Nominations for the Jan Opletal Awards: “Let’s celebrate the good things around us!”
Do you know someone who inspires others with their courage, enthusiasm and desire to change the world for the better? Nominate them for the Jan Opletal Award. The awards are presented to students and recent graduates of secondary schools and universities. They recognise their activities during their studies, their involvement in student and civic life, volunteering and other activities that benefit the public, both within and outside school.
We often forget to focus on the good things around us, and that is precisely why the Jan Opletal Awards exist. They recognise active young people who strive to change their communities for the better. The awards are presented by the Student Chamber of the Council of Higher Education Institutions and the ‘Díky, že můžem’ association to mark the anniversary of the tragic death of student Jan Opletal, whose sacrifice has become a symbol of the struggle for freedom. The Student Chamber presented the first award in 2004.
The Jan Opletal Awards, which focus on recognising young people for their exceptional contribution to society, are presented in three categories, and anyone can nominate candidates – students themselves, for example, their peers or close colleagues, or representatives of individual institutions. In previous years, many students were nominated by rectors and deans from several Czech universities, academic senators, their fellow students and others. The winners are selected from all the nominees by a committee comprising representatives of both organising organisations as well as representatives of civil society.
The Jan Opletal Awards are presented in three categories: current or recent secondary school pupils or graduates, current or recent university students or graduates, and individuals aged 30 or under. Nominations are open until 2 October.
This year, the awards will be presented on Wednesday 11 November 2026. Further information can be found on the website cenyjanaopletala.cz.