The recipients of the 2026 Dean’s Awards at the Faculty of Social Studies were announced on April 22, 2026, during Faculty Day. Nominations are typically submitted by heads of departments or research units, and the selection takes into account academic performance, extracurricular activities, publication output, and—in the case of teaching awards—course evaluation results. So who were this year’s awardees?
Dean’s Award for Outstanding Bachelor’s Students
The student graduated with excellent academic results and successfully defended her bachelor’s thesis, Perceptions of Public Transport Accessibility in Rural Areas from the Perspective of Seniors, with the highest distinction. The thesis is a high-quality, empirically oriented quantitative study based on secondary data analysis from a previous research project on rural aging. The thesis supervisor noted in her evaluation that the collaboration with the student was exemplary throughout—she regularly consulted well-developed sections of the text, responded thoughtfully to feedback, and produced a well-executed and engagingly written bachelor’s thesis.
Dean’s Award for Outstanding Master’s Students
Adam Strojil is a graduate of the Master’s program in Psychology at FSS MUNI (he completed his degree in January 2026). During his studies, he contributed to a GACR project titled Response-scale format effects on the psychometric parameters of items led by Dr. Hynek Cígler. Adam was responsible for data collection, programming experiments, and lab operations, where he proved to be an independent, creative, and reliable member of the research team, demonstrating strong analytical skills. His bachelor’s thesis, developed within this project, was published in 2025 in the prestigious international journal Computers in Human Behavior Reports, with Adam as the first author. The study presents an innovative methodological approach in which survey items are presented as short videos rather than as traditional text-based questions.
Dean’s Award for Outstanding Doctoral Students
Karolína Garančovská is representative of what excellence in doctoral studies looks like through her research achievements, initiative, and dedication. In 2025, she demonstrated exceptional academic maturity, with results in research, publishing, teaching, and organizational activities that significantly exceed standard expectations for doctoral students in their fifth semester. Under the supervision of Associate Professor Monika Brusenbauch Meislová, she has systematically developed her academic profile and has actively contributed to the international reputation of Masaryk University. A key achievement is the publication of two articles in prestigious academic journals. She is also actively involved in the life of the department and the broader academic community.
Dean’s Award for Outstanding Students in English-Taught Programs
Helin Su Kaygisiz showed a strong level of dedication in the IREP program, achieving excellent results alongside study stays and internships. She consistently showed strong engagement with her field and was an inspiration to others in her classes. Her bachelor’s thesis demonstrates her exceptional analytical skills, diligence, and a strong interest in political topics, as well as the ability to present a complex issue and its analysis clearly, with the ambition to further promote both the topic and the Faculty. Helin Su Kaygisiz's bachelor's thesis dealt with the topic of regulations regarding prostitution in France. The findings have the potential to inform French public policy and provide actionable alternatives for improving the situation.
Dean’s Award for Teaching and Education
Jana Urbanovská is well-known for her personal, open, and friendly approach to students, which is grounded in a genuine interest in each individual and respect for their specific needs, motivations, and learning paths. She places a strong emphasis on interactive teaching methods, including discussion, case studies, and practical tasks that connect theoretical knowledge with real-world issues in international politics. A key aspect of her teaching approach is her belief in peer learning, the sharing of experience, and the co-creation of knowledge. She provides students with space for creativity, original ideas, and the search for their own intellectual path, while fostering their independent thinking and their ability to formulate and defend their own arguments. Since its inception, she has been closely associated with Masaryk University’s Pedagogical Competence Development Centre.
Dean’s Award for Research
Marie Jaroň Bedrošová has long been engaged in research into cyberhate, cyberaggression, and online safety for children and young people. Her work contributes significantly to a safer and more respectful digital environment for all. She is recognized in particular for her exceptional contribution to the CYBERPLUS project, which examined, for example, cyberhate targeting plus-size individuals and other vulnerable groups. The project received the prestigious Seal of Excellence under the Horizon MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships program and was conducted at the University of Vienna in collaboration with Professor Jörg Matthes. It generated new insights into how young people perceive hate speech in online environments and how they react and respond to it. The project has resulted in significant academic publications as well as outputs that are relevant and accessible to both professional experts and the wider public.
Dean’s Award for Support of Study and Research
A member of the building maintenance team, Romana Stejskalová is the kind of person that every workplace would wish to have. She brings reliability, precision, and a positive attitude to her work, along with a willingness to help whenever needed. She takes care of the premises with such ease that one might sometimes wonder whether things tidy up themselves. Whenever it is necessary to cover for her colleagues or go the extra mile, she never hesitates and handles everything with her characteristic calm. Her helpfulness and kind approach make the working environment more pleasant for everyone around her. In short, Romana is an unsung hero of everyday operations—without her, the fourth floor simply would not be the same.
Dean’s Award for Support of Study and Research
Oldřich Šmíd is a porter every building and workplace would wish to have. He always knows what is happening and who is going where, and often even things that others have yet to realize. Thanks to his experience, attentiveness, and broad awareness, he is someone colleagues can rely on completely. He approaches everyone with kindness, calm, and a natural good nature that can brighten anyone’s day. His energy and vitality are also admirable—qualities many could only quietly envy. In short, Mr. Šmíd is a reassuring presence at the main entrance door and a source of good spirits from the moment you arrive.
Ivo Možný Award for Contribution to Society
Naděžda Vlašín Johanisová has been affiliated with FSS MUNI since 2005 and has long focused on promoting heterodox and ecological economics. Her work has contributed significantly to critical thinking on economics, sustainability, and the search for alternative models beyond growth-oriented approaches. She introduced the concept of degrowth to the Czech context and was among the founders of the domestic degrowth movement. She is the author of numerous books, translations, and outreach publications that have reached both academic and wider public audiences. She has also long supported eco-social enterprises and civic initiatives striving for a more responsible model of the economy. She has also made a significant impact as an inspiring teacher and mentor to several generations of students. She receives this award in recognition of her lifelong contribution and her tireless efforts to connect economics with responsibility toward society and the environment.
This year’s First Steps with FSS event took place on a Monday for the first time. Despite the hot June weather, the event welcomed the highest number of admitted students in its history on June 22. Guided by their future classmates, participants had the opportunity to learn what they could expect if they studied at the Faculty of Social Studies.
This year’s Dies Academicus took place on a sunny Thursday, May 21st. The traditional academic ceremony, which includes the presentation of Masaryk University Rector’s Awards and Masaryk University Medals, was held in the Karel Engliš Grand Auditorium at the Faculty of Law.
