Doctoral and associate professor graduation ceremonies highlighted the importance of science and education

The end of November at Brno University of Technology traditionally took place in the spirit of ceremonial events and new academic titles. On Wednesday, November 26, doctoral and associate professor graduation ceremonies were held in the BUT Rectorate, culminating in the awarding of appointment decrees to 14 new associate professors.

During four ceremonies, university representatives welcomed new PhD graduates and associate professors, who confirmed their effort and academic growth by taking the ceremonial oath and receiving their diplomas or appointment decrees. Their academic path often included extensive research, student supervision, and hundreds of hours spent in laboratories, workshops, or studios – all contributing to the development of their fields, science, and Brno University of Technology itself.

Fourteen new associate professors, appointed by the BUT Rector upon nominations from faculty deans, were introduced during the ceremony by faculty representatives. They then received their appointment decrees, officially earning the right to use the academic title "docent" (associate professor). In his speech, Rector Ladislav Janíček emphasized the support for studying technical and natural science fields and the importance of providing high-quality education for future experts who will shape the technological advancement and competitiveness of the Czech Republic. In addition to academic teaching, he highlighted the role of research, especially the importance of knowledge transfer and cooperation with industry partners.

Faculty of Civil Engineering:

• Assoc. Prof. Ing. Jan Koláček, Ph.D. – Field: Structures and Transport Constructions
• Assoc. Prof. Ing. František Vajkay, Ph.D. – Field: Building Constructions

Faculty of Mechanical Engineering:

• Assoc. Prof. Ing. Radovan Galas, Ph.D. – Field: Mechanical Design and Process Engineering
• Assoc. Prof. Ing. Vladimír Krutiš, Ph.D. – Field: Mechanical Engineering Technology
• Assoc. Prof. Ing. Pavel Leštinský, Ph.D. – Field: Mechanical Design and Process Engineering
• Assoc. Prof. Ing. Jakub Zlámal, Ph.D. – Field: Applied Physics

Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication:

• Assoc. Prof. Ing. Pavel Mašek, Ph.D. – Field: Electrical Engineering and Communication Technology
• Assoc. Prof. Ing. Michal Fusek, Ph.D. – Field: Electrical Engineering and Communication Technology

Faculty of Chemistry:

• Assoc. Prof. Mgr. Radek Přikryl, Ph.D. – Field: Chemistry, Technology and Properties of Materials
• Assoc. Prof. RNDr. Ondřej Zvěřina, Ph.D. – Field: Environmental Chemistry and Technology

Faculty of Fine Arts:

• Assoc. Prof. MgA. Jakub Jansa – Field: Fine Arts
• Assoc. Prof. Mgr. Jiří Příhoda – Field: Fine Arts

Faculty of Information Technology:

• Assoc. Prof. Mgr. Kamil Malinka, Ph.D. – Field: Computer Engineering and Informatics
• Assoc. Prof. Ing. Ondřej Lengál, Ph.D. – Field: Computer Engineering and Informatics

During the ceremony, Kamil Malinka from the Faculty of Information Technology spoke on behalf of the newly appointed associate professors. “It is a great honour for us to receive the title of associate professor at Brno University of Technology. This moment marks a significant milestone in our academic careers and represents not only recognition of our work so far, but also a commitment to continue addressing new research and teaching challenges,” he said. He added that the newly appointed associate professors represent a diverse spectrum of expertise and are an example of the wide range of academic disciplines available at BUT. He also emphasized that academic work is not only about research, but also about educating future generations and that it is necessary to motivate students to think critically and ask questions.

A New Generation of Experts

During the ceremony, 55 new PhD graduates took the doctoral oath. They completed their studies at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Information Technology, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Architecture, Faculty of Chemistry, and the CEITEC research centre.

“It is my honour and pleasure, in my academic role, to grant approval for graduates of doctoral study programmes to be formally awarded the academic title of Doctor after taking their oath,” said BUT Rector Ladislav Janíček. He added that doctoral studies serve as preparation for future scientific and research careers, with the primary purpose of expanding knowledge.

Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication:

• Dr. Magdaléna Bačo Matejková
• Dr. Robert Bayer
• Dr. Amir Hashemi
• Dr. Milan Hurban
• Dr. Aneta Koláčková
• Dr. Pavel Londák
• Dr. Radek Možný
• Dr. Ondřej Sládok
• Dr. Adrián Tomašov
• Dr. Matěj Vrtal

Faculty of Civil Engineering:

• Dr. Lukáš Bobek
• Dr. Martin Labaj
• Dr. Petr Marvan
• Dr. Martin Olšák
• Dr. Slávka Pobucká
• Dr. Martin Ťažký
• Dr. Marek Velešík

Faculty of Information Technology:

• Dr. Matej Čief
• Dr. Branislav Pecher

Faculty of Mechanical Engineering:

• Dr. Martin Heczko
• Dr. Jiří Hvožďa
• Dr. Jan Jaroš
• Dr. Štěpán Kolomý
• Dr. Kamila Kozáková
• Dr. Radek Kubíček
• Dr. Jakub Linda
• Dr. Pavel Loučka
• Dr. Václav Miklas
• Dr. Kryštof Mráz
• Dr. Michal Okál
• Dr. David Poul
• Dr. Michaela Procházková
• Dr. Alexandra Streďanská
• Dr. Dušan Tichoň
• Dr. Iveta Ukropcová
• Dr. Ondřej Vaverka

Faculty of Architecture:

• Dr. Barbora Jenčková
• Dr. Tereza Ježková

Faculty of Chemistry:

• Dr. Jan Fučík
• Dr. Stevan Gavranović
• Dr. Jiří Holub
• Dr. Vojtěch Jašek
• Dr. Nikola Kratochvílová
• Dr. Pavlína Landová
• Dr. Romana Malečková
• Dr. Jakub Palovčík
• Dr. Veronika Richterová
• Dr. Jiří Sýkora
• Dr. Tereza Tulková

CEITEC BUT:

• Dr. Kristýna Bukvišová
• Dr. Eva Drápalová
• Dr. Matej Dzurov
• Dr. Lucie Kotásková
• Dr. Martin Kovařík
• Dr. Tomáš Krajňák

“At Brno University of Technology, we learned from the best academic mentors and became independent and responsible experts in our research fields. We gained the ability to make decisions in complex situations, find the most effective solutions, and take responsibility for our work,” said Vojtěch Jašek from the Faculty of Chemistry on behalf of the newly graduated PhDs. He concluded by thanking families and loved ones for their support.

We sincerely congratulate all new PhD graduates and associate professors and wish them great success on their future professional paths!