This year, newly habilitated academics at Masaryk University come from an exceptionally wide range of fields – 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 right of action in a historical, dogmatic and comparative context, and in constitutional law, with a thesis analysing the selection of constitutional court judges and its impact on the legitimacy of judicial power.
In medicine and natural sciences, experts in oncology succeeded with a set of results relating to research into childhood cancers, the introduction of innovative immunotherapeutic procedures and the development of precision medicine. In the area of the environment, the habilitation thesis was devoted to the study of the pathways and human impacts of chemical contaminants and methods of exposure assessment. In experimental biology, cell plasticity, tumour heterogeneity and metastasis mechanisms were studied.
In the humanities, the habilitation thesis dealt with Iron Age archaeology, where research comprehensively clarified the function of previously unexplored empty urban spaces in Celtic oppida. In history, a thesis was presented on the military policy of the Byzantine Empire during the reign of Alexios I Komnenos. In the field of foreign language teaching, the potential of music and literary texts for language learning was examined.
Economic disciplines were represented by theses devoted to economic history and voter behaviour, experimental economics with a focus on prosocial behaviour, and strategic management, particularly the issue of organisational adaptation. In political science, habilitations focused on the transformation of political parties in autocratic regimes and the geopolitical use of energy resources. In the field of kinanthropology, a comprehensive work on optimising the performance of special forces personnel was presented.
In his speech, Rector Martin Bareš praised the newly habilitated associate professors and highlighted their role in the academic community. He recalled the symbolism of the venue associated with Johann Gregor Mendel, who represents the connection between scientific and spiritual pursuits and the value of patient, long-term work. He highlighted the wide range of fields represented by the new associate professors and their potential for strengthening interdisciplinarity, which is essential for the university and the development of science in the Czech Republic. He placed particular emphasis on their educational responsibilities, both in terms of their younger students and in the context of the growing importance of lifelong learning. Martin Bareš also emphasised the importance of explaining the nature and significance of academic work and the outcomes of fundamental research to the public. “Becoming an associate professor is the result of daily, persistent work, which includes not only successes but also challenges, and it is in the overcoming of these challenges where the professional and personal accomplishments of those habilitated shine through,” said Rector Martin Bareš, wishing the new associate professors good health, motivated colleagues and enthusiastic students.
Petra Besedová, representing the new associate professors, thanked the university and the candidate’s families and friends for their support on the demanding academic path. She emphasised that habilitation is not just an administrative step, but also a recognition of professional and personal accomplishments, as well as the beginning of new challenges associated with academic responsibility. She appreciated MU’s confidence and trust that allow for unhindered professional growth. Petra Besedová further emphasised the importance of families and friends as a source of essential support and the significance of the academic community, where science and education are developed through collaborative 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 Eva Dobrovolná
Associate Professor Dobrovolná habilitated in the field of Civil Law. She specialises in civil procedure and civil law (with an emphasis on property rights).
In her habilitation thesis, Eva Dobrovolná deals with the issue of lawsuits and the right of action in a comparative legal context. She first presents the historical and dogmatic development of the right of action, then introduces legal action as a procedural tool, analysing in detail the filing, amendment and withdrawal of lawsuits. Eva Dobrovolná’s thesis is written in German and she pays particular attention to comparative aspects in Czech, Austrian and German law. Her research combines a careful dogmatic understanding and historical context of the right of action with consideration of current trends. Associate Professor Dobrovolná works at the Department of Civil Procedure at the MU Faculty of Law.
Associate Professor Vyhnánek habilitated in the field of Constitutional Law and Theory of State. He is a recognised expert in constitutional law.
In his habilitation thesis, Ladislav Vyhnánek deals with the selection of constitutional court judges. His objective is to explain the relationship between the legitimacy of constitutional courts around the world and the selection of their judges. He first defines the principles and ideals that the model for selecting judges should be based on. In addition to the general ideal of the legitimacy of a constitutional court, there is a requirement for instrumental values such as its independence (and resilience), transparency of selection, and diversity of the judiciary. He examines these issues in a comparative context and within the framework of a Czech case study. His colleagues in the field appreciate his recommendations for Czech constitutional practice. Associate Professor Vyhnánek is the head of the Department of Constitutional Law and Political Science at the MU Faculty of Law.
Associate Professor Peter Múdry
Associate Professor Múdry habilitated in the field of Oncology. He focuses on the oncological treatment of paediatric patients, primarily those with soft tissue and skeletal sarcomas, and also coordinates international cooperation in this area.
