People who move BUT forward. The rector honoured individuals contributing to the university's development

At this year's Academic Assembly, Brno University of Technology honoured the figures whose work contributes to the development of the university and to its good name. On Thursday 17 September, members of the academic community, employees, representatives of university institutions and other guests met on this occasion to look back together on the past academic year and to recall the significant figures and achievements connected with BUT.

After the ceremonial opening, the Chair of the BUT Academic Senate Miloslav Steinbauer gave a speech in which he emphasised the importance of the autonomy and academic self-governance of higher education institutions. "A university is not merely a school of expertise. It is also one of the places where young people can learn democracy not from textbooks, but through their own experience. Here students can elect their representatives, stand for election themselves, formulate and defend their opinions, take part in decision-making and bear responsibility for their decisions. This is a less visible but important part of the social mission of a university. Because a democratic society needs not only educated experts, but also people who are accustomed to thinking freely, discussing, respecting a differing opinion and bearing responsibility for matters of common concern," he said.

In the context of the forthcoming amendment to the Higher Education Act, he stressed that universities should not reject changes merely out of habit, but that at the same time they should not change the principles of academic self-governance simply because a different arrangement may at first sight appear more efficient. "Efficiency is important," Steinbauer said, and continued: "It is not, however, the only value by which we should measure a university. A university is not a company. Nor is it an administrative authority. It is a community of people who educate, study, conduct research, create and jointly bear responsibility for its future. And, in their own way, for the future of society as well."

In his view, a university is at the same time a so-called institution of long time horizons. "It must be able to look beyond the horizon of immediate need – of a single budget, a single project and a single term of office," he explained. It cannot prepare students only for the needs of today's society, but must give them such foundations and such an ability to learn that they will succeed even in a world that we are not yet able to describe.

The Rector of BUT Ladislav Janíček then highlighted in his speech the importance of academic assemblies, which naturally connect the academic community with the traditions and history of the university and strengthen the awareness of its cohesion. "With today's ceremonial gathering we traditionally open the new academic year and at the same time commemorate the 127th anniversary of the founding of our university," he said, adding that alongside the anniversary of its founding, this year the university is also commemorating another significant jubilee, namely 70 years of the name Vysoké učení technické (Brno University of Technology).

He further stressed that any change to the Higher Education Act should above all strengthen the international competitiveness of Czech higher education institutions, not weaken their independence, and that competitiveness is also the main theme of the new BUT Strategic Plan. According to Ladislav Janíček, the key to the competitiveness of universities lies above all in the quality and relevance of what constitutes their mission and primary objective, that is, education and creative activities. "In terms of the specific priorities to which we will direct our attention in the coming period from 2026 onwards, I will select three main ones. The first priority of the university's strategy is defending and achieving institutional accreditation in 2028. The second priority on which we will place emphasis is effective internationalisation. And as the third main strategic priority we regard knowledge transfer and entrepreneurship, together with the development of the research environment and the pursuit of excellence in research and other creative activities," he said.

In his speech the Rector also recalled the significant successes and milestones that accompanied BUT over the past year. He mentioned the successes of student teams such as Chicken Wings, Formula Student, Brno Mars Rover and YSpace with their KOSTKA satellite, but also the award of an A grade in the grading of research organisations and the university's results in international rankings. In conclusion, he thanked all students, academic staff and researchers, as well as colleagues in administrative and technical positions, for their dedicated everyday work.

During the 27th Academic Assembly, the Rector of BUT awarded ten gold, ten silver and nine commemorative medals. The programme also included the presentation of fifty Rector's awards for study and teaching activities, exceptional scientific results, artistic outputs and student activities.

Gold medals

The gold and silver medals of BUT rank among the most significant awards by which the university expresses its appreciation for a long-term contribution to its academic community and for the development of individual areas of its activity.

• prof. RNDr. Vladimír Aubrecht, CSc. – is one of the outstanding figures of Brno University of Technology, with which he has been professionally connected for several decades. In the posts of Vice-Dean for Science and Research and subsequently Dean of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication, he significantly contributed to the strategic direction of the faculty and to the fulfilment of the long-term objectives of the university. Alongside his managerial roles, he devotes himself to teaching, to the support of students and to the development of the young generation of academic staff. Through his professional reputation, his responsible approach and his ability to find agreement in resolving strategic questions, he contributes to creating an open and creative academic environment and to strengthening the standing of the faculty and of the entire university.
  
