A ceremony was held at the Augustinian Abbey on Mendlovo náměstí, during which newly habilitated academics from Masaryk University received their appointment decrees. A total of 14 experts from eight MU faculties successfully completed the habilitation process, including two from our faculty. Congratulations to Associate Professor Lisa Emily Melymuk, who successfully habilitated in the field of Environment and Health, and Karel Souček, who habilitated in the field of Experimental Animal Biology.
Newly habilitated academics at Masaryk University have succeeded in an exceptionally wide range of fields this year – from law, medicine, and natural sciences to the humanities, economics, and social sciences. In the field of law, habilitations were successfully completed in civil law, with a thesis focusing on the issue of litigation law in a historical, dogmatic, and comparative context, and in constitutional law, with a thesis analyzing the selection of constitutional court judges and its impact on the legitimacy of judicial power.
In the field of the environment, the habilitation thesis was devoted to the study of the pathways and impacts of chemical contaminants on humans and methods of exposure assessment. In experimental biology, attention was focused on cell plasticity, tumor heterogeneity, and metastasis mechanisms.
In his speech, Rector Martin Bareš praised the newly habilitated associate professors and emphasized their role in the academic community. He recalled the symbolism of the place associated with Johann Gregor Mendel, who represents the connection between the scientific and spiritual worlds and the value of patient, long-term work. He highlighted the wide range of disciplines represented by the new associate professors and their potential for strengthening interdisciplinarity, which is essential for the university and Czech science. He placed particular emphasis on their responsibility in education – not only of traditional students, but also in the context of the growing importance of lifelong learning. He also pointed out the need to better explain to the public the nature and importance of academic work and the results of basic research. "Docentship is the result of daily, persistent work, which brings not only successes but also obstacles, and it is precisely overcoming these obstacles that demonstrates the professional and human maturity of those who have been habilitated," said the rector, wishing the awardees good health, motivated colleagues, and enthusiastic students.
Petra Besedová, representing the newly habilitated, thanked the university and her loved ones for their support on the demanding path to becoming associate professors. She emphasized that habilitation is not just an administrative step, but a confirmation of professional and personal maturity, as well as the opening of new challenges associated with the responsibilities of the academic profession. She expressed her appreciation for the trust placed in them by Masaryk University, which allows for free professional growth. She highlighted the role of family and friends as an essential support system, as well as the importance of the academic community, where science and education are built through joint efforts. "I would like to point out the social responsibility of academics – not only to pass on knowledge, but also to encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and the search for new paths. The title of associate professor represents not only recognition, but also a commitment to the university, the field, students, and society," concluded Besedová.
Associate Professor Lisa Emily Melymuk
Associate Professor Melymuk obtained her habilitation in the field of Environment and Health. She is an internationally respected scientist and expert in the field of knowledge transfer and the application of research results in legislation and health and environmental protection.
Associate Professor Melymuk's habilitation thesis focuses on clarifying the pathways and sources of chemical pollutants' effects on humans. Her research includes the study of the distribution and behavior of contaminants and has provided valuable insights into the sources, pathways, and impacts of these pollutants on human health. Her work has also contributed to the development and refinement of methods for assessing human exposure. The aim of the habilitation thesis was to contribute to the international process of risk assessment and reduction, identify chemical risks, and provide data for decision-making and measures to reduce these risks. Associate Professor Melymuk is the head of the Chemical Pollutants and Human Exposure Routes research group at the Faculty of Science, Masaryk University.
Associate Professor Karel Souček
Associate Professor Karel Souček obtained his habilitation in the field of Experimental Animal Biology. His research focuses on the mechanisms of cellular plasticity, tumor heterogeneity, and metastasis formation with the aim of improving the treatment outcomes of cancer.
Associate Professor Souček's habilitation thesis focused on the plasticity of cell identity and its role in cancer progression. He discovered new oncogenic factors that significantly contribute to tumor development and metastasis. His work has contributed to clarifying the complexity of cell signaling, communication between cells, and changes in the plasticity of cancer cells. Together with his colleagues, he presented findings on the complex molecular mechanisms governing cancer progression and suggested possible directions for targeted therapeutic interventions.
Associate Professor Souček works in the Department of Animal Physiology and Immunology at the Faculty of Science, Masaryk University.
Photo: Martin Indruch
New observations made with the ERIS instrument at the Very Large Telescope (European Southern Observatory) facility disprove the assumption that the supermassive black hole at the centre of the Milky Way devours nearby dusty objects. Michal Zajaček from Masaryk University was part of the research study,...
Marika Majerová from the Loschmidt Laboratories , Department of Experimental Biology & RECETOX , Faculty of Science at Masaryk University, has been awarded the prestigious Martina Roeselová Memorial Fellowship for 2026 . This year, the IOCB Tech Endowment Fund recognized 15 young researchers who combine...