In his habilitation thesis, Peter Múdry presents the results of his research into solid tumours in children, their molecular-biological nature, standard treatment and the development of new treatment protocols. He has participated in projects involving the clinical use of anti-tumour vaccines from dendritic cells, which have resulted in the introduction of this vaccine into clinical practice with a proven effect on prolonging survival. His colleagues in the field appreciate his approach to precision oncology using molecular profiling of childhood cancers and treatment based on their results. His innovative approach to immunotherapy using the HPV vaccine is also highly regarded. Associate Professor Múdry is the head of the Department of Paediatric Oncology at the MU Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Brno.
Associate Professor Lisa Emily Melymuk
Associate Professor Melymuk habilitated in the field of Environment and Health. She is an internationally respected researcher and expert in the transfer of knowledge and the use of research results in legislation and health and environmental protection.
Lisa Emily 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 behaviour 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 objective of her 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 MU Faculty of Science.
Associate Professor Karel Souček
Associate Professor Karel Souček habilitated in the field of Experimental Animal Biology. His research focuses on the mechanisms of cellular plasticity, tumour heterogeneity and metastasis formation with the aim of improving the results of cancer treatment.
Karel 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 tumour development and metastasis. His work has contributed to clarifying the complexity of cell signalling, 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 MU Faculty of Science.
Associate Professor Petra Goláňová
Associate Professor Goláňová habilitated in the field of in the field of Prehistoric and Medieval Archaeology. She specialises in research into the Late Iron Age, specifically the Celts.
In her habilitation thesis, Petra Goláňová presents the results of field research conducted in Bibracte, a Celtic oppidum in France. She focused on the function of the hitherto little-studied “empty spaces” in the middle of the urban zone of a fortified agglomeration from the 1st century BC. To answer this mystery, she used an interdisciplinary approach, combining knowledge from archaeology and natural and technical sciences, such as geophysics, archaeobotany, radiocarbon dating and others. Even places without buildings, deliberately created in urban areas, are essential for understanding the city and its inhabitants. The habilitation thesis represents one of the extraordinarily complex multidisciplinary projects in archaeological surveys of ancient settlements. Associate Professor Goláňová works at the Department of Archaeology and Museology at the MU Faculty of Arts.
Associate Professor Marek Meško
Associate Professor Meško habilitated in the field of General History. He deals with the history of the Byzantine Empire in the High Middle Ages.
In his habilitation thesis, Marek Meško presented the results of his long-term research into the reign of Alexios I Komnenos, focusing primarily on the military activities of the empire during his reign. He focuses on three significant military conflicts that shaped this period: the Byzantine-Norman wars, the war against the Pechenegs, and the Cuman invasion of 1095. Marek Meško examines the emperor’s military command, tactical innovations, and his ability to defend and consolidate Byzantine power in the Balkans during this critical period. He convincingly shows that Alexios I Komnenos was a pragmatic leader who, instead of pursuing unattainable goals such as complete reconquest, effectively dealt with the unstable international situation with the aim of stabilising the Byzantine Empire. Associate Professor Meško has long collaborated with the Department of Archaeology and Museology at the MU Faculty of Arts on two Czech Science Foundation projects.
Associate Professor Petra Besedová
Associate Professor Besedová habilitated in the field of Didactics of Foreign Language. She focuses on the didactic potential of music and literary texts for learning and teaching foreign languages, and the study of the significance of (socio)cultural content in foreign language didactics.
In her habilitation thesis, Petra Besedová focuses on the potential of music and literary texts in foreign language teaching. She pays attention to the parallels between music and foreign languages, which are then developed from a neuroscientific, psychological, and (socio)cultural perspective. The results of Petra Besedová’s research have demonstrated the supportive role of music in cognitive processes such as memory and perception, which can lead to more effective language teaching. Music and literature can help overcome language barriers and enrich traditional teaching methods. Innovative methods increase student motivation while developing their linguistic and intercultural competence. Associate Professor Besedová is the deputy head of the Department of German Language and Literature at the Faculty of Education, University of Hradec Králové.
Associate Professor Lucie Coufalová
Associate Professor Coufalová habilitated in the field of Economic Policy. She focuses on economic history and electoral behaviour.
