MC Anthropocene 2026: Program

In 2026, the course will be held in English to welcome an international audience. Registration is now open! For more information on how to apply, please visit here.

What can you expect?
The micro-credential learning program Anthropocene: The contemporary world in a transdisciplinary perspective consists of two online blocks and an intensive week-long program in Prague.

The format includes seminars, lectures, filed trips, practical workshops, and demonstrations of interdisciplinary cooperation, all led by top experts.

Organized by the Center for Theoretical Study, a joint research institute of Charles University and the Czech Academy of Sciences.

I. Introductory online block

A total of 3 meetings starting at 16:00 on Tuesdays, with each lasting 1,5-2 hours.

26/05 2026 16:00

Anna Kvíčalová, Eliška Fulínová, Karolína Pauknerová (CTS, coordinators of the course). The Anthropocene: Where are we? Interdisciplinarity vs. transdisciplinarity. Introductory workshop.

09/06 2026 16:00

Matthew Walls (University of Calgary). The Roots of the Anthropocene. Online lecture and discussion.

16/06 2026 16:00

Marek Hudík (CTS), The Economics of Nature: Property Rights and Use of Resources: Field Research in Resource Management. Seminar on economic thinking.

II. Intensive programme in Prague

Monday 07/09 2026

CTS, Husova 4, Prague 1, 3rd floor (morning) – access by the main entrance in Jilská 1

09:00–11:00 Anna Kvíčalová, Eliška Fulínová, Karolína Pauknerová. Introductory study group: The Anthropocene and its possible meanings. Group work, structured discussion.
11:30–12:00 Anna Kvíčalová, The Sound of the Anthropocene. Discussion and assignment of an ongoing task
13:00–17:00 Michaela Nohejlová Zemková (CTS). The Anthropocene Landscape and Wilderness of the City. Field excursion in Prague.
- Ethnological Method Contribution: Alžběta Wolfová (CTS)

Tuesday 08/09 2026

CTS, Husova 4, Prague 1, 3rd floor (morning), Prague – Vinoř (afternoon)

9:00–10:00 Zdeněk Konopásek (CTS). Engaged Impartiality? Science and Politics in the Anthropocene from STS perspective. Lecture and discussion.
10:15–11:45 David Stoch (CTS). Understanding the world through models and simulations. Lecture and discussion.
13:00–16:30 Petr Pokorný (CTS). How Data are Created I. Paleoecological practice in the field: exemplary field research and sampling in the vicinity of a significant archaeological site.
- Botanical contribution (e.g. invasive species): Irena Šímová (CTS).
- Historical and geological contribution: Jan Makovský (CTS).

Wednesday 9/09 2026

Laboratory of the Department of Botany, Faculty of Science of Charles University, Benátská 2, Prague 2 (morning), CTS, Husova 4, Prague 1, 3rd floor (afternoon)

09:00–12:00 Petr Pokorný. How Data are Created II. Paleoecological practice in the classroom: examples of analytical methods and interpretation of results.
- Contribution from the history of science (microscopy and changes in perception): Tereza Liepoldová (CTS).
13:00–14:30 To be specified.
14:45–15:30 Jindřich Prach (CTS). Historical Maps in the Digital Age: A Source for Understanding Landscape Change. Introduction to the field excursions.
15:30–17:00 Group work.

Thursday, 10/09 2026

CTS, Husova 4, Prague 1, 3rd floor (morning), Radotínské údolí (afternoon)

09:00–12:00 Adam Hudec (Akademie der bildenden Künste Wien). Dust. Artistic research workshop.
13:00–17:00 Jindřich Prach, Karolína Pauknerová, Eliška Fulínová. How is Nature and Landscape Conservation Realised? The Intertwining of Natural and Cultural Heritage in the Anthropocene. Field excursion with introduction and commentary.

Friday 11/09 2026 DRAFT: TO BE CONFIRMED

Academic Conference Centre, Jilská 1, Prague 1, ground floor, access from the court

9:30–10:30 Irena Šímová (CTS). The Planet as a Garden: Environmental Productivity, Ecosystem Functions and Planetary Boundaries. Lecture and discussion.
11:00–12:00 Anna Tószögyová (CTS). Living Planet Index between science and politics. Lecture and discussion.

Joint lunch on site.

13:00–14:00 Group work of participants. Time for cooperation and initial formulation of the idea for the final thesis.
14:30–16:00: Presentation of group projects.
16:00–16:30 Final reflection on the past week. Discussion.

III. Closing online block

Online lectures and working groups’ meetings with their mentors as part of the preparation for the interdisciplinary group projects (October-November).

14/9 – 5/10 2026, Dates and times to be specified individually.

Working groups’ meetings.

29/09 2026 16:00

Michael Wagreich (Vienna University, Vienna Anthropocene Network). The Anthropocene – A Dispute in the Geosciences and Beyond. Online lecture with discussion.

20/10 2025 16:00

Anna Kvíčalová, Eliška Fulínová, Karolína Pauknerová (CTS). Closing talk and Discussion.
The first meeting of the working groups with their mentors.

11/11 – 20/11 2026, Dates and times to be specified individually