The University of Natural Resources and Life Science Vienna, Austria (BOKU) awarded Professor Ing. Jiří Balík, CSc, dr.h.c, an honorary doctoral degree, doctor honoris causa, for his exceptional merit in solving common scientific projects.
The award giving ceremony took place on 23 November 2017 in the historical Ceremonial Hall at BOKU and was opened by the Rector of BOKU Univ. Prof. Dr. Martin Gerzabek, dr.h.c.
The laureates, who received awards from the hands of the Rector of BOKU were as follows:
Dr Simon Heath, Secretary General of ICA, Scotland – Honorary Citizen of BOKU
Dipl. Ing. Gerhard Mannsberger, Austria – Honorary Citizen of BOKU
Professor Ing. Jiří Balík, CSc, CZU Prague, Czech Republic - doctor honoris causa, dr.h.c
Professor Dr. Doru Pamfil, UAVM Cluj-Napoja, Romania – doctor honoiris causa, dr.h.c.
In her laudation, Univ.Prof. Dr.phil. Sophie Zechmeister-Boltenstern, Professor for Soil Science, Soil Microbiolgy, and Head of the Institute of Soil Science at BOKU, praised the scientific work of Professor Jiří Balík and his contribution to solving common scientific and research projects on behalf of CZU. She also highlighted his personal contribution to the long-term strategic partnerships between both universities, which developed significantly since 2010. She also noted his membership on the Boards of the Euroleague for Life Sciences ELLS, of ICA and CASEE, as well as on the Board of the Danube Rectors` Conference, of which he was the president in 2013 and 2014.
During his acceptance speech, Prof. Jiří Balík talked about the various milestones in the cooperation between BOKU and CZU, and also about his dear friends and colleagues at BOKU. He concluded by thanking the assembled academia, and reminded all, that BOKU is a very respected university, with a long tradition. In fact, one of its graduates was the first Dean of the Prague University of Agriculture, Professor Dr. Julius Stoklasa (1857-1936).
