the TEHDAS2 project, which aims to establish a common framework for the secure and ethical use of health data across the EU. The Czech Republic was represented by Masaryk University (Zdenka Dudová, EOSC CZ) and representatives of the Ministry of Health.
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At the EOSC CZ Networking meeting held in Ostrava in October, we interviewed Professor Jan Platoš, the newly appointed Vice-Rector for Science, Research, and Doctoral Studies at VSB – Technical University of Ostrava. In the interview, he explains why data quality is key to trustworthy science, how the university is developing a system to support data stewards, and why he considers open science to be an essential and natural component of modern research.
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In September, Brno hosted the kick-off meetings of the EOSC United and EOSC Gravity projects, both aimed at strengthening and expanding the EOSC Federation. On this occasion, we interviewed Bob Jones, the project coordinator, and Luděk Matyska, who shared insights into the project’s significance, its main objectives, and the role played by Masaryk University and the Czech EOSC community. Read the full article to learn more about their perspectives on how EOSC United is shaping the future of the European data federation and how the Czech Republic is leaving its mark on this collaborative effort.
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The European Commission has presented the Artificial Intelligence in Science Strategy aiming at strengthening Europe’s position as a centre of AI-driven scientific innovation. A key element of the strategy is the establishment of RAISE – the Resource for AI Science in Europe, a virtual institute designed to pool data, computing capacity, and talent.
Within this framework, the EOSC Federation ensures access to interoperable and reusable data essential for the advancement of AI. New data laboratories within the AI Factories will integrate data from EOSC and other sources. The AI Factories rely on EuroHPC JU supercomputers and form a network of centres across Europe, while the AI Gigafactories will focus on developing next-generation models and strengthening Europe’s technological sovereignty.
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You are invited to attend the Prepare your team for effective data management (plans) webinar, which will take place on 19 November and will be conducted in English. This training session will focus on practical approaches to enhance team engagement and prepare for funders’ requirements. We will also discuss how well-established data management practices can save both time and resources.
All our training courses are available on the EOSC CZ Training Centre website. If you've missed any sessions, you can access the recordings of completed training events on our YouTube EOSC Czech Republic channel.
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Workshop on working with CCMM and the Dataspecer tool
On 26 September, an CCMM: Model, Principles, Tools introductory seminar was held at the National Library of Technology, focusing on the theoretical foundations of metadata modelling, principles, and the structure and purpose of the Czech Core Metadata Model (CCMM). Participants were also introduced to the Dataspecer tool and its use for managing metadata profiles. The seminar consisted of three sessions, the recordings of which are now available on the EOSC Czech Republic YouTube channel.
On 8 October, the hands-on Workshop on CCMM and the Dataspecer tool followed, focusing on their application and practical steps for creating metadata profiles. Guided by experts involved in the project, the participants, comprising mainly data curators and repository managers, were in introduced to practical examples, export demonstrations, and recommended practices for implementing CCMM.
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On 30 and 31 October, Brno will transform into a centre for open technologies. The programme, dedicated to open source, digital freedom, and collaboration, will feature workshops on artificial intelligence, discussions on open policies, and inspiring meetings with experts. Three representatives from e-INFRA CZ and the Masaryk University Institute of Computer Science – Jan Mysliveček, Luděk Matyska, and Petr Holub will also speak about how open infrastructure, research computing, and data management intersect with European policies and open source practices.
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Registration is still open for EOSC Symposium 2025, the largest and most sought-after event in the EOSC calendar. Organised by the EOSC Association, the conference will take place from 3 to 5 November in Brussels. Please note that this year’s edition will not be streamed online – attendance is in-person only.
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Don’t miss Open Science Week 2025, taking place online from 10 to 12 November under the auspices of the Open Science Working Group of the AK VŠ. The event will offer three days of inspiration, experience sharing, and practical demonstrations focused on open science, data management, open access, and citizen science.
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