Annual Report 2007

Annual Report 2007

3Students and study at the Technical University in ZvolenEducational activityBasics of the studyIn the academic year 2006/2007 the total number of students enrolled at the TechnicalUniversity in Zvolen accounted for 4,692, out of which the full-time studentsrepresented 3,243 (69 %) and the part-time students accounted for 1,446 (31 %).In both PhD degree programmes the total number of students was 399, out ofwhich only 2.5 % came from foreign countries. The ratios of the individual degreeswere as follows: the BSc degree 54.37 %, MSc degree 37.2 %, and PhD degree8.5 %.The development of the number of students within the last five years (including PhDdegree programmes) is illustrated in graph 1.Graph 1 Development of the number of student’s within the last five academic yearsNumber of students4700460045004400430042004100400039004315422443044499469202/03 03/04 04/05 05/06 06/07Academic yearThe number of students within the monitored period increased by the index of1.09. The long-term growth index is higher and within the last years it representsthe value of 1.66.In the academic year 2007/2008, 642 graduates completed their studies, out ofwhich 94 % passed and 6 % passed with distinction. This state corresponds withthe results reached in the previous years and it has not been significantly inter-annuallychanging.PhD studiesPhD degree studies at the Technical University in Zvolen are running according tocurrent relevant legislation and internal regulations for this field of studies. Their applicationhelps to create a new, motivating environment for its realization, which, incomparison with the past should contribute to improvement in this field.In comparison with the previous academic year the number of PhD students hasfallen by approximately 8 % mainly in consequence of a reduced number of externalPhD students as well as a lower number of newly accepted internal PhD students,which relates with the number of granted scholarships.Despite the inter-annual decrease in the number of PhD students, the total numberof PhD students within the last six years has increased by 33 % and their sharein total number of students at the Technical University in Zvolen within this periodranged from 8 to 10 %. A remaining problem is the average length of studies fromtheir beginning up to dissertation thesis defence and related low percentage ofgraduates completing doctoral studies within the standard length of 3 or 5 years.In the academic year 2006/2007, 39 graduates completed their studies out ofthe total number of 92 students of 3 rd and 5 th years (42 %), out of them only 17(18.5 %) within the standard length of studies.ScholarshipsAs of the Ministry of Education Decree No 102/2006 providing for social stipendto university students, 751 applications for social stipend were submitted at theTechnical University in Zvolen in 2007. 657 applications were settled, which representsa paid-out sum of 19 009 500,— SKK. As of the Organisational RegulationNo 6/2005 of the Technical University in Zvolen providing for motivation scholarship,in 2007 students were paid-out extraordinary scholarships of 149 250,— SKKaltogether.As of the cited Regulation No 6/2005 students that had fulfilled certain criteria werealso granted honorary scholarships. In 2007, the merit scholarships were paid outto 324 students in total value of 4 959 920,— SKK.Further educationIn the academic year 2006/2007, the Technical University in Zvolen was also runningdifferent further education programmes. Within the Third Age University 27Technical University in Zvolen, T. G. Masaryka 24, 960 53 Zvolentel.: +421-45-5206 108, fax: +421-45-5330 027e-mail: interrel@vsld.tuzvo.sk, http://www.tuzvo.eu

4graduates completed their studies, while 53 students graduated from ComplementaryPedagogical Studies. The Centre for Continual Education at the Technical Universityin Zvolen in cooperation with the University Centre in Zvolen, NPO, realized a widerange of further education events, such as the Accredited Educational Coursesand Programmes within the Sector Operational Programme of Agriculture and RuralDevelopment that are subsidized from EU funds and the state budget of the SlovakRepublic (539 participants), the City & Guilds language skills testing (12 participants)and different conferences, seminars or expertise activities.Complex accreditation of the Technical Universityin ZvolenAccording to the complex accreditation plan of universities in the Slovak Republic,in June 2007, the Technical university in Zvolen applied for complex accreditationwithin the meaning of § 84 of the Act No131/2002 Coll. on Universities asamended by subsequent regulations and accordanee with to the Slovak GovernmentDecree No 104/2003 Coll. on the Accreditation Commission. The applicationfor complex accreditation of the Technical University in Zvolen contained the followingdocuments: “Evaluation of institutional activities on the level of the Technical Universityin Zvolen”, “Evaluation of institutional activities on the level of the individualfaculties of the Technical University in Zvolen”, “Applications for accreditation of thestudy programmes”, “Applications for accreditation of habilitation proceedings andproceedings for appointing professors”, “Documentation materials for evaluationof research, development and other creative activities of the Technical Universityin Zvolen” and “Documentation materials needed for approval of the suggestion toaward the Technical University in Zvolen the status of a University College”.For the reasons of changes in relevant legislation as well as criteria, the documentationmaterials in some evaluated areas had to be complemented, which partlycomplicated and protracted the whole process. Completion of the accreditationprocess is expected in the second half of the year 2008.Scientific, research and artactivitiesScientific — research activities of Technical University in Zvolen are directed on thefield of basic and applied research in national level and they interfere also into theinternational experimental field.Strategy and development conception of scienceand technologyStrategic aims of scientific — research activity of TUZVO come out of “ong — termaim of state science and technique policy till 2015, Strategies of vulgarization ofscience and technique in society, Law of organization of state support of scienceand research” and “Strategies of competition in Slovakia till 2010” (Lisbon strategyfor Slovakia). The aim of long — term aim of TUZVO in the field of science andresearch is more flexible and more active to answer for specific national and also forinternational demands in order to science and technique could be inseparable partTechnical University in Zvolen, T. G. Masaryka 24, 960 53 Zvolentel.: +421-45-5206 108, fax: +421-45-5330 027e-mail: interrel@vsld.tuzvo.sk, http://www.tuzvo.eu

