Ladies and gentlemen,
This is the third time we have presented to the general public and academic staff of Masaryk University the results of activities of the year 1996 summarised into an annual report. The aim of issuing the annual report is to provide background information for objective judgement of University development.
Based on the results obtained, the last year 1996 may be considered a successful one. Practically, all fundamental indices showed a positive tendency. There is a steadily increasing interest in study at Masaryk University, University graduates find good jobs quite easily and studies for a PhD degree are on the increase. But the growth in admissions is rather unsettling with respect to societal needs, University facilities and the quality of applicants. We are happy to report an increase in the volume and quality of scientific work, which is evident from the number of publications, international liaisons and the allocation of a higher sum of financial resources for this purpose. Greater attention was paid to University evaluation and most results are covered in this report. In spite of achievements, reductions in funds for the development of the University became more and more evident and now we are afraid of further reductions in government funding in the next year. The achievements of capital investment policy undoubtedly include an increase in the sleeping capacity of dormitories of about 500 beds, completion of the greenhouse and road construction at the Faculty of Science, and predominantly the start of construction of a new building for the Faculty of Economics and Administration. The main effort has been concentrated on completing the University building in Brno-Bohunice.
The annual report has enabled analysis in a time series of three years
but it will always be only a quantitative expression of our endeavours. What is essential
is carried out in laboratories, lectures and workshops.
Rector