On 12 February 2026, the first joint meeting of ombudspersons from the institutes of the Czech Academy of Sciences took place. A total of 24 participants from 20 institutes met to get to know one another, establish cooperation with the CAS Ombudsperson, and identify areas where further support is needed.
Participants discussed the respective roles of internal and external ombudspersons. Internal ombudspersons benefit from a strong knowledge of their institutional environment and can help address issues at an early stage, while external ombudspersons are often perceived as more neutral. A combination of both approaches was identified as an effective model. The principle of subsidiarity was reaffirmed: concerns should primarily be addressed at the institute level, with the possibility of involving the CAS Ombudsperson when appropriate.
Training and professional development formed another key topic. Priority areas include managing challenging communication, strengthening core communication skills, and working with vulnerable individuals. The importance of systematic institutional support, including adequate time and budget for training and supervision, was emphasized.
The meeting also resulted in practical steps to strengthen cooperation, including the creation of a shared mailing group and plans for regular meetings two to three times a year. The gathering laid the foundation for closer collaboration and further professionalization of the ombudsperson role across the Czech Academy of Sciences.
