Professor Josef Jančář, a longtime professor at the Faculty of Chemistry and Scientific Center of CEITEC BUT, where he supervises the group Advanced polymer materials and composites, was awarded in the category of natural sciences. In co-operation with Lucy Vojtová, he has patented a special hydrogel, which glues broken bones or accelerates healing of burns. After contact with the body, hydrogel solidifies beginning to release the necessary substances killing bacteria or relieving pain etc.

Another awarded is Jan Černocký, the associate Professor at the Faculty of Information Technology, who supervises the research group Speech@FIT that has been analyzing audio recorded speech for a long time. The prize was awarded for technical science. Brno "speech-analyzers", as they nicknamed themselves, belong among the best specialists in the world, cooperating with Facebook or participating in projects for the US government.

BUT graduates can also be found among the award winners. Aleš Burian from the Faculty of Architecture was awarded in the category of architecture and urbanism. Mr. Burian works in the Burian-Křivinka studio, which for example designed AZ Tower in Brno. The studio reconstructed the former Carthusian monastery in Brno, which now houses the Faculty of Information Technology. The journalist Luděk Navara is another award-winning BUT graduate. First, he graduated from the Faculty of Civil Engineering; however, he completed his education in history at Faculty of Arts of MU later. Among other things he concentrates on journalism associated with historical events, such as the expulsion of the Sudeten Germans, the crimes of Communism or Nazism etc.

There were 56 award proposals submitted this year. However, they were repeated in some cases, thus after their revision, there remained 41 individual candidates, two pairs and one team nominated for the Brno City Award. Finally, laureates in 15 categories were awarded. They received the awards in the Hall of the New Town Hall on February 5, 2019.

Photo author: MMB - Marie Schmerková