Professor MUDr. Ivan Rektor, CSc. (5 November 1948 – 14 June 2026) made a major contribution to the development of neuroscience at Masaryk University, played a key role in establishing CEITEC and earned the respect of the international scientific community through his research into epilepsy, movement disorders and brain function. He was one of the most prominent figures both at Masaryk University and in Czech medicine, dedicating his professional life to neurology, brain research, the education of future doctors and the advancement of science at MU.
Part of his career was spent in France, where he pursued experimental epilepsy research from 1984 to 1989 and later worked in epilepsy surgery. He brought that experience back to the Czech Republic and made a fundamental contribution to the development of modern neurology.
From 1992 to 2012, he headed the neurology clinic at St Anne’s University Hospital in Brno (FNUSA) and, as head of the joint workplace of the MU Faculty of Medicine and FNUSA, built a department with an exceptional international reputation. He was a consistent advocate for combining world-class clinical care with excellent research and teaching.
From 2006 to 2011, he served as the MU Vice-Rector for Development. He played a key role in building the university’s modern research infrastructure and in establishing the Central European Institute of Technology CEITEC, where he subsequently led a research group at the Centre for Neuroscience. He was among those who helped make Brno a respected European hub for neuroscience research.
His research focused primarily on epilepsy, movement disorders, functional brain imaging and the relationship between the brain, music and cognition. In recent years he also devoted considerable attention to the neurobiology of stress and the intergenerational transmission of trauma. He attracted particular interest – from both specialists and the wider public – through his research into descendants and survivors of the Holocaust, which he followed with a study of the psychological and biological impact of war on Ukrainian refugees and others affected by Russian aggression. His expertise, vision and ability to open up new areas of inquiry made him a respected figure in global neurology.
“Professor Ivan Rektor was one of those figures whose work fundamentally shaped Masaryk University and Czech medicine. He was an extraordinary scientist, doctor and teacher who combined world-class research with deep humanity. He made a major contribution to the development of neuroscience at MU, helped establish CEITEC and trained generations of specialists who are continuing his work today. His passing is an immeasurable loss for our university and for the entire scientific community. We will remember Professor Rektor with respect, gratitude and admiration,” says Masaryk University Rector Martin Bareš.
Professor Rektor received numerous prestigious awards for his lifelong contribution to neurology, neuroscience and academia. In 2019, Masaryk University awarded him the MU Silver Medal and the MU Rector’s Award for long-term outstanding research achievements; the following year he received the City of Brno Award. In January 2025, he accepted the MU Gold Medal for his lifelong contribution to teaching, research and the development of neuroscience at MU. Then, in September 2025, the European Academy of Neurology awarded him honorary membership in recognition of his outstanding contribution to neurology, research, education and clinical medicine – an honour made all the more significant by the fact that it was the first time it had been awarded to a scientist from Eastern Europe.