  The gold medal is awarded for exceptional merit in the development of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication and for a significant contribution to fulfilling the mission and values of Brno University of Technology.
  

  

  
  

• prof. Dr. Ing. Jan Černocký – shapes the scientific, teaching and international profile of Brno University of Technology. At the Faculty of Information Technology he founded and leads the research group BUT Speech@FIT, whose results in speech recognition, speaker identification and voice analytics have won worldwide recognition and strengthen the position of Brno University of Technology as a respected European institution in the fields of artificial intelligence, machine learning and speech processing. He also takes part in the development of study programmes, in the education of a new generation of experts and in the internationalisation of the university. As the professional guarantor of the field of artificial intelligence at Brno University of Technology and as the head of a faculty institute, he contributes to the fulfilment of the university's strategic objectives. He also significantly connects the academic and industrial spheres, among other things as co-founder of the company Phonexia, one of the most successful technological spin-off enterprises to have arisen at Brno University of Technology.
  
  The gold medal is awarded for exceptional merit in the development of science, learning and the international standing of Brno University of Technology.
  

  

  
  

• Tamara Divišková – is among the most distinctive figures connected with the Faculty of Architecture, where she studied under the guidance of the academic sculptor Vincenc Makovský. In her work she uniquely combined sculpture, ceramics and design with architecture and public space, thereby significantly influencing the shape of Czech fine art and design. In the research and development department of the national enterprise UP závody (the UP Works) she took part in the design of the iconic laminate seat for T3 trams, one of the most significant works of Czechoslovak industrial design of the 1960s. The focus of her work lay in realisations for public space. Her ceramic reliefs, mosaics, sculptures and play elements enriched schools, housing estates, parks and other public places and became part of the everyday life of several generations of the inhabitants of Brno. Her work is an inspiring example of the connection between art, architecture and service to public space.
  
  The gold medal is awarded in memoriam for an exceptional lifelong contribution in the field of fine art, design and architecture.
  

• prof. RNDr. Miroslav Doupovec, CSc., dr. h. c. – has been professionally connected with Brno University of Technology since 1986. As Vice-Dean, Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and subsequently Vice-Rector for Studies, he significantly influenced the form and direction of the educational activities of the university. He contributed to the modernisation of study programmes, to the shaping of educational policy and to the development of the quality assurance system. As a professor of applied mathematics and a recognised expert in the field of differential geometry, he has long devoted himself to teaching. Thanks to his many years of effort, in 2019 the university became the first technical university in the Czech Republic to obtain institutional accreditation, thereby significantly strengthening its system of education quality management as well as its standing in the higher education environment.
  
  The gold medal is awarded for exceptional merit in the development of education and for a significant contribution to fulfilling the mission and values of Brno University of Technology.
  

  

  
  

• prof. Ing. Rostislav Drochytka, CSc., MBA, dr. h. c. – is one of the significant figures of Brno University of Technology and of Czech technical higher education. He linked his professional career with the Faculty of Civil Engineering, where he has long taken part in the development of educational, creative and managerial activities. In the post of Dean he significantly influenced the direction of the faculty and supported its professional and institutional development. He has long devoted himself to the education of future experts and to the development of Doctoral Study, and is the author or co-author of a number of professional publications, patents and applied results usable in construction practice. Through his work in the bodies of the Czech Science Foundation and the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic, he contributed to the development of research evaluation and to support for technical disciplines. Through his professional authority and many years of service to the academic community, he has contributed to the good name of the Faculty of Civil Engineering and of the entire university.
  
  The gold medal is awarded for exceptional merit in the development of the Faculty of Civil Engineering and for a significant contribution to fulfilling the mission and values of Brno University of Technology.
  

  

  
  

• Ing. ThLic. Lukáš Evžen Martinec, Ph.D., MBA – is one of the distinguished graduates of Brno University of Technology, with which he has long been closely connected. Technical education became the foundation of his professional and managerial career, particularly in the areas of the administration of cultural heritage, investment activity and public service. After graduating from Brno University of Technology he extended his education by studying theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. As Abbot of the Augustinian Abbey of St Thomas in Old Brno from 1997 to 2015, he took part in the restoration of historical buildings, in the development of cultural life and in the preservation of the legacy of Gregor Johann Mendel. From 2018 to 2025 he then headed Muzeum Brněnska (the Brno Region Museum). He has also long served on the Board of Trustees of BUT, since 2019 as its Chair. Through his expertise, strategic thinking and ability to connect the academic, public and cultural spheres, he significantly contributes to the development, stability and social standing of the university.
  
