Our story
Established in 1991 on the basis of the former Pedagogical Faculty, our university currently comprises eight faculties (Faculty of Art and Design, Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Environment, Faculty of Health Studies, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Science, and Faculty of Social and Economic Studies).
We have adopted the name of the renowned North-Bohemian native of Libochovice J. E. Purkyně (1787–1869), an outstanding biologist, pharmacologist and anthropologist, and one of the founders of modern physiology. Just as well-rounded a personality Purkyně in his time was, we too, in these days, offer a wide variety of study programmes (more than 50 programmes with more than 150 specialisations) focusing on the most varied areas of human activities. We educate almsot 10000 students and employ a staff of about 1100, of those around 500 in academic positions (that is a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1).
We are proud of being the only university founded and located in northwest Czechia, the region with stunning environmental diversity as well as a turbulent political and economic history over the last two centuries. This all, along with diverse intellectual traditions at our university, create a unique research and educational ecosystem to address the most pressing challenges faced by the society in our region and beyond.
Vision, Mission, and Values
Vision – Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem comprises a diverse community of students and employees, a strong, constructive and respected institution, creating stable international ties, with clearly defined excellent interdisciplinary scientific research and artistic directions.
Mission – UJEP fulfils the role of the most important and irreplaceable scientific, research, artistic, and educational institution of the Ústí Region and the role of an important actor and partner in socio-economic relations at the regional, national, and international levels. In all its activities it will ensure the highest possible level of quality and responsibility, apply and develop information technologies and systems to support educational and creative activities, reflect the new needs and challenges of society, the labour market, and technological development. In achieving its strategic development goals, it will at the same time honour its social mission – to be an active carrier and promoter of education, moral and social values.
Values – in all our activities we honour the following values:
- Freedom of research, creativity, and expression
- Integrity and credibility
- Inclusivity and social relevance
- Sustainability and social responsibility