According to the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), 2025 was one of the driest years in terms of river flow over the past 35 years. At the same time, the long-term decline in water reserves across the landscape continued, and for the fourth year running, glaciers in all major glaciated regions of the world recorded a net loss of mass. Hydrologist Oldřich Rakovec from the Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague (ČZU) also contributed to the preparation of the new report, State of Global Water Resources.

The new center in Chodov, in the Karlovy Vary Region, integrates water management, green spaces, renewable energy sources, and smart technologies. Rather than simply presenting individual solutions, it will measure and evaluate their performance in real-world conditions over the long term and share the insights gained with cities and municipalities.

A drone surveys a crop, the data are rapidly analyzed, and agricultural machinery can immediately take targeted action based on the results. The AGRIP project combines drones, multispectral cameras, artificial intelligence, and a 5G SA network to enable faster, more precise decision-making in agriculture. The Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CZU) has also been involved in developing and testing the technology.

In April 2026, the prestigious scientific journal Nature retracted a study on male zebra finch song that it had originally published in 2024. The retraction followed a detailed critical analysis by ornithologist Martin Bulla from the Faculty of Environmental Sciences at the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CZU) and his international colleagues, who had raised concerns about the study a year and a half earlier. The case was also covered extensively by the investigative science publication Retraction Watch.

A prominent Czech biologist and bioethicist, university lecturer, science communicator, writer, contributor to Czech Radio and other media, and recipient of numerous awards for his scientific and literary work, Professor Jaroslav Petr is a rare phenomenon in an age of narrow specialiZation—a Renaissance man in the best sense of the word. He completed his studies at the University of Agriculture in Prague in 1982 and, the following year, devoted himself fully to scientific research at the Institute of Animal Science in Uhříněves. His work focuses on reproductive biology and animal biotechnology. At the same time, he teaches at his alma mater, where he was appointed Professor of Physiology, Anatomy and Reproduction of Farm Animals in 2004. In his free time, he is dedicated to science communication and writes popular science books.

The Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences at the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CZU Prague) has become a partner in the newly funded SmartSheep project, supported by the NAZV – ZEMĚ II programme. The project focuses on scientifically evaluating measures designed to protect livestock from attacks by large carnivores, particularly the grey wolf.