  The gold medal is awarded for a long-term and exceptional contribution to the development of higher education and for active and long-standing service on the Board of Trustees of Brno University of Technology.
  

  

  
  

• prof. Ing. Miloslav Novotný, CSc. – long-standing head of the Institute of Building Structures and three times Vice-Dean, who significantly influenced the direction of the Faculty of Civil Engineering and its professional development. He is a sought-after expert in practice and a recognised forensic expert in the field of civil engineering. In his professional work he focuses on the diagnostics of defects, the rehabilitation of buildings and innovative construction technologies. He also made a significant contribution to the extensive reconstruction of the campus of the Faculty of Civil Engineering and to the establishment of the AdMaS Centre. Throughout his career he has combined teaching, scientific and managerial work. For colleagues and for generations of students he is a recognised authority, valued not only for his expertise but also for his direct and fair dealing and for his support of young experts.
  
  The gold medal is awarded for a long-standing contribution to the development of the Faculty of Civil Engineering and of the building infrastructure of public higher education institutions in the Czech Republic.
  

  

  
  

• prof. Ing. Jindřich Petruška, CSc. – is among the most significant figures of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. For more than twenty years he headed the Institute of Solid Mechanics, Mechatronics and Biomechanics, which under his leadership became a respected workplace involved in international cooperation and in significant research and industrial projects. In his scientific work he achieved important results in the fields of applied mechanics, numerical modelling and computational methods. As the author of numerous professional publications and as the principal investigator of research projects, he contributed to the development of the discipline, to cooperation with industrial practice and to the professional reputation of the faculty and the university at home and abroad. He took part in the development of study programmes and in the education of generations of graduates, doctoral students and young academic staff. Through his professional authority, managerial abilities and long-standing work in scientific, professional and accreditation bodies, he contributes to the development of technical higher education.
  
  The gold medal is awarded for exceptional merit in the development of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and for a significant contribution to fulfilling the mission and values of Brno University of Technology.
  

  

  
  

• prof. Ing. Pavel Václavek, Ph.D. – is one of the figures who significantly help to shape Brno University of Technology. Through his scientific, teaching and managerial activities he contributes to strengthening its position as a respected European research institution. He takes part in the development of international cooperation, in obtaining prestigious European projects, in building research capacities and in connecting the university with research institutions and industry. He has long represented the university in national and international professional structures and supports its involvement in top European initiatives. He also devotes considerable attention to the development of young scientists. Through his professional authority, personal commitment and managerial abilities he has long contributed to the development of science, education and innovation at the university and in the wider international environment.
  
  The gold medal is awarded for an exceptional contribution to the development of the Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC) and for the long-term fulfilment of the mission of Brno University of Technology as a centre of learning, science and innovation.
  

  

  
  

• prof. Ing. Michal Veselý, CSc. – is one of the figures who have contributed in a fundamental way to the development of the Faculty of Chemistry. From its establishment in the 1990s he took part in building its professional, personnel and material background and for more than three decades has co-shaped its direction and identity. In the management of the faculty he held a number of important posts, culminating in his service as Dean from 2022 to 2025. He also significantly took part in the implementation of key infrastructure projects that created modern conditions for education and research. As a scientist and teacher he is among the pioneers in the field of photocatalysis and materials printing. He is the author of numerous professional publications and patents and has long developed cooperation with the industrial sphere. Through his work he has contributed to the development of applied research, to technology transfer and to the education of a new generation of experts.
  
  The gold medal is awarded for exceptional lifelong merit in building and developing the Faculty of Chemistry and for a significant contribution to fulfilling the mission and values of Brno University of Technology.
  

  

  
  

Silver medals

• Ing. Petr Beneš, CSc. – for exceptional merit in the development of the Faculty of Civil Engineering in the areas of organisational activity and academic self-governance and for lasting support of academic values.
  
  

  

• prof. Ing. Jan Čechal, Ph.D. – for exceptional results that contributed to the development of the Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC) in the areas of education, research, development and innovation, international cooperation, internationalisation and organisational activity.
  