5of economic and sociable development of Slovakia. Strategic aims of TU in Zvolenin scientific — research come out of bearing directions of individual faculties whichcover fields of “Forest — Wood — Ecology and Environment — Manufacturing andEnvironmental technology — Renewable sources of energy”.Results reached by solving of scientific and researchprojectsDuring 2007 places of work of TUZVO were solving 72 grant projects VEGA and 14grant projects KEGA. Number of solving grant projects on faculties has decreased.Financial means gained from these grant projects represent a significant contributionin financing of research aims of TUZVO.View about number of solved grant projects show graphs 2 and 3.Graph 2 Development of number of solved grant projectsNumber poet projektov of projectsNumber of projectsNumber of projects50454035302520151050Solved grant projectsSolved grant projects2003 2004 2005 20062007LFDFFEEFEVTGraph 3 Development of number of solved applied research projects9876543210Other Iné org. súasti partsRiešené projekty aplikovaného výskumuSolved applied research projects2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 rokLFDFFEEFEVTIn 2007 there were solved following grant projects of international scientific andscientific and technical cooperation: 6RP/EVOLTREE — EVOLution as drivers ofterrestrial biodiversity, 6RP/TREEBREEDEX — A working model network of tree improvementfor competitive, multifunctional and sustainable European forestry, 6RP/518128-2 EFORWOOD — Tools for Sustainability Impact Assessment of Forestry— Wood Chain, 6RP/515044 — An Innovation Strategy to integrate industry needsand research capability in the European Forestry Wood Chain, 6RP/510417 FETEEU — Future Energy Technologies for Enlarged EU, 6RP/TUZVO/07 — Support ofinternational cooperation of environmental research by dissemination and creatingof networks (INT-ER-LINK), COST E52/06 — Evaluation of beech genetic resourcesfor sustainable forestry, COST E37 — Sustainability through new Technologies forenhanced wood, COST E44/07 — Wood processing strategy, COST FP0601 — ForestManagement and the Water Cycle (FORMAN), COST Action E33 — Forests forRecreation and Natural Tourism, COST Action E 51 — Integrating Innovation andDevelopment Policies for the Forest Sector. In following period there were built upnew unique places of work in TUZVO. Such as there was opened laboratory of “Moleculargenetics with automatic DNA” which was built on the basis of grant projectsupported by the Agency for support of science and research of Slovak republic.Buying of new instruments, material equipment of existing research places of workhas bettered. There were acquired equipment such as “Equipment for measuringof ocular cabling”, in other way “Equipment for measuring profile roughness ofmaterials and others.Sources for funding scientific, technicaland art activitiesA survey of funding sources development of scientific and scientific — technicalactivity according to faculties, organizational parts at TUZVO gained from in projectcompetition from sources of Ministry of education in Slovak republic and agencyAPVV in 2006 and 2007 is given in Tab. 1.A survey of gained financial means according faculties, organizational parts atTUZVO from European commission or other gained foreign sources in 2006 and2007 is given in Tab. 2.Gaining of financial means from foreign sources hasn’t noticed more significantincrease either in 2007. Allowances still exist in gaining of finances in competitivebackground of EU. In 2007 diversification of financial sources of research began toshow more intensive, what is valid mostly for projects of applied research. Situationin gaining of means from APVV is bettering and amount of means gained in appealsof APVV is increasing. University workers are involved in solving of 20 projects ofapplied research. Publication activity has increased in the branches of special worksin magazines and special works in foreign reviewing text books.Technical University in Zvolen, T. G. Masaryka 24, 960 53 Zvolentel.: +421-45-5206 108, fax: +421-45-5330 027e-mail: interrel@vsld.tuzvo.sk, http://www.tuzvo.eu

