The Prince of Wales held a discussion with students of Masaryk University about environmental protection

• 22 March 2010

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The protection of natural resources as well as some other challenges of the 21st century were the topics of a discussion which took place in the library of the new Masaryk University campus between the Prince of Wales and students of the university. His Royal Highness took interest in the opinions of young people and in their involvement in those research fields that can contribute to environmental protection. The Rector of Masaryk University acknowledged the Prince's numerous activities contributing to the implementation of humanitarian and democratic ideals by presenting him with the university's Great Gold Medal.

"We are delighted to have been selected for a visit by Prince Charles due to the fact that Masaryk University conducts projects which he finds useful in relation to the future. We see it as a recognition of our achievements and as a confirmation of us heading in the right direction," said Petr Fiala, the rector of Masaryk University. Many of the research programmes the Prince was interested in are parts of projects that Masaryk University aims at implementing with the support of European Union funds.

Research conducted in the field of environmental protection was introduced by three students of the Faculty of Science. The Prince of Wales familiarised himself with new findings about the impacts of climate change in the Antarctic – where Masaryk University has its own research station – but also about a project concerned with monitoring toxic materials in the environment and their impact on human health. Another issue presented was related to a revolutionary method of the degradation of yperite through the use of enzymes. This method belongs to the range of patents Masaryk University has been granted.

Approximately twenty students of the Faculty of Science and Faculty of Social Studies took part in a subsequent discussion related to their issues of interest, i.e. the future in relation to energy security, population explosion, food shortage etc. Another sixty students and representatives of the university had the opportunity to watch and listen the discussion as guests.

The awarding of the Great Gold Medal, which was witnessed by the students and guests directly in the university library, was preceded by the Prince's entry into the university's visitors book which dates back to 1919. The Medal was awarded by the rector on the basis of unanimous consent of the Scientific Board of Masaryk University as a recognition of His Royal Highness's numerous initiatives within the fields of environmental protection, support of sustainable development, and cultural heritage protection. The Prince of Wales has also made a significant contribution to the development of a dialogue between various religions, and systematically supports charity work aimed at alleviating major social problems.