ENG
Professor Jiří Zima is taking up the position of Rector of Charles University for a four‑year term. In the October election last year, he defeated Milena Králíčková, who had led the university since 2022.
Rector Zima, Professor of Analytical Chemistry and former Dean of the Faculty of Science of Charles University, which he headed for eight years, aims first and foremost to restore trust in the institutional functioning of the country’s largest and oldest university.
“Together with my team, I will strive to lead the university towards greater stability, transparency, and credibility. We will do everything we can to ensure that it operates professionally, predictably, and with respect for the people who make it what it is. I believe that my experience in managing a large faculty will help me advance the development of the entire university so that it provides top‑quality education that meets the standards of the 21st century,” says the new Rector, Jiří Zima.
One of the major challenges the new Charles University leadership will face is the repeatedly delayed completion of the Albertov Campus. In addition, the modernization of SIS (the Student Information System) will be necessary, as well as addressing the situation at the Catholic Theological Faculty.
The new Rector had already outlined his priorities in his election programme; its nine core pillars are: Cohesive University Leadership, Education for the 21st Century, Excellent Research with International Reach, Safe Knowledge Transfer, Efficient Administration, Strategic Development and Sustainable Financing, Active Societal Role, International Cooperation, and Balance and Respect (more at www.jirizima.cz).
Professor Jiří Zima was elected as the head of Charles University by the Academic Senate of Charles University on 31 October 2025. On 20 January this year, he was formally appointed Rector at Prague Castle by President Petr Pavel.
Text by: Michaela Lagronová
Foto by: Vladimír Šigut