World's leading scientists receive honorary doctorates from Charles University

Prague, 19 March 2024 - Professor Paul Robert Milgrom, Nobel Laureate and one of the founders of modern economics who contributed to the application of game theory, and Professor Oded Lipschits, Professor of Jewish History of the Biblical Period, were awarded the highest honorary degree - Doctor honoris causa - at Charles University today.

Professor Paul Robert Milgrom was awarded the title of Doctor honoris causa for his original contribution to the theory of auctions, for his significant deepening and discovery of new forms of auctions, and for his helpfulness, willingness and support in developing economics as a discipline under the conditions of Charles University. One of the founders of modern economics, he helped apply game theory and information economics to a wide range of economic problems, including pricing policy, auctions, financial markets and industrial organisation.

Prof. Paul Robert Milgrom

In October 2020, Professor Milgrom became a co-winner of the Nobel Prize in Economics. The prize was awarded for new auction formats for goods and services, such as radio frequency landing slots at airports, that are difficult to sell in the traditional way. His discoveries have benefited sellers, buyers and taxpayers around the world. Professor Milgrom's latest activities are aimed at creating new markets for water rights, but he is also working on other aspects of climate change that require sound economic research to address effectively. "Professor Milgrom's contributions to our society are increasingly important, especially at a time when blind ideology often replaces rational discussion and deprives us of solutions that are physically and economically feasible," said Dr. Tomáš Karásek, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at Charles University.

Professor Oded Lipschits received the title of Doctor honoris causa for his outstanding contribution to the field of biblical studies, in particular the history and archaeology of ancient Israel and Judah, and for his long-term initiative in developing international and interdisciplinary academic cooperation. Professor Lipschits' research and teaching focus on the history of the southern Levant in the Iron Age, Persian, Hellenistic and Hasmonean periods. He has a particular interest in the history of Judea in the 7th and 6th centuries BC, focusing on questions of population continuity and the organisation of government in the Persian period.

Prof Lipschits has led and is currently leading several field archaeological research projects that have yielded significant, even ground-breaking, discoveries that have expanded our understanding of the history of biblical Israel. From 2004-2010, for example, he led the excavation of the Ramat Rachel site near Bethlehem, where he uncovered an impressive palace and gardens dating from the late 8th century BC. These were the administrative headquarters of the conquering powers (Assyrian, Babylonian and Persian), previously undocumented in the literature. Professor Lipschits is currently director of the Lautenschläger excavation project at Tel Azekah, an important fortified city in the Judean Plain. He also directs the archaeological project of the Tel Moca excavations, where one of the archaeological discoveries of the century was made a few years ago during the construction of a motorway - a monumental find, and unknown from biblical texts, a temple with a courtyard dating from the late 10th century BC.

"I appreciate the long and intensive cooperation of these world-leading experts with Charles University. Excellent researchers inspire our students and scholars in their work, support and scientists in their own work, support them and enable them to work in unique workplaces," said the Rector of Charles University, Professor Milena Králíčková.

In the Czech Republic, Professor Milgrom supports the joint workplace of Charles University and the Institute of National Economy of the CAS CERGE-EI, advises students and holds discussions with academics. In this way, he makes a significant contribution to raising the level of their work to world-class standards. Professor Lipschits also contributes to the development of research at Charles University through his scientific and personal approach. "Every year, selected students actively participate in archaeological research together with faculty teachers, joint theoretical teaching takes place, and Professor Lipschits facilitates research internships for teachers and doctoral students at his institute, gives guest lectures in Prague, participates in the organisation of professional conferences, and publishes joint publications with our colleagues," emphasised the contribution of the leading archaeologist at Charles University, the Dean of the Evangelical Theological Faculty of Charles University, Assoc. Prof. Jan Roskovec.