University recognises exceptