Published: August 9, 2025
The Silesian University in Opava once again brought its SUper Stage to the international Meltingpot discussion forum at the Colours of Ostrava festival, but for the first time in a new setting—inside one of the stylish industrial buildings of the Vítkovice complex. Over four days, 37 speakers delivered 21 sessions, including contributions from the university’s rector, faculty members, alumni, students, and distinguished guests from various fields such as entrepreneur Jannis Samaras, space exploration popularizer Jan Spratek, and ethical AI expert Richard Antonín Novák.
The event drew an unprecedented public turnout, with hundreds attending lectures, debates, and interactive activities. Despite technical challenges posed by the unconventional venue, the program ran smoothly, creating an inspiring space for academics, students, and the general public to connect.
Highlights included Zdeněk Stuchlík and Michal Durczak’s engaging talk on dark energy and the universe’s future, and the discussion Artificial Intelligence and the Erosion of Democracy led by Vice-Rector for Strategy and Digitalization Kamil Matula alongside Anna Novotná and Richard Novák. Faculty Dean Irena Korbelářová combined history and gastronomy in her lecture Noble Dishes for Health and Longevity, complete with a tasting of historical recipes, while Tomáš Gráf and Jan Spratek captivated audiences with their session proving that “the Universe is definitely not boring.”
Practical topics were also on the agenda, such as Oral Microbiome: The Invisible Key to Longevity by Iveta Bryjová and Naděžda Skibová, and Homo iracionale by Daniel Kvíčala, which explored common irrational economic decisions with humor and insight.
The accompanying program offered a bar with regional drinks, workshops, DJ sets, a student photography exhibition, creative face painting, and a chill zone with table football and ping pong. This lively atmosphere made the SUper Stage a vibrant hub within the festival.
The long-running Voices of Meltingpot project, led by lecturer Monika Horsáková with students from the Audiovisual Arts program, continued this year, recording personal testimonies from selected speakers. Notably, the team also filmed an interview with President Petr Pavel during his on-stage discussion with moderator Lucie Výborná and former canoe slalom athlete Vavřinec Hradilek.
Source: Silesian University in Opava
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