Award-Winning Helena Illnerová Calls on Scientists to Teach…

Award-Winning Helena Illnerová Calls on Scientists to Teach at Universities

01.11.2026 07:01 HotInfo

Order of the White Lion recipient Helena Illnerová said after the ceremonial event at Prague Castle that good scientists should also work at universities. "All good scientists should teach at universities," said the biologist, who is among the founders of Czech chronobiology and was the first chairwoman of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic. irozhlas.cz ↗

Attention after the awarding of state honors was also drawn to actress Iva Janžurová. Even after turning 85, she continues to work at four Prague theaters, takes part in touring performances, and accepts new acting opportunities in film and on stage. President Petr Pavel awarded her the highest state honor during the ceremonial evening. irozhlas.cz ↗

Subsequent assessment of the president's speech focused mainly on his appeals to politicians and citizens. Pavel spoke about responsibility in the areas of security, public finances, care for the landscape, and the shape of public debate. Some political reactions praised his address, while other commentators believed the president could have been more forceful in his statements. idnes.cz ↗

The awarding of honors thus opened, alongside recognition of prominent figures, a broader debate on the role of scientists in education, the responsibility of public figures, and the way the head of state addresses society. Further attention now turns to the public appearances of the award recipients and to reactions to the president's speech.