6Tab. 1 Overview of gained financial sourcesLF DF FEVT FEE Other org. parts TUZVO2006 2007 2006 2007 2006 2007 2006 2007 2006 2007 2006 2007VEGA 7919 6 876 5 907 5 696 2 882 2 059 1 097 1 219 229 130 18 034 15 980KEGA 46 349 1 848 1 120 51 152 0 0 0 108 1 945 1 729AV 0 0 2 830 688 2 165 65 0 0 0 0 4 995 753MVTS 760 1 130 304 502 120 185 0 0 200 0 1 384 1 817APVV 4210 4 984 950 5 223 1 138 1 292 1 116 787 0 0 7 414 12 286Bil. proj. 65 104 0 0 36 36 0 0 0 0 101 140Total 13 000 13 443 11 839 13 229 6 392 3 789 2 213 2 006 429 238 33 873 32 705Tab. 2 Overview of gained financial means from EU and other foreign sourcesLF DF FEVT TUZVO2006 2007 2006 2007 2006 2007 2006 2007Erasmus 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 22,793 (1) 5,392 (1) 22,793 (1) 5,392 (1)Leonardo 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 3,352 (1) 3,352 (1) 3,352 (1) 3,352 (1)5. RP 13,508 (1) 0 (0) 0 (1) 1,538 (1) 0 (0) 0 (0) 13,508 (2) 1,538 (1)6. RP 50,655 (4) 27,764 (4) 10,502 (1) 5,168 (1) 3,384 (2) 2,723 (2) 64,541 (7) 35,655 (7)Others 0 (0) 0 (0) 6,768 (1) 2,850 (1) 0 (0) 0 (0) 6,768 (1) 2,850 (1)Total 64,163 (5) 27,764 (4) 17,270 (3) 9,556 (3) 34,529 (4) 11,467 (4) 110,962 (12) 48,787 (11)Human resourcesEmployment and qualification structureof employeesUntil December 31, 2007 the TU in Zvolen employed 781 staff (except the UniversityForest Enterprise) including 418 women and 363 men. Number of pedagogicalstaff members was 313. There were 48 professors, 76 lecturers, 95 assistants withacademic titles and 94 assistants without academic titles from this amount. Therewere 71 scientific — research workers. There were 49 workers with university education,17 with absolute secondary special education and 5 workers with universityeducation were employed within the solving of projects. There were employees ofcentral administration and special employees of 228. There was staff of 79 withuniversity education and 149 of administration and special staff was only absolutesecondary special education. There were 169 employees (including the Students`Residence and Dining Halls).In 2007 rate of fluctuation of staff was 8.8%. Staff of 69 ended employment relationand there were 19 teachers. Working teacher positions, scientific and leading staffis in accord with valid laws and principles for selective proceeding of staff at TUZVO,eligible on the basis of selective proceeding. In 2007 there were 95 working positionseligible. There belonged 78 teachers and scientific workers there.International cooperationand foreign relationsThe year 2007 at the Technical University in Zvolen (TUZVO) proved again that aninternational aspect of university activities within the European educational andresearch area is becoming more and more important. There are two big challengesstemming from the membership of the Slovak Republic in the EU and the TUZVOmembership in the European University Association (EUA). Namely, it means biggerorientation on foreign students from Asia, America or Africa and of course students’mobility within the EU countries, which requires consistent focus on foreign languageteaching and learning. It also underlines the necessity of integration of theTUZVO research capacities into international research networks which is connectedwith active building of international research contacts and publishing the results ofresearch projects in internationally recognised magazines.Technical University in Zvolen, T. G. Masaryka 24, 960 53 Zvolentel.: +421-45-5206 108, fax: +421-45-5330 027e-mail: interrel@vsld.tuzvo.sk, http://www.tuzvo.eu

National and international cooperation agreementsBilateral cooperation of the TUZVO is the base for developed cooperation reachedin all areas of foreign affairs. In 2007, 5 new agreements for international cooperationwere signed that means their total number reached 29 and also 5 new nationalagreements were concluded, which makes the total of 13 national agreements.Activities within the contract agreements were run by mutual attendance at social,scientific events, research activities and projects as well as direct cooperation atopponent activities and final examinations. Most of European contract universitieswere also part of bilateral ERASMUS agreements.Students and teachers mobilityMajority of students and academic staff mobility activities is realised through Erasmus,Leonardo and CEEPUS programmes. Other opportunities represent individualmobility due to direct cooperation with foreign partners and various educationalprogrammes on the basis of so called summer schools.and in 2007/2008 there are studying altogether 102 foreign students. An importantinternational educational activity is organising summer schools. In 2007 the TUZVO— namely LF organised two international summer schools: “Spatial modelling andinformation system in forestry and e-learning aspects” and “Global change andchallenges for genetic and ecological research of forest ecosystems“.Foreign business trips and acceptance of foreignguestsForeign business trips of the TUZVO staff focused mainly on participation at scientificconferences, congresses and symposiums (62 % of the delegated staff), lowernumber of the TUZVO staff participated in short-term and research stays (35 % ofthe delegated staff). Conference participation was covered from grants or from businessactivities and only in special cases from the university budget.Graph 4 Faculty percentages of delegated staff in 20077Erasmus mobilityIn academic year 2006/2007, 17 students visited 6 countries as part of Erasmusprogramme. In 2004/2005, 7 students and in 2005/2006 19 students participatedin this programme. From the total allocated sum of EUR 14, 372, in 2007 was spentEUR 14, 080. As for the teachers, 11 teachers participated in mobility, the biggestnumber (4) from the Faculty of Wood Sciences and Technology. In 2004/2005,8 teachers participated and the same number did in 2005/2006.FEVT FEVT 31 31 %%FEE 13 %DF 24 %LF 32 %Leonardo da VinciIn 2007 the TUZVO — namely LF, FEE and FEVT took part in two Leonardo da Vinciprogrammes focusing on professional education support: ENTRACOP and MediaNaturae.Graph 5 Faculty percentages of visiting teachers in 2007CEEPUSIn 2007 the TUZVO within the CEEPUS programme — namely FEVT participated asthe partner in two programmes focusing on professional education support: ProjectCII-PL-0033-02-0607 and Network CII-BG-0203-01-0708FEVT 5 %FEE 7 %DF 25 %Educational programmesSimilarly, as the majority of Slovak universities the TUZVO also provides educationto foreign students who are enrolled as full time students of accredited study programmes.In academic year 2006/2007 60 foreign students studied at the TUZVOLF 63 %Technical University in Zvolen, T. G. Masaryka 24, 960 53 Zvolentel.: +421-45-5206 108, fax: +421-45-5330 027e-mail: interrel@vsld.tuzvo.sk, http://www.tuzvo.eu

