UWB introduced its new professors and associate professors and also awarded an honorary doctorate

Fanfares, scepters, and colorful academic gowns. The St. Martin’s Day afternoon at the Měšťanská beseda in Pilsen belonged to the ceremonial meeting of the Scientific Council of the UWB. Dozens of guests and members of the academic community attended the traditional event.

The university must remain a place of integrity, wisdom, and courage; it must not forget its duty to educate and must cultivate open debate even in times when that is far from easy. With these words, on Tuesday, November 11, the Rector of the University of West Bohemia in Plzeň, Miroslav Lávička, opened this year’s ceremonial session of the Scientific Council in the grand hall of Pilsen’s Měšťanská beseda. He also emphasized the need to support research and new technologies.

One of those who has long contributed to this effort, in cooperation with the Department of Physics at the Faculty of Applied Sciences (FAV) of the University of West Bohemia, is distinguished South Korean scientist and expert on plasma surfaces and technologies Jeon Geon Han. During the ceremony, he was awarded the honorary title of Doctor Honoris Causa for his outstanding contributions. According to Pavel Baroch, head of the Department of Physics at FAS, the recognition was long overdue: “Professor Han has been collaborating with us for nearly three decades. He has an extraordinary vast knowledge across disciplines and often brings innovative, unconventional ideas. I truly value our contact with someone who continually inspires us.” Baroch added that many of joint ideas are born not only in laboratories but also during long, informal conversations in restaurants.

Seventy-one-year-old Professor Jeon Geon Han works at Sungkyunkwan University in Suwon, South Korea, now as an emeritus professor. Beyond plasma research, he is also engaged in fields such as flexible electronics, green energy, biotechnology, and nanotechnology. He is currently collaborating with FAS on a project aimed at improving the surface treatment of dental implants, with the goal of helping the human body accept the implant more easily and quickly.

“Professor Han also helps us establish cooperation on new types of projects with the South Korean commercial sector,” said Baroch, noting that Sungkyunkwan University collaborates, for instance, with Samsung. “This title is not merely an individual honor, I see it above all as recognition of the shared journey I have had the privilege to take with inspiring scientists and motivated students,” commented Han on the award.

During the meeting at Měšťanská beseda, the Scientific Council also introduced five newly appointed professors and eight new associate professors. According to Rector Lávička, each such appointment strengthens the professional legacy of the university as a whole: “They represent a wide spectrum of expertise that reflects the diversity of our university — from natural and technical sciences to the humanities, social sciences and the arts. I am also pleased that there are women among those newly appointed and it is equally important that many of them have achieved this academic advancement at a relatively young age — that is a very positive signal for the future of the academic community at UWB.”

In addition to the honorary doctorate, the University of West Bohemia also awarded six commemorative medals this year. Among the recipients were internationally acclaimed photographer Libuše Jarcovjáková from the Ladislav Sutnar Faculty of Design and Art, and cosmologist Radim Kočandrle from the Faculty of Philosophy.

Honorary commendations from the Rector for exceptional achievements in creative, artistic and sporting activities were awarded to academic painter Ditta Jiřičková and educator Jaroslav Vančát.

A complete list of awardees is available in the official brochure, photo gallery is here.