New rector Prof. Tomáš Zima swears oath of office












            ******************************************************************************************

            *
            ******************************************************************************************
            Key, ring, seal, mace and chain: these are the insignia formally accepted by the new Recto

            University, Professor Tomáš Zima, on 4 March. During the inauguration, which took place in
            of the Carolinum, the former Rector, Professor Václav Hampl, also said farewell to the man
            alma mater. Amongst the many VIPs present was also President of the Czech Republic Miloš Z


            The President expressed his best wishes to Professor Zima not only on his election as Rect
            university, but also to the position of chairman of the Czech Conference of Rectors. He al

            the historic traditions of inauguration and presented the new Rector with a quill pen with
            holder, inkpot and bible. In his speech the President stated that the new Rector of Charle

            was, for him, a guarantor of fruitful cooperation with the academic community, where the s
            cooperation should be a knowledge-based society in which information is the most important
            development. “The dispute about the nomination of university professors is of infinitely l

            than the development of a knowledge-based society,” said the President, returning to the i
            appointment of professors.


            The new Rector was officially introduced by the chairman of the CU Academic Senate, PhDr. 
            Ph.D. The representative of the University’s highest administrative body recounted the rec
            in October and acquainted those present with the professional activities of Professor Zima

            noted that the newly-elected Rector was a person who united the qualities of both a top ma
            scientist; and it was precisely managerial qualifications, in the words of Nigrin, that we
            increasingly necessary to perform this function. “Every one of us – scientists, pedagogues

            can only perform to our best ability when they have good facilities and conditions for wor
            functioning institution. Even Charles University in Prague cannot live on tradition alone,


            In his inauguration speech the new Rector continued in the tradition of professional talks
            a presentation on his field, medical and clinical biochemistry. “The diagnosis of acute my
            infarctions, diabetes, metabolic disorders of the lipids, or the joyful awaiting of the bi

            child, are all founded on laboratory studies,” said the new Rector, explaining the signifi
            professional focus, also stating that laboratory tests affect 70-80 % of medical decisions
            diagnostics is also starting a new trend in modern medicine – its personalisation. Knowled

            and biochemical individuality of patients represents an opportunity for doctors to optimis

            Clinical biochemistry and laboratory diagnostics ought to focus on the most precise descri

            of imbalances and regulation disorders. “In relation to this I would say, with slight exag
            I shall endeavour to do something similar as the Rector of Charles University; I am also i
            harmonising the relations within our society and the good of our university, both in itsel

            society, of which it is an integral part,” emphasised Rector Zima.

            Outgoing Rector Václav Hampl gave his closing report on the two four-year periods he spent

            the academic community. In awarding commemorative medals he recognised members of the acad
            for their services to the development of the university and its faculties. Professor Hampl
            was devoted to the growth in the scientific output of Charles University and the positive 

            the younger age profile and growth in the number of students from abroad. Rector Hampl sta
            required to devote considerable time and energy to the resolution of the issue of how, wit
            stagnating level of direct state support, to maintain research and teaching operations at 

            When I assumed the office of Rector in 2006, more than half of Charles University’s budget
            education grants. By last year, this proportion had decreased to 27 %. Despite this, we ha
            the course of these eight years to increase the University’s budget by a third up to its c

            crowns. We were able to achieve this thanks to the implementation of performance and quali
            into the algorithm of public financing for basic research, and also thanks to the massive 
            project activities of faculties and institutions of Charles University.”

            The Emeritus Rector thanked all members of the academic community for their assistance and
            expressed his wish for the university to continue to flourish under his successor.


            5. 3. 2014
            Press and PR Office