8Membership in international organisationsThe basic important factor for reaching international recognition is an active membershipin academic and professional international organisations. It is a key for creatingconditions for participation in international projects, gathering new information andnew trends in education, research and for general university education developmentas well as a tool for establishing new contacts and advertising the TUZVO itself.The list of the most important TUZVO memberships in international organisationsis presented in tab. 3.Tab. 3 Overview if the most important TUZVO memberships in international organisationsNameInternational Union of Forest Research OrganizationsInternational Academy of Wood ScienceSociety of Wood Science and TechnologyInternational Association of Wood AnatomistsEuropean Union of ForestersEuropean Forest InstituteSlovak Academic Association of International CooperationEuropean Biomass AssociationZdruženie Certifikácie Lesov SlovenskaAsociácia učiteľov cudzích jazykov na VŠEuropean UNiversity Information Systems SlovakiaEuropean Universities AssociationAbbreviation:IUFROIAWSSWSTIAWAPRO SILVAEFISAAICAEBIOMZCLSCASAJC — CercleSEUNIS — SlovakiaEUAInvestment developmentThe structure of the TUZVO used investments was in 2007 as follows (subsidyfunds):Building investments: reconstruction of SLDK premises SKK 2, 780, 000, 2 nd stageof VDL reconstruction SKK 8, 800, 000, reconstruction of FEVT SKK 354, 000 andproject documentation, students congress centre SKK 20, 000.Machinery investments: computer technology SKK 1, 242, 000, operating andspecial machines and equipment SKK 6, 037, 000, structured cables, switchesSKK 2, 228, 000, automobiles SKK 290, 000.Software: SKK 395, 000.Information and communication technologiesApplication of University Information SystemIn 2007 was introduced and put into full-time operation the University InformationSystem (UIS). Main parts of the system were put into operation — namely studyrecords, students records, teachers records, entrance examination procedures,final examinations, subject catalogue, e-learning, etc. The system started to run inDecember 2007, when it started to be fully used by students. Since then the dailyaccess has been rated at average level of 1,100—1,300 users. Monthly access israted at approximately 4,000 users, which represents 80 % of all the UIS users.Financial managementThe main source of the TUZVO funding was the subsidy from the State Reservesgranted by the Ministry of Education of the Slovak Republic. An additional agreementwas concluded on 26 February 2007 and consequently amended with tenamendments, which meant an increase or a decrease in more finance programmes.On the whole there was an increase in subsidy. The mentioned subsidy amendmentsfor 2007 were provided on purpose and it was not possible to spend it freely.The funds provided in 2007 for the staff salaries were not sufficient and did notcover the TUZVO salary needs.Slovak Academic Network — SANETTUZVO belongs to establishing members of the association of Slovak AcademicNetwork (SANET) which has been providing Internet services for its members since1991. The SANET network connects 24 Slovak towns, where it enables high-speedconnection for all universities, SAV institutes, some secondary and basic schoolsas well as other member organisations from the sphere of education, culture, healthcare, land management, civil service and local governments.Development of information and communication technologiesIn 2007 continued the development of information and communication technologies(IKT) at more levels. Reconstruction of the network system in the main TUZVOTab. 4 Management results of the TUZVO in the years 2002—2007YearMain activity Business activity TotalRevenues Costs HV Revenues Costs HV Revenues Costs HV2002 243, 188 252, 435 —9, 247 4, 436 4, 504 —68 247, 624 256, 939 —9, 3152003 371, 749 378, 844 —7, 095 5, 888 4, 570 1, 318 377, 637 383, 414 —5, 7772004 403, 264 409, 423 —6, 159 8, 016 5, 938 2, 078 411, 280 415, 361 —4, 0812005 415, 553 400, 000 15, 553 7, 129 4, 893 2, 236 422, 682 404, 893 17, 7892006 435, 288 430, 078 5, 210 19, 522 15, 994 3, 528 454, 810 446, 072 8, 7382007 388, 822 388, 514 308 102, 149 93, 376 8, 774 490, 972 481, 890 9, 082Management results of the TUZVO in 2007 show the profit of SKK 9, 082, 000while the profit from the TUZVO main activity was SKK 308, 000, 000 and the profitfrom business activities was SKK 8, 774, 000. The profit was according to accountantpractice used to compensate the loss from previous years and it was dividedinto funds according to § 16 Law no. 131/2002 Coll. of laws about UniversityEducation and its further amendments.building was completed as well as substantially improved wireless connectionwith Borová Hora Arboretum and the premises of the students hall of residence inZáhonok by the transmission from public zone from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz. SIP serverwas put into operation, it enables to direct telephone calls through the Internetnetwork for all SANET members in Zvolen.Technical University in Zvolen, T. G. Masaryka 24, 960 53 Zvolentel.: +421-45-5206 108, fax: +421-45-5330 027e-mail: interrel@vsld.tuzvo.sk, http://www.tuzvo.eu

