Six Members of FSS MUNI Honored at Dies Academicus for Volunteering as well as Outstanding Research
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.
The packed auditorium was first addressed by Vice-rector for Personnel Policy, Academic and Cultural Affairs, Jiří Hanuš, who also served as the event’s host. He was followed by the Rector of Masaryk University Martin Bareš, who emphasized the importance of preserving the autonomy of higher education institutions in the Czech Republic. The opening segment concluded with an address by Petr Najvar, Chair of the MUNI Academic Senate. In his speech, he highlighted the role of universities in fostering an environment that helps shape future professionals, researchers, educators, and public leaders.
Alena Kluknavská
MU Rector’s Award for Outstanding Research Achievements by Early-Career Scholars Under 40 in the Field of Social Sciences and Humanities
Her research examines contemporary transformations in political and media discourse and contributes to understanding the dynamics of communication in times of crisis and when there are heightened social tensions. Among her other achievements, studies she has worked on have introduced innovative analytical approaches to the study of post-truth communication, emotions, and incivility in online political discourse during periods of crisis.
Martin Vaculík
MU Rector’s Award for Long-Term Excellence in Research in the Field of Social Sciences and Humanities
Martin Vaculík is one of the leading Czech experts in the field of work and organizational psychology. His research focuses on factors that influence job performance, job satisfaction, and the impact of work on mental health. His original competency model enables the reliable prediction of leadership effectiveness.
Rudolf Burgr
MU Rector's Award for Long-Term Outstanding Teaching in the Social Sciences and Humanities
For two decades at Masaryk University, Rudolf Burgr has been dedicated to the professional training of future Czech and Slovak journalists. Through his teaching, he has played a pivotal role in educating two generations of media professionals. Today, his graduates can be found in virtually every major newsroom across the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Andrea Stašek
MU Rector’s Award for Outstanding Doctoral Students
Andrea Stašek is a doctoral student in psychology at the Department of Psychology, FSS MUNI. Since 2021, she has also been a researcher at the Psychology Research Institute, FSS MUNI. She received the award in recognition of her outstanding scientific achievements and her significant contribution to the third role of the university. Her research focuses primarily on health psychology, particularly behavioral addictions and mental health among sexual and gender minorities.
Nikol Kvardová
MU Rector’s Award for an Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation
Nikol Kvardová received the award for her outstanding doctoral dissertation, Liking, Sharing, Body Comparing? The Impact of Appearance-Focused Social Media Interactions on Adolescents' Body Image. Her work provides valuable insights into the timely issue of how appearance-focused social media use influences body image during adolescence.
Jiří Němec
MU Rector’s Award for Volunteering – Student Category
Jiří Němec has repeatedly volunteered in support of Ukraine, providing direct material and humanitarian assistance as well as sustained support for defense units. In 2025 alone, he made six trips to Ukraine as part of his volunteer activities.
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