The new academic year has begun. As is tradition, the rector awarded prizes to prominent figures in the academic community.

The event began with a solemn tribute to Professor Ján Szelepcsényi, the first rector of the university, who passed away in September this year.

The ceremony included a report on the activities of the UCM Academic Senate, presented by its chairman, Associate Professor Ján Višňovský. In his speech, he highlighted the project to integrate Trnava's universities. "Thanks to this project, the university's infrastructure will be improved, the range of study programs will be expanded, and the results of its implementation will bear further fruit."

See the university's achievements for the past academic year

The speech by Associate Professor Višňovský was followed by a ceremonial speech by Rector Katarína Slobodová Nováková. In her speech, she also reminded everyone that this academic year will be challenging due to the renovation. "However, when we return in a year, we will be working and studying in new and beautiful premises," said the rector.
You can view the entire recording HERE.

Well-deserved awards

An important part of the program was the presentation of the Ján Sambucus Award and the Rector's Award. These awards are presented annually for outstanding contributions in the fields of education, science, and research, and for achievements in representing the university. In this way, the university expresses its gratitude and support to outstanding personalities who contribute to its development and good reputation not only at home but also abroad. This year, three exceptional academics received the plaque:

The Ján Sambucus Award was presented to three distinguished UCM academics this year:

• Prof. PhDr. Hana Pravdová, PhD., received the award for her scientific contributions in the field of media and communication studies. Thanks to her work, the university has established itself as one of the key centers for media and social communication research in Slovakia.
• doc. PaedDr. Juraj Miština, PhD., was recognized for developing the English Language and Culture in Professional Communication study program. His professional and pedagogical activities improve the quality of teaching and strengthen the international reputation of the Faculty of Philosophy.
• Prof. Mgr. Ildikó Matušíková, PhD., was recognized for her long-term efforts to bring new topics to the academic environment and for her support of sustainability, equality, and the "green university." Her work transcends the boundaries of science—it also significantly influences the management culture of the entire institution.

This year, seven personalities from among the scientific and pedagogical staff of UCM received the Rector's Award.

• Mgr. Barbora Jančíová was awarded for her contribution in the field of project management, modernization of internal processes, and support of a positive work culture. Her human approach and ability to build cooperation in the workplace were also appreciated.
• Mgr. Peter Vanek, PhD., attracted attention with his creative promotion of the Faculty of Philosophy in the form of a series of podcasts in which he discusses important historical events.
• Dr. h. c. prof. MA Ing. Július Horváth, PhD., received the award for his key contribution to the establishment and development of the Faculty of Social Sciences and for his many years of scientific and pedagogical work in the field of political science.
• Ing. Jana Černá, PhD., succeeded with her project Digital Map of Pilgrimage Sites in the V4 Countries, which supported innovation and digitization in pilgrimage tourism and contributed to the positive image of the university at home and abroad.
• Andrea Bugošová received an award for her long-term work with students, especially in the field of voice mentoring on Radio Aetter.
• Ing. Ladislav Gubi represented the university in the field of digital art, where he won several international awards.
• Prof. RNDr. Jana Sedláková, PhD., was recognized for her excellent research in the field of sustainable technologies. She ranks among the top 2% of most cited scientists in environmental sciences according to the prestigious Stanford/Elsevier ranking.

The Mucha Quartet's artistic performances also contributed to the festive atmosphere, making the ceremony even more enjoyable.

Guests also addressed those present – Jozef Viskupič, President of the Trnava Self-Governing Region, and Vladimír Hiadlovský, President of the Slovak Rectors' Conference. The event concluded with the traditional song Gaudeamus igitur.