9Faculty of ForestryDeans of the faculty:Prof. Štefan Žíhlavník, PhDuntil 31 st October 2007Prof. Rudolf Kropil, PhDsince 1 st November 2007In the academic year 2006/2007, the Faculty of Forestrywas attended by 938 students within the 1 st and2 nd stages of study, including 718 students of the fulltimestudy programmes and 220 students of the externalform of study. Education was run in the 1 st and 2 ndyears in two accredited Bachelor study programmes:Forestry, Applied Zoology and Game Management.Students of the 3 rd —5 th years within the full-time studyprogrammes studied in four branches of study: Forestry,Forest Ecology, Management and Financing ForestEnterprises, Applied Zoology and Game Management.In the branch of Forestry, study was run also in the externalform (in the 3 rd —6 th years). Within the PhD studythere were 92 students, 40 of them in the full-timeform. In the academic year 2006/2007, 128 studentsof both the full-time and external studies graduatedfrom the Faculty of Forestry.In the given academic year the Faculty of Forestryhad 69 internal teachers, including 17 professors, 20associate professors and 32 assistant professors. Inthe academic year 2006/2007, 73 students of thefull-time study programmes were receiving the meritscholarship. Involvement of the departments and staffof the Faculty of Forestry in different scientific projectswas high. The VEGA projects (22 of them) had the highest share. A number of theAPVV projects (5 projects) is still increasing. Also the participation in internationalprojects (The Sixth Framework Programme, COST etc.) is growing.In 2007, there were solved 13 international projects and programmes for educationbacking within the Faculty of Forestry. One of the scientific projects was rewarded bythe main prize of “Werner von Siemens Excellence Award”. At the 47 th internationalconference of the Student Scientific and Research Activity of the Faculty of Forestrythere were presented 70 works in six sections. Some of the most significant activitiesof the Faculty of Forestry in the area of foreign affairs that were accepted highlypositively in our country, Europe as well as on the world scale are: organizing thesuccessful event of “EFORWOOD week Zvolen 2007”, DAAD and EVOLTREE, aswell as professional participation of the Faculty of Forestry in the declaration ofthe Carpathian Beech Forests as the World Natural Heritage by the UNESCO Board.Within the international co-operation, 175 staff of the Faculty of Forestry were sentout abroad and 434 experts from different countries of Europe as well as all theworld were accepted.Faculty of Wood Sciencesand TechnologyFor the Faculty of Wood Sciences and Technology,the year 2007 was a year of gradual introducingof the three-stage education. Within the 1 st stageof the university education, students got acceptedfor 11 study programmes within the fields of study:Wood Science, Enterprise Economy and Management,Design, Protection of Persons and Property.In the 3 rd —5 th or 6 th years of the external study thereProf. Igor Èunderlík, PhDDeanwas finishing education in 5 fields of study: Wood Science Engineering, Technologyof Wood-processing, Industrial Furniture Design, Enterprise Management, and FireProtection.In the academic year 2006/2007, all the fields of study and study programmes ofthe 1 st and 2 nd stages were attended by 1, 153 full-time students and 677 externalstudents. 268 students graduated from the Faculty of Wood Sciences and Technologythat year. There was120 students at the PhD study, including 47 in the full-timeform. They studied in four newly accredited study programmes: Technology ofWood-processing, Wood Structure and Properties, Construction and ProductionProcesses of Wood Products and Fire Protection and Safety. In the given year, thestudy was successfully finished by 23 PhD. students.In 2007, the Faculty of Wood Sciences and Technology had 19 professors, 28associate professors, 71 assistant professors, 23 research workers and 35 technicaland economic employees.In 2007 there were solved altogether 30 VEGA grant projects, 8 KEGA projects,1 project of applied research, and 3 projects of the APVV and APVT agencies.Financial subsidy for the solved projects in 2007 accounted for SKK 12, 800, 000.In the given year there were organized 12 international scientific conferences, 6 nationalspecialized seminars and 2 independent exhibitions of design students´ workTechnical University in Zvolen, T. G. Masaryka 24, 960 53 Zvolentel.: +421-45-5206 108, fax: +421-45-5330 027e-mail: interrel@vsld.tuzvo.sk, http://www.tuzvo.eu

10at the Faculty of Wood Sciences and Technology. Also the 48 th international conference“Student Scientific and Research Activity“ was held and it was attended alsoby students of other Slovak and foreign universities. At the conference there werepresented 51 works in five specialized sections.High activity was recorded within the contractual co-operation. The faculty co-operatedwith workplaces of 31 foreign universities and foreign companies and enterpriseswithin wood-processing practice. Within the international co-operation therewere realized 177 international business trips and 173 specialists from abroad wereaccepted at the faculty.Faculty of Ecologyand Environmental SciencesIn the academic year 2006/2007 there were enrolledat the Faculty of Ecology and Environmental Sciencesaltogether 573 students including 270 ones in Bachelorstudy programmes: Ecology and Biodiversity Protection,Environmental Engineering, Philosophy andTheory of Ecologization, Ecology and Landscape Use,Assoc. Prof. Karol Koèík, PhDand Management of the Environment. In “finishing”Deanfields of study within the MSc study: Applied Ecologyand Environmental Engineering were completed by 111 students, including 7 oneswith honours. At the PhD study there were 76 students, including 28 in the full-timeform. On the basis of the contract on co-operation between the Technical Universityin Zvolen and the Institute of Forest Ecology of the Slovak Academy of Sciences,4 PhD students were accepted out of the total number. In 2007 two PhD studentsdefended their dissertation work.In 2007, the Faculty of Ecology and Environmental Sciences had 6 professors,12 associate professors, 34 assistant professors, 10 researchers and 15 technicaland economic employees.Research activities of the Faculty of Ecology and Environmental Sciences came outof the main direction of research activities of the faculty: Sustainable Developmentof Landscape with Regard to the Protection of Biodiversity, Biota and Protection ofthe Environment. 8 VEGA projects and 1 APVV project were solved. In 2007 therewas altogether 427 recorded publications citing the works by the authors fromthe Faculty of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, including 13 home SCI and33 foreign SCI. The number of book publications with the character of the scientificmonograph was 5, there was other 15 publications, 6 publications in the currentcontents indexed journals and other 187 reviewed publications.In 2007 the Faculty of Ecology and Environmental Sciences commemorated the 15 thanniversary of its establishment and the 55 th anniversary of the Technical Universityin Zvolen at the international scientific conference “Ecology and EnvironmentalSciences 2007“. The international co-operation went on within the research activitiesat the particular departments through joint projects, co-operation on publications,and information sharing. A total number of foreigners accepted in 2007 was51 and a number of delegated staff to a foreign country was 45.Technical University in Zvolen, T. G. Masaryka 24, 960 53 Zvolentel.: +421-45-5206 108, fax: +421-45-5330 027e-mail: interrel@vsld.tuzvo.sk, http://www.tuzvo.eu

