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At the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Prof. Vondrášek initiated the founding of the Transport Engineering program, pioneered the teaching of power electronics at the former University of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (VŠSE), and significantly contributed to both the academic and institutional development of the Faculty. He left a remarkable legacy as a researcher in the field of traction converters, working with Škoda Plzeň, and as the author of numerous scientific publications and patents. For his lifelong contribution to the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Professor Vondrášek was awarded the František Křižík Award by FEL UWB as a token of appreciation for his exceptional lifetime achievement in electrical engineering.

“What we have accomplished in power electronics and electrical engineering is the result of the collective work of every individual at the Faculty. I thank everyone who was a part of it,” said Prof. Vondrášek upon receiving the award.

The award ceremony took place on Friday, June 13, in the presence of UWB Rector Miroslav Lávička, FEL Dean Zdeněk Peroutka, other distinguished professionals in the field, and past laureates of the award. The event also marked with another milestones: the celebration of Prof. Vondrášek’s significant life anniversary and the launch of his new book Power Electronics, which is set to go to print in June. The book captures his decades of experience in teaching and research, building on the academic legacy he helped shape at the Faculty.

“Today we gather to celebrate three important milestones – the presentation of a lifetime achievement award, Professor Vondrášek’s 90th birthday, and the unveiling of his crowning publication,” said Dean Zdeněk Peroutka. “Professor Vondrášek is not only an outstanding expert but also a remarkable figure who shaped generations of students and played a fundamental role in building both the Faculty and the field itself. This award expresses our deep respect and gratitude for his lifetime of contributions.”

Professor Vondrášek devoted more than sixty years of his professional life to the Faculty. He also significantly contributed to the Faculty’s and the University’s leadership – serving as chair of the Academic Senate, Vice-Rector for Science and Research, and as the initiator of the Transport Electrical Engineering program. His professional and pedagogical efforts left a significant mark on the development of technical education in the Czech Republic and stand as a valuable example of combining academic excellence, technical innovation, and personal commitment.

The František Křižík Award of FEL UWB, accompanied by the artistic statuette Elektra by Plzeň sculptor František Bálek, is the highest honor awarded by the Faculty of Electrical Engineering for lifetime achievement in the field. It was first presented in 2012 and has since been awarded to notable figures including Dana Drábová, Chair of the State Office for Nuclear Safety, and professors Lumír Kule and Daniel Mayer.