In her habilitation thesis, Lucie Coufalová focuses on two areas of economic policy: economic history and electoral behaviour. In the first area, she focuses primarily on various aspects of the economic transformation in the Czech Republic. She presents conclusions that are of interest to economists and historians dealing with centrally planned economies and their economic transformation, as well as to policymakers and oral history theorists. In the second area, Lucie Coufalová maps various aspects of the Czech people’s voting behaviour from the transformation period to 2021. Within this research area, she and her co-authors use the quasi-random arrangement of ballot papers in Czech parliamentary elections to study selected factors behind electoral behaviour. Associate Professor Coufalová works at the Department of Economics at the MU Faculty of Economics and Administration.
Associate Professor Miloš Fišar
Associate Professor Fišar habilitated in the field of Economics. He focuses on experimental economics and interdisciplinary research with an emphasis on social preferences, unethical behaviour and decision-making processes.
In his habilitation thesis, Miloš Fišar deals with the determinants and correlates of prosocial behaviour such as sharing, cooperation and trust. His research represents a significant contribution to behavioural economics, as it deepens our understanding of how human decision-making is influenced by a combination of contextual, psychological and biological factors. His comprehensive approach not only expands theoretical knowledge, but also provides practical implications for designing policies and interventions that are consistent with human behavioural tendencies, promoting more efficient and equitable economic outcomes. Associate Professor Fišar works at the Department of Public Economics at the MU Faculty of Economics and Administration and at the MU Experimental Economic Laboratory.
Associate Professor Michal Jirásek
Associate Professor Jirásek habilitated in the field of Business Management. He specialises in the research of strategic management, specifically at the intersection of behavioural strategy, competitive strategy and organisational design.
In his habilitation thesis, Michal Jirásek focuses on the critical topic of organisational adaptation in a changing environment. He addresses three main questions: how existing entities adapt to change, what limits this process, and how new entities differ from existing ones. His habilitation thesis represents a significant scholarly contribution to the field of strategic management. It is characterised by a diverse methodological approach and innovative insights into organisational and strategic dynamics, combining theoretical rigour with practical applicability. Associate Professor Jirásek works at the Department of Business Management at the MU Faculty of Economics and Administration.
Associate Professor Pelin Ayan Musil
Associate Professor Ayan Musil habilitated in the field of Political Science. She is an internationally recognised scholar in the field of democratisation theory, authoritarian regimes, autocratisation and opposition theory, with a particular focus on Turkey and Middle Eastern studies.
In her habilitation thesis, Pelin Ayan Musil analyses the transformation of ethnic and religious political parties in Turkey, with a special focus on their role in the change of the regime into an autocracy. Associate Professor Ayan Musil examines the actors of change and the structural and cultural factors that led the country down this path, drawing implications from this case study for similar countries in the developing world that have experienced the decline or collapse of democracy. The habilitation thesis presents an original treatment of the topic and a significant contribution to the study of how party transformation is related to regime change in highly polarised societies. Associate Professor Ayan Musil works at CEVRO University in Prague and at the Institute of International Relations Prague.
Associate Professor Martin Jirušek
Associate Professor Jirušek habilitated in the field of Political science. He specialises in energy security, international relations and foreign policy analysis.
In his habilitation thesis, Martin Jirušek focuses on the military use of energy supplies from Russia to the countries of Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe and how Russia has leveraged and continues to use these energy resources to promote its geopolitical and economic interests from the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Eastern Bloc and the USSR to the present day. His thesis represents a significant contribution to the fields of energy security, international relations and regional studies. It combines theoretical sophistication with empirical depth and offers a powerful tool for understanding the geopolitical implications of energy dependence. Associate Professor Jirušek works at the Department of International Relations and European Studies and the International Institute of Political Science of the MU Faculty of Social Studies.
Associate Professor Martin Bugala
Associate Professor Bugala habilitated in the field of Kinanthropology. He specialises in research on human performance in security corps and armed forces.
In his habilitation thesis, Martin Bugala focused on optimising the performance of special forces operators. He first characterises the development of the programme, NATO training and the barriers that need to be taken into account when training operators. He then moves on to programme implementation, operator testing, planning and physical conditioning. Martin Bugala concludes his thesis with a model example of preparation for a specific mission and the deployment of special forces operators. In his work, he presents findings that have not yet been published in such a comprehensive manner, enriching the specific area of integrated training for special forces personnel. Associate Professor Bugala works at the Department of Sport Performance and Exercise Testing at the MU Faculty of Sports Studies.