11Faculty of Environmentaland Manufacturing TechnologyIn the academic year 2006/2007, the Faculty ofEnvironmental and Manufacturing Technology wasattended altogether by 609 students of the full-timestudy and 138 students of external study in five programmesof Bachelor study and in five programmes ofMSc study. 135 students graduated from the faculty,including 79 students of MSc study — 15 of themwith honours and 56 students of Bachelor study —3 of them with honours.Altogether there were 45 students at the PhD study. In 2007 there was 12 newlyaccepted students and 5 students finished studies by defending their dissertationwork.The Faculty of Environmental and Manufacturing Technology in 2007 had altogether75 staff, including 49 teachers, 6 research workers, and 20 other employees. In2006 the faculty had 5 professors (1 of them with the scientific degree of DrSc.),14 associate professors, and 30 assistant professors.Staff of the Faculty of Environmental and Manufacturing Technology continued insolving scientific and research projects included in the research plan for the year2007. Among the projects there were 12 VEGA projects and 2 KEGA projects. Also3 scientific and technical projects were solved. One of them was finished by thefinal opponency and solving the other two is still continuing according to the acceptedschedule. 1 project of the international scientific and technical co-operationfinanced by the EU and 1 IPA project were solved too.In 2007 the Faculty of Environmental and Manufacturing Technology organized orco-organized 8 scientific and specialized events. Within the 7th Student Scientificand Research Activity of the Faculty of Environmental and Manufacturing Technologythere were presented 60 works in six specialized sections.In the area of the international co-operation were realized 89 business trips to10 countries. 32 foreigners from 7 states were accepted at the faculty.The Institute of Foreign LanguagesProf. Milan Mikleš, DrSc.DeanIn 2007, the Institute of foreign languages (UCJ) ensured mainly the tasks in educational,scientific, and research field.In 2007, the following languages were taught at the UCJ: English, German, French,Russian, and Spanish in general and technical language courses at all faculties ofthe Technical University in Zvolen (TUZVO), and in all forms of studies as well asteaching of Slovak language for foreign students, took place. Besides teachingforeign language (CJ) as an obligatory subject according to the study programmesof individual branches of study, the UCJ employees were also ensuring other pedagogicalactivities, such as optional teaching of foreign languages in the forms ofcourses for the students of 3rd—5th years of study at TUZVO and for PhD students;admission exams in the subject CJ; individual teaching of students with individualstudy plans, and individual tutorials for students, doctoral students and other workersof the TU. An average teaching load of full-time teachers at the UCJ was 1410hours per week.In the framework of scientific and research activity, in 2007 the UCJ employees continuedin processing of foreign language terminology in the field of furniture making.The UCJ staff also participated in solutions of grants and institutional research tasksof other TUZVO workplaces.In 2007, the employees of the UCJ also ensured the translations and interpretationsfor the needs of the TU, the faculties, the departments, and individual workers.These activities also included the corrections and proof-reading of the official documentsin Slovak language, and corrections of translated papers written by otherTUZVO personnel. In the year of significant jubilee of the TUZVO, the teachers ofEnglish by their translational and interpretational activities took a significant part inelaboration of English version of information materials about TU as well as in dignifiedcourse of university celebration.In 2007, the UCJ personnel individually or as the co-authors published professionalpapers and contributions in conferences, and they also wrote authorized translationsof scientific papers or their summaries.From January to July 2007 at the UCJ worked 13 full-time assistant professorsand 3 part-time teachers, 1 foreign lecturer and 1 administrative worker. Since September2007, the number of full-time teachers increased to 15, and the number ofpart-time teachers decreased to 1.Four teachers of the UCJ continued in their PhDstudy. Since September 2007 the German lecturer completed her teaching at theUCJ due to closing of Bosh-Shiftung foundation activities in Slovakia.The UCJ collaborated with following international organizations: Goethe-Institutein Bratislava, Bosh-Stiftung foundation (Germany), British Council (Great Britain),Alliance Francais (France), CASAJC/CERCLES, as well as with the departments andinstitutes of foreign languages of other universities and faculties in Slovakia.In the framework of foreign relations and cooperation with practice, the UCJ employeesperformed the whole range of activities, connected mainly with the stays ofstudents, doctoral students, and the TUZVO employees abroad, with internationalTechnical University in Zvolen, T. G. Masaryka 24, 960 53 Zvolentel.: +421-45-5206 108, fax: +421-45-5330 027e-mail: interrel@vsld.tuzvo.sk, http://www.tuzvo.eu

