UC LitvínovIn 2002, the University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague began cooperation with the ORLEN Unipetrol refining and petrochemical group began cooperation, which culminated in 2015 with the establishment of the University Centre UCT Prague - ORLEN Unipetrol, which is located in the ORLEN Unipetrol production plant in Záluží near Litvínov. The unique connection, where the public university is located directly in the commercial production area, is exceptional not only in the Czech Republic, but also in Europe. The connection is also unique thanks to the possibility to verify the acquired theoretical knowledge directly in practice, which schools and industrial companies have been calling for for many years.
In 2020 another partner of the University Center is the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of the Czech Technical University in Prague, which plans to include two to three subjects in teaching in Litvínov. By expanding the University Center, it increases university study opportunities in the Ústí nad Labem Region, and thus helps to raise the attractiveness and competitiveness of this region. The Centre was renamed the University Center Litvínov ICT - FS ČVUT - ORLEN Unipetrol.
The University Centre Litvínov provides students in bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programmes with professional activities and practical industrial skills training . Significant cooperation with the ORLEN Unipetrol Research and Education Center (ORLEN UniCRE) offers students a number of opportunities to participate in real projects.
The University Centre Litvínov additionally organises activities as an exemplification of the so-called "third role"—e.g., functioning as a centre for lifelong learning, as a University of the Third Age (U3A)—providing informational and advisory services, promoting science and technology education, supporting a variety of primary and secondary schools in the region, fostering international cooperation, organising technical seminars, and hosting other social events.
