In the area of the observatory in Val. Meziříčí, an innovation center will be established

DESIGN arcom s.r.o.: Educational, Research, and Innovation Center for Youth (study 2018)

Valašské Meziříčí (Vsetínsko) – An educational, research, and innovation center for youth will be established in the area of the observatory in Valašské Meziříčí in the Vsetín region. The construction of a new two-story building is being prepared on the site of garages that are in very poor condition. It will also replace an outdated provisional accommodation facility. Costs are estimated to be between 20 and 25 million crowns, spokesperson for the observatory Josef Beneš said today.

According to the director of the observatory Libor Lenža, the main goal is to provide students with the opportunity to educate themselves, research, and create in collaboration with experts from the Czech Republic and all over Europe. "We will offer them quality technical facilities and appropriate accommodation instead of the outdated dormitory. Part of the space will be used for our own needs as workshops and storage," Lenža stated.

The center will be equipped with 3D printers, small machining tools, a powerful computing system, and other modern technology. "We want to focus on connecting technical and technological fields with space and stratospheric research," Lenža mentioned.

The center is intended not only for research but also as a venue for seminars, workshops, and summer astronomy camps. It will also serve as an educational center for university students. For example, Palacký University in Olomouc already has its training facility at the observatory, and there is also a joint spectroscopic workplace of the observatory and the J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences.

Currently, according to Beneš, preparations for the selection of a contractor for the project documentation are underway. The construction of the research, educational, and innovation center is expected to begin at the end of next year, or possibly at the beginning of 2022. The main investor is expected to be the Zlín Region, which is the founder of the observatory.