12events organized by other TU workplaces, and with work in various commissionsof the TU.Institute of Physical Education and SportTeaching process of general course of physical education was fully assured accordingto the requirements of the faculties and the students of the TUZVO. Besidestraditional sport disciplines the new ones were included in, as for instance: badminton,exercises on fit-balls, floorball etc. By our own efforts in creating furtherfacilities, by improvement material conditions and by acquiring new equipment, wewere successful in increasing students’ interest in optional subject “Physical Education”.A perfecting swimming training with the element of drowning man rescuingwas implemented into the curriculum of the study programme “Firefighting andRescue Services”Centre for Continuing EducationThe main purpose of Centre for Continuing Education of the Technical University inZvolen (CDV) is to organize a continual education through different courses, trainings,seminars, conferences and to create new educational courses and new educationalprojects. It also acts as an advisory centre within coordination of national andinternational educational projects. There are currently working 3 full-time employeesand 2 part-time employees. The CDV actively communicates with similar centres atother universities in Slovakia and also with other educational institutes and corporations.Till December 2007, CDV has 24 courses accredited by the commission forContinuing Education of the Ministry of Education of Slovak Republic. It makes useof these courses mainly in realizing lifelong special education projects(www.eurokurzy.sk) co-financed by European Union. In 2007, the CDV realized13 educational projects financed from SOP P-RV and co-operated on 2 projectsco-financed from ESF. Besides these activities CDV organizes and provides: TheUniversity of the Third Age (UTV), City and Guilds — English Language Examinationsfor student of TUZVO and the public, Safety and Health Protection Courses forstudents of the TU and the public. During new programming period of Europe Union(2007—2013) the CDV wants to continue in creating new educational projects withutilization of the TUZVO full-time and part-time tutors.Slovak Forestry and Wood Science LibrarySlovak Forestry and Wood Science Library at the Technical University in Zvolen(SLDK) is an academic library of the university. The activities of the library, asa university workplace, are focused on the support of educational, scientific andresearch activity of the university and fulfilling the tasks following from its missionas a specialized scientific library for working with forestry and wood scienceliterature in the Slovak Republic. In 2007, its activities — librarian’s, information andoperational services were assured by 29 employees. In 2007, the overall purchaseof professional books’ fund equals to 1 210 741 SK.The SLDK supported the scientific and research activities of the university mainlyby mediation an access into electronic information sources. The library assuredaccesses to electronic journals of Springer Publishing House, the CAB abstractsdatabase, the EBSCO databases, the WEB of Science, and the Current Contentsdatabase, and to the databases acquired from the central projects — the databasesProQuest, Knovel, the Publishing House ELSEVIER SCIENCE, the database OCTO-PUS and the electronic library EZB. The library, by means of background researchesmade accessible the professional online databases created in the SLDK, the onlyones in the scope of the SR focused on forestry, wood sciences, ecology, andenvironmental and manufacturing technology and other related branches.Technical University in Zvolen, T. G. Masaryka 24, 960 53 Zvolentel.: +421-45-5206 108, fax: +421-45-5330 027e-mail: interrel@vsld.tuzvo.sk, http://www.tuzvo.eu

13The SLDK registers the scientific and vocational activities of the TU personnel, assembledthe running Bibliographies of Publishing Activities of the TU personneland creates the EPCA database of publishing activity records, including as well thecitation index. During the year 2007, it was compiled and arranged the Bibliographyof Publication Activity for the year 2006, available on the SLDK web page, andthe background of publication activity of the TU personnel for the year 2006 wasprocessed.The library and information services were rendered from its own funds and throughan access to external information sources. The SLDK assured permanent consultancy,background research and borrowing services by means of classic cataloguesand outline catalogues — IPACs (Internet Public Access Catalogue). In 2007, allservices of the SLDK were provided in the new automated library and informationsystem — the Advanced Rapid Library. The library also assured an internationalborrowing service and inter-library borrowing service. The SLDK is an Informationplace of European Council and all the year round provided and mediated, for thoseinterested, the information on European Council and its activities. By running formsof lectures and seminars, the library was providing information education of usersin the field of utilization information sources.In 2007, in the framework of project’s activity the library acquired in all 501 thousandSK. In the framework of development projects of the Ministry of Educationthere was acquired a grant for extension of non-contact chip-cards at the TUZVO,which are also used as readers’ card in the SLDK. There were also acquired thegrants of the Ministry of Education SR (MŠ SR) and the town Zvolen for furtherpurchase of literature.By participation of the SLDK in central projects, supported by the MŠ SR, wereobtained free on-line accesses to databases. In 2007 the library participated in theETD project — Building of Digital Libraries — Electronic Finals Theses of Students.The SLDK permanently collaborates with home and foreign libraries, universities,and professional institutions, co-operates in creation of survey catalogues of Slovaklibraries and the specialized survey catalogues.The Arboretum Borová HoraThe Arboretum Borová Hora (ABH) is a scientific and educational workplace of theTechnical University in Zvolen. It is unique not only in Slovak, but also in Europeanscope by the fact that it concentrates mainly autochthonous tree species in theirinter-species and geographical variability.In 2007 the ABH was successful in the spheres of creating, completing, evaluatingand conserving the collections. It was also used for educational, scientific, research,cultural and social activities of the faculties and other workplaces of the TechnicalUniversity, as well as of other institutions, e. g. Slovak University of Agriculture,National Forest Centre, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Municipality of Zvolen anda lot of others.In 2007 the ABH organized several events for the specialists and for general public(Days of Rhododendrons, Days of Roses, Autumn in the Arboretum Borová Hora).The collections were accessible also at the weekends and with the longer openinghours during the weekdays. The expositions of the Arboretum Borová Hora collectionswere presented at several exhibitions, e. g. Spring Flora in Banská Bystrica,Gardenia in Nitra and Exhibition of cacti and succulents in Sliač that was organizedby the Cacti cultivators club at the ABH. In cooperation with the Rosa club theexhibition “Beauty of Roses and Forms” was organized in the ABH. Exhibits andcollections were presented also at the Technical University events, organized on theoccasion of significant jubilees of the Technical University in 2007.Technical University in Zvolen, T. G. Masaryka 24, 960 53 Zvolentel.: +421-45-5206 108, fax: +421-45-5330 027e-mail: interrel@vsld.tuzvo.sk, http://www.tuzvo.eu

