The University of Sts. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava honoured an important personality of world science. At the solemn meeting of the Scientific Council of the UCM, expanded by the Scientific Council of the Faculty of Arts, the honorary title Doctor honoris causa was awarded to the world-renowned linguist prof. Mgr. Rudolf Leger, PhD.
The ceremonial act took place on 31 March 2026 in the Aula of Jozef Matúš in the presence of the University management, members of the academic community and invited guests. The event was held in the spirit of respect for science, international cooperation and academic values.
The award of the honorary title of doctor honoris causa is an expression of recognition for his outstanding scientific contribution, as well as for his long and fruitful cooperation with the University of St. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava. At the same time, it represents an important moment for further development of international cooperation and promotion of excellence in research and education.
"The awarding of the honorary title of Doctor honoris causa to Professor Leger is not only a sign of respect for his outstanding scientific work, but also a confirmation of long-term and high-quality international cooperation. His professional contribution in the field of linguistics and Africana studies goes far beyond the borders of Europe and is an inspiration for our students and academic community," said the Rector of UCM, Professor Katarína Slobodová Nováková.
A person of international importance
Professor Rudolf Leger is one of Germany's leading linguists and renowned experts in the field of Africana studies. During his rich academic career, he has worked at several major universities in Europe, including Goethe University Frankfurt, where he was a long-time professor of African languages, as well as at the universities of Göttingen, Zurich, Naples and Moscow.
His academic work focuses mainly on research on African languages, their grammatical structure, classification and language contact. He is the author of hundreds of scientific studies and monographs, and has carried out several large-scale research projects and fieldwork directly in Africa during his career. To this day, he remains one of the world's most respected figures in linguistics and Africana studies.
He has a long and intensive cooperation with the University of St. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava. At the Faculty of Philosophy of the UCM he has attended several lectureships and internships, participated in the education of students and is actively involved in international projects. He is a member of the editorial board of the journal Ethnologia actualis and regularly participates in the organization of professional events in the field of Africana studies.
