“We want the Rector’s Awards to better reflect everything that contributes to the quality of a university. Excellent research is a fundamental part of it, but it is equally important to recognise people who teach well, whose professional work contributes to the effective functioning and development of the university, or who are able to turn their work into a tangible benefit for society,” says Prof. Pěchouček.
The Rector’s Awards are presented in the following categories:
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Basic Research Award for an outstanding result in basic research
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Applied Research Award for a result with practical application
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Doctoral Dissertation Award for an outstanding doctoral dissertation
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Teaching Excellence Award for excellence and innovation in teaching
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Professional Service Award for an exceptional contribution in non-academic roles
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Social Impact Award for demonstrable societal impact
Evaluation
Nominations in all six categories will be considered by the CTU Rector’s Collegium, which will subsequently submit its recommendations to the Rector. The evaluation will take into account the specific nature of each category, ranging from the quality and significance of research results to contributions to teaching and the functioning of the university, as well as concrete outcomes and benefits beyond academia.
For the Social Impact Award in particular, the key consideration is whether the nominated activity has brought about tangible change and how significant a role the nominated individual or team played in achieving it. This may include contributions to public institutions, communities, the environment, or quality of life.
“Science should reach beyond the boundaries of the university. It is excellent when research results find applications in industry, but it is equally important when they help public institutions and communities or improve people’s lives. Through the Social Impact Award, we want to give greater visibility and recognition to precisely these kinds of achievements,” says Prof. Pěchouček.
Nominations
Both individuals and teams may be nominated. Nominations may be submitted by CTU managers, deans, or directors of CTU constituent parts; self-nominations are also possible. In the case of the Doctoral Dissertation Award, nominations may also be submitted by the chairs of the relevant doctoral study boards or dissertation defence committees.
Nominations may be submitted electronically from 1 to 30 October 2026 via the nomination form. Achievements from 2025 will be considered.
Further details on the individual categories and the nomination and evaluation rules are available on the CTU Rector’s Awards webpage.