14The Centre of Information TechnologiesIn 2007 the Centre of Information Technologies (CIT) provided the complex fulfilmentof the tasks related to the implementation of new and running of existingdevices and technologies of HW and SW in the sphere of information and communicationtechnologies. The employees of communication networks departmentof the CIT assured network and communication infrastructure broadening, networkservices and they ensured non-stop operation of the network junction SANET.In the sphere of introducing new applications and services the employees of theinformation system department of the University participated in the implementationof economic information system SOFIA and in the introduction of new modules ofthe University Information System (UIS). They also assured the operation of cateringinformation system “Kredit” and data migration from the system SPIN to theinformation system SOFIA.The University Forest EnterpriseThe University Forest Enterprise (UFE) is a specialized teaching unit of the TechnicalUniversity in Zvolen used for practical education of students of forestry, as well as ofother study programmes of the Technical University in Zvolen. In a concise way, theUFE demonstrates activities of the forest management, forest seed management,nursery management, silviculture, forest harvesting, forest constructions and ameliorations,timber marketing. The wood production is represented by the complexof activities including sawmilling based on own production of raw wood material,alternative kiln drying of sawn wood as well as final processing of sawn wood inthe joinery workshop. Energy use of renewable raw materials and optimizing ofwaste management is represented by the biomass incinerator KARA 500. The UFEstarted realization of the tasks in the sphere of “green energy” by founding of energystands of different kind under different conditions. For the scientific and researchreasons there are managed 69 permanent research sites and 11 semi-operationsites, where the growth processes of forest communities and new ways of forestryactivities are verified. In 2007 the increased attention was paid to the constructionof demonstration objects, as well as creation of nature trails.Development Workshops and LaboratoriesDevelopment Workshops and Laboratories (VDL) are one of the organizational partsof the TU. Their activity is directed at the field of pedagogical, scientific research andbusiness activity. Contemporary equipment of VDL enables the practical demonstrationof different machines and facilities. At the same time they set conditions forstudents to be familiar with manufacturing technologies, practical organization andproduction management and it also enables to acquire manual and practical skillsin the field of mechanical and chemical wood manufacturing and board materialsbased on wood. In 2007 the following operating parts were put in our disposalfor scientific research, laboratory activity and practical education requirements:Technical University in Zvolen, T. G. Masaryka 24, 960 53 Zvolentel.: +421-45-5206 108, fax: +421-45-5330 027e-mail: interrel@vsld.tuzvo.sk, http://www.tuzvo.eu

15modern saw-mill with a horizontal log band saw, automated drying kiln, workplaceof engineering technologies, engineering shop, electrical shop, laser workplace,paint shop, maintenance and xylograph tools sharpening centre, vertical formatsaw, edge gluing machine and CNC tooling centre.In 2007 VDL participated in the preparation and realization of the international studentfestival called Akademický Zvolen 2007. They also took part in the technicalsecurity of exposition events of TUZVO.Publishing HouseIn 2007, the Publishing House of the Technical University in Zvolen (VTU) wasfulfilling mainly the tasks approved by Edition Plan. It provided graphical set up,technical processing, setting, press, bookbinder’s processing, distribution and saleof published titles. In 2007, VTU produced 130 different titles — textbooks, studybooks, monographs, scientific studies, and other purpose-made publications. Interms of technical literature sale VTU got profit of 837935 Sk — it was 213 000 Skmore than in 2006.On the occasion of important anniversaries VTU provided the edition of the book“The Technical University in Zvolen 2007” and also the special wall calendar for 16months (September 2007 — December 2008). It was published 17 different sorts ofprinted matters dedicated to anniversaries — the total cost of 15 900 pieces.In the framework of entrepreneurial activity VTU provided also the production andedition of book titles, brochures, and different printed matters for suppliers outsidethe TU, what positively influenced income of VTU for the year 2007.Students Halls of Residenceand Dining HallIn 2007 Students Halls of Residence and Dining Hall of the Technical University inZvolen (ŠDaJ) provided housing for students and PhD students, for foreign students,graduate trainees, lectors and university guests and also complex cateringservices.In the framework of housing it provides capacity of 1524 beds in one-bed up tothree-bed rooms with equipment in three different students` residences. There were86 % of requirements for housing fulfilled that’s why TUZVO is ranked the leadingposition in the worldwide average.In the framework of catering — the University Dining Hall enables its customersa choice from 8 to 12 various meals prepared during weekdays. In 2007 it wasserved 289 161 portions of meal in all — 176 225 portions served to students,100 816 portions served to employees and 12 090 portions served to the peoplefrom the different institutions.The work and services of ŠdaJ were provide by 81 employees — 58 employeesresponsible for the running of the Students Halls of Residence and 23 for the DiningHall.Technical University in Zvolen, T. G. Masaryka 24, 960 53 Zvolentel.: +421-45-5206 108, fax: +421-45-5330 027e-mail: interrel@vsld.tuzvo.sk, http://www.tuzvo.eu

TECHNICAL UNIVESITY IN ZVOLENFaculty of ForestryFaculty of Wood Sciences and TechnologyFaculty of Ecology and Environmental SciencesFaculty of Environmental and Manufacturing Technologywww.tuzvo.skISBN 978-80-228-1887-29 7 8 8 0 2 2 8 1 8 8 7 2The Annual Report of the Technical University in Zvolen for the year 2007Author: Assoc. Prof. Josef Drábek, PhD / Editor: PhDr. Peter Gašperan / Translation: PhDr. Denisa Pauleová, Mgr. Kristína Králová, Mgr. Ivana Slováková, Mgr. Martina Babiaková,PhDr. Jana Luptáková, PhDr. Oľga Lejsalová, PhD, Mgr. Darina Veverková, Mgr. Mária Laciková / Graphic design and setting: The Publishing House of the Technical University in Zvolen /Photos: The Archives of the Technical University in Zvolen / Press: NIKARA Krupina / Number of copies: 150 piecesThe Technical University in Zvolen / June 2008