  

  

• prof. RNDr. Jan Franců, CSc. – for exceptional results that contributed to the development of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in the areas of education, research, development and innovation, international cooperation and organisational activity.
  
  

  

• prof. Eric Daniel Glowacki, Ph.D. – for a significant share in strengthening the international standing of the Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC) and for exceptional results in the areas of research, development and innovation, international cooperation, cooperation with industry and organisational activity.
  
  

  

• doc. Ing. Robert Kledus, Ph.D. – for exceptional results that contributed to the development of the Institute of Forensic Engineering in the areas of education, expert-witness, application and organisational activity.
  
  

  

• prof. MgA. Barbora Klímová, ArtD. – for exceptional results that contributed to the development of the Faculty of Fine Arts in the areas of education, art and other creative activity, and internationalisation.
  
  

  

• prof. RNDr. František Krčma, Ph.D. – in memoriam for exceptional lifelong results that contributed to the development of the Faculty of Chemistry in the areas of education, research and development, international cooperation and organisational activity.
• prof. Aamir Saeed Malik, Ph.D. – for exceptional results that contributed to the development of the Faculty of Information Technology in the areas of education, research, development and innovation, international cooperation and organisational activity.
  
  

  

• doc. RNDr. Zdeněk Šmarda, CSc. – for exceptional results that contributed to the development of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication in the areas of education, research and development, international cooperation and cooperation with industry.
• doc. Ing. Stanislav Věchet, Ph.D. – for exceptional results that contributed to the development of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in the areas of robotics, education, research, development and innovation, international cooperation and cooperation with industry.
  
  

  

Commemorative medals

The BUT commemorative medals are awarded to current and former employees, in particular for the achievement of outstanding results in their work, for active work towards the development of the university or for another exceptional deed.

• Lawrence Barth, B.A., M.A. – for an exceptional contribution to the development of international cooperation between the Faculty of Architecture and the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London and to supporting the quality of architectural education and urban design.
  
  

  

• doc. Ing. Robert Grepl, Ph.D. – for many years of significant teaching, scientific-research and professional activity and for a significant contribution to the development of the field of mechatronics at Brno University of Technology.
  
  

  

• Ing. Petr Hajduk – for many years of professional service in the post of Chief Financial Officer of the Faculty of Information Technology and for an exceptional contribution to the development and administration of the faculty campus.
  
  

  

• Ing. Aleš Klusák, Ph.D. – for a long-standing contribution to the development and administration of the information system of the Faculty of Business and Management.
• Lubomír Macků – for a long-standing and professional contribution to the provision of transport services and to the development of the operational facilities of Brno University of Technology.
  
  

  

• doc. Ing. Pavel Maňas, Ph.D. – for an exceptional contribution to the development of the educational, scientific-research and professional activities of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and to strengthening cooperation with university workplaces and industrial partners.
  
  

  

• Ing. Zdeňka Pavlačková, Ph.D. – for an exceptional contribution to the development of science and research, to the evaluation of research activity and to strengthening international scientific cooperation at Brno University of Technology.
  
  

  

• Hana Richter – for many years of work for the Faculty of Fine Arts and for a significant contribution to ensuring its administrative and economic operation.
  
  

  

• doc. Ing. Daniel Zicha, CSc. – for an exceptional contribution to the development of interdisciplinary research, to building an excellent research infrastructure and to strengthening the international standing of Brno University of Technology.
  
  

  

Other special awards

In addition to the medals, outstanding student and graduate achievements were also honoured during the Academic Assembly, by which the university recalls each year the successes of those who represent it at home and abroad through their results and contribute to its good name.

For outstanding results in scientific training in the form of Doctoral Study:

• Ing. Lenka Drotárová, Ph.D.
• Ing. Hana Kopřivová
• Shidhin Mappoli, Ph.D.
• Ing. Josef Pouzar, Ph.D.
  
