On its 106th anniversary, Masaryk University (MU) once again honoured personalities who have contributed to its development. This year, the Silver Medal was awarded to Josef Janyška, former MU Vice-Rector for Information Technology and Professor of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the MU Faculty of Science.
This year’s celebration commemorating Masaryk University’s 106th anniversary also celebrated 100 years since the first honorary doctorate was awarded to the composer Leoš Janáček. During the ceremony, which took place on 28 January 2025 in the Karel Engliš Great Auditorium at the MU Faculty of Law, ten Silver Medals were awarded for significant scientific works, consolidating the significance of MU, deepening cooperation with domestic and foreign institutions, and for merit in the development of MU. In addition, three of the awardees, Jiří Zahrádka, Graeme Dibble and Nigel Simeone, were recognised for systematically dealing with Janáček’s work and Czech music in their work. This year’s gold medals for lifetime contributions to scientific research and the development of MU were awarded to Petr Dvořák and Ivan Rector, both of whom have served on the university’s management board in the past.
Josef was a member of the MU Academic Senate for two terms, including one term as chairman of the Academic Staff Chamber, and has also served as a member of the MU Internal Evaluation Board. He has had a rich teaching career, successfully supervising several bachelor's and master’s theses in Mathematics and Descriptive Geometry and doctoral theses in Geometry, Topology and Geometric Analysis, and General Issues in Mathematics. At present, he is a supervisor in the Teaching of Descriptive Geometry for Secondary School courses. His main research area is differential geometry.
The MU Silver Medal is awarded for lifetime contributions to MU teaching and research activities in the field of mathematics.
An amendment to the Higher Education Act improves conditions for doctoral studies. The main changes concern the income and status of doctoral students. Luděk Bláha, Vice Dean for Doctoral Studies at SCI MUNI, describes how our Faculty is preparing for the changes.
In South Moravia, the LIFE in Salt Marshes project has successfully reintroduced traditional community grazing, which helps protect rare wetlands while also reviving the historic concept of common pastures. Grazing livestock, such as horses and cattle, effectively prevents the spread of invasive plants and supports the return of rare plant and animal species.
