Our faculty has a new professor. Pavel Raška, a geographer and landscape ecologist, has been appointed.
On June 1, 2026, in the Great Hall of Prague’s Karolinum, new university professors received their appointment decrees from the President of the Czech Republic. Among them was Assoc. Prof. Mgr. Pavel Raška, Ph.D., from the Faculty of Science at J. E. Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem.
The presentation of professorial decrees falls within the authority of the President of the Czech Republic. The appointment decree bears the signatures of both the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister. Pavel Raška received his decree during a ceremonial event attended by representatives of universities and the academic community.
The highest attainable academic title of professor is awarded to individuals who have achieved significant results and international recognition in their scientific and pedagogical work. Pavel Raška was appointed professor in the field of environmental geography. He successfully completed the professorial appointment process at the University of Ostrava.
Prof. Pavel Raška has long been a member of the Department of Geography at the Faculty of Science, UJEP, and currently also serves as Vice Rector for Internationalization at UJEP. His research focuses primarily on physical geography, environmental history, and the methodology of geographical research. In his academic work, he focuses on changes in the cultural landscape, issues related to natural hazards and their mitigation, and, more broadly, the relationship between society and the environment.
Prof. Pavel Raška has long been a member of the Department of Geography at the Faculty of Science, UJEP, and currently also serves as Vice Rector for Internationalization at UJEP. His research focuses primarily on physical geography, environmental history, and the methodology of geographical research. In his professional work, he focuses on changes in the cultural landscape, issues related to natural hazards and their mitigation, and, more broadly, the relationship between society and the environment.
He combines his research activities with teaching and the development of geography and environmental study programs at UJEP. He collaborates with regional organizations dedicated to nature and landscape conservation, land-use planning, and community development, as well as with domestic and international academic institutions. He strives to popularize science and environmental topics as areas requiring strong interdisciplinary cooperation and active public engagement.
UJEP Rector Jaroslav Koutský commented on the appointment: “The appointment of Pavel Raška as professor confirms the high professional standard of scientific and pedagogical work carried out at J. E. Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem. His long-term contributions in the fields of geography, research and education significantly enhance the prestige of the university and the entire region. I am also personally delighted by this extraordinary individual honor; Pavel Raška is one of our most talented individuals and a key figure for the future of UJEP.”
Michal Varady, Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences at UJEP, adds: “Pavel Raška’s appointment as professor is wonderful news for our faculty and for the entire Czech geography community. As dean, but also as his longtime colleague and friend, I am overjoyed by this achievement. Pavel is a respected scholar and an inspiring educator who demonstrates just how modern and dynamic geography is today. The professorship is a natural culmination of his extraordinary dedication.”
More information here.