Organizational structure

Director of the Institute

is appointed and removed by the Council of the Institute for the Study of Totalitarian Regimes (ÚSTR). He sets the Institute’s strategy and goals and is accountable for his work to the Council.

Since 1. 5. 2014 the director of ÚSTR has been: Mgr. Zdeněk Hazdra, Ph. D.

Deputy Director of the Institute

is appointed and removed by the Institute director. He represents the director fully in accordance with his rights and duties as a statutory representative. He has direct control over the director of the Department of Research and Education and the director of the Production Department.

Mgr. Ondřej Matějka

Senior staff

Department of Research and Education

Department director: PhDr. Milan Bárta, Ph.D.

Research Section Resistance and Dissent in the Years 1938–1989

This section investigates different forms of resistance and dissent against the Nazi and Communist dictatorships in our territories, from armed resistance through other forms of more or less organized dissent movements including cultural opposition. Emphasis is given to careful differentiation of the various motivations and forms of resistance including their ideological, political and social backgrounds.

Mgr. Pavla Plachá, Ph.D – head of section

Research Section Repression in the Years 1938–1989

This section explores repression under the Nazi occupation and the Communist dictatorship. Its research focuses mainly on examination of the functioning of repressive institutions within the broader political and social system, as well as on describing repression and analyzing its societal context, preconditions and consequences.

PhDr. Milan Bárta, Ph.D. – head of section

Research Section Political and Social Developments in the Years 1938–1989

This section studies political and social developments in the periods of the Nazi and Communist rule. It considers life under dictatorship from the perspective of political dynamics as well as the social practices and relationships which form not only everyday reality but also general life and social strategies.

PhDr. Matěj Bílý, Ph.D. – head of section

Education Section

This section covers educational activities of the Institute: it collaborates with schools and educational institutions as well as with departments at universities and research institutions, both in the Czech Republic and abroad. It seeks to promote education of contemporary history, prepares and provides further education for school teachers, produces aids to teaching contemporary history at schools as well as being involved in civic education.

Mgr. Čeněk Pýcha, Ph.D. – head of section

Third Resistance Law Agenda Section

Produces statements for administrative proceedings under law no. 262/2011 Coll. on participation in the resistance and opposition to communism.

PhDr. Jan Synek – head of section

  • Mgr. Zdeněk Homola
  • Mgr. Marie Cholínská – on parental leave
  • Mgr. Luboš Kokeš, Ph.D.
  • Mgr. Tereza Pavlíčková – on parental leave

ÚSTR Council

is the supreme body of ÚSTR.  It comprises seven members elected and removed by the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic.

ÚSTR Academic Council

is the ÚSTR director’s advisory body.