The CTU Rector has presented Medals to experts in recognition of their extraordinary performance during the crisis

The ceremonial presentation of Medals to CTU experts for their extraordinary performance during the crisis took place in the Bethlehem Chapel on November 30, 2021. The CTU Rector, doc. Vojtěch Petráček, awarded 105 Medals to researchers and other personalities who have contributed to solving the coronavirus pandemic situation in the Czech Republic and abroad by their innovations and personal or team involvement. The medals were designed for this special occasion by the Czech medal designer, sculptor and publicist, Michal Vitanovský.

In the opening speech to the gala evening, the CTU Rector doc. Vojtěch Petráček said: “I would like to thank everyone who took part in the fight against the coronavirus on their own initiative. Last year, not only our researchers but also students and volunteers came up with creative ideas. What our university has accomplished during the pandemic is incredible! And it is great that the activities of CTU experts continue, and new innovations and auxiliary steps are constantly emerging.

List of awarded academic members from the Faculty of Civil Engineering:

• Prof. Ing. Milena Pavlíková, Ph.D. from the Department of Material Engineering and Chemistry, where disinfectants were prepared and subsequently distributed during the coronavirus crisis.

• Testing the air quality in the breathing space of the whole-face mask by the measurement of CO₂ concentrations. The measurements were performed by a team of specialists from the Department of Indoor Environmental and Building Services Engineering led by prof. Ing. Karel Kabele, CSc., Vice-dean for Development and International Relations.

• Manufacturing of protective shields in 3D printers for numerous health and social care services throughout the whole Czech Republic, and manufacturing of face reductions to whole-face masks. Ing. Michal Kovářík from the Department of Construction Technology was heavily involved in the COVID19CZ Group campaign.

• The nano-fibre layer produced by the electrospinning technology on the Nanospider LB500 device. These textiles can be used directly, their potential use is in the form of an additional layer inserted in a textile mask for current use. The Medal was presented to Ing. Zuzana Rácová, Ph.D., and Mgr. Pavla Ryparová, Ph.D from the Department of Architectural Engineering.

The CTU Rector has also awarded the Dean of the Faculty of Civil Engineering, prof. Ing. Jiří Máca, CSc., with a Medal for his personal work, when he was part of the University’s Crisis Management Team, which, at the same time, is an award for the Faculty itself. Many employees, for example, were involved in the fight against Covid in some way, whether at the very beginning by sewing masks or by other activities, and the award for the Faculty is also an award for their work.

Many thanks to everyone!