  

  

For outstanding results in Master's Study:

• Ing. Barbora Říhová
• Ing. Jan Vašák
  
  

  

For outstanding results in representing the university in sport:

• Ing. Martin Děcký
• Tereza Širůčková
  
  

  

For another exceptional deed:

• Tereza Bednářová
• the student team Chicken Wings
• the student team YSpace
  
  

  

For the development of student activities:

• Bc. Jan Dvořáček
• the student team Brno Mars Rover
• the student association Studentská unie FIT VUT v Brně (Student Union of the Faculty of Information Technology, BUT)
• the student club Vegýna
• the student and graduate collective všuderajče
  
  

  

Attention was also paid to exceptional scientific results and artistic outputs. The awards in these categories point to the breadth of BUT's activity, which ranges from basic and applied research through technological innovation to creative activity in the field of art and design.

For a publication with an exceptional impact on the scientific community:

• prof. RNDr. Martin Pumera, Ph.D.
  
  

  

For a publication representing an exceptional contribution by a BUT team to the scientific community:

• Ing. Stevan Gavranović, Ph.D.
• prof. Mgr. Martin Vala, Ph.D.
• prof. Ing. Klára Částková, Ph.D.
  
  

  

For an exceptional applied result:

• doc. Ing. Petr Mlýnek, Ph.D.
• doc. Ing. Pavel Mašek, Ph.D.
• Ing. Martin Štůsek, Ph.D.
• Ing. Pavel Paluřík
• Ing. Radim Dvořák
  
  

  

For an exceptional conference paper:

• Mgr. Marie Jakešová, M.Sc., Ph.D.
• Ing. Jiří Ehlich, Ph.D.
• prof. Eric Daniel Glowacki, Ph.D.
  
  

  

For an exceptional work of art:

• doc. MgA. Jakub Jansa, Ph.D.
  
  

  

For a result with an exceptional media response:

• doc. Ing. Pavel Diviš, Ph.D.
• Ing. Jaromír Pořízka, Ph.D.
• Ing. Zuzana Slavíková, Ph.D.
• Ing. Olga Kmentová
  
  

  

For an exceptional result of research or other creative activity:

• Ing. Jan Pluskal, Ph.D.
• doc. Dr. Ing. Dušan Kolář
• Ing. Tomáš Goldmann, Ph.D.
• Ing. Michal Koutenský
• Ing. Miroslav Šafář
• Bc. Lukáš Csáder
• Ing. Samuel Šimún
  
  

  

The programme also included the announcement of the results of the Best Educator poll based on student evaluation, in which the academic community honours teachers who, through their approach, their methods of teaching or their professional work, significantly contribute to the quality of education at BUT.

Winners in the follow-up Master's Study category:

• Ing. Arch. Tomáš Pavlovský, Ph.D. – Faculty of Civil Engineering
• prof. RNDr. Miloslav Druckmüller, CSc. – Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
• doc. Ing. Lucie Hudcová, Ph.D. – Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication
• Mgr. Michal Konečný, Ph.D. – Faculty of Architecture
• doc. Ing. Zdenka Kozáková, Ph.D. – Faculty of Chemistry
• doc. Ing. Lucie Kaňovská, Ph.D. – Faculty of Business and Management
• doc. Mgr. Jan Zálešák, Ph.D. – Faculty of Fine Arts
• Ing. Tomáš Kocourek – Faculty of Information Technology
• Ing. Albert Bradáč, Ph.D. – Institute of Forensic Engineering
  
  

  

Winners in the Bachelor's Study category:

• Ing. Zbyněk Vlk, Ph.D. – Faculty of Civil Engineering
• Ing. Dana Foltýnová – Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
• Mgr. Josef Rebenda, Ph.D. – Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication
• prof. Ing. Josef Chybík, CSc. – Faculty of Architecture
• Ing. Lucia Ivanová, Ph.D. – Faculty of Chemistry
• Ing. Petra Holendová – Faculty of Business and Management
• Mgr. Jakub Bulvas Stejskal, Ph.D. – Faculty of Fine Arts
• Ing. Aleš Smrčka, Ph.D. – Faculty of Information Technology
• Ing. Jiří Majzner, Ph.D. – Centre of Sports Activities
  
  

  

The Academic Assembly offered an opportunity to thank the people who, through their results, their work and their commitment, help to shape the present form of Brno University of Technology. It is their everyday effort that contributes to what the university is and to where it can move.

Congratulations to all the award recipients!

Related articles:

• Excellence Lies in People. The Rector Honoured Figures at the 26th BUT Academic Assembly

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Author	Mgr. Lenka Hubáčková
Published	2026-09-21
Link	https://www.vut.cz/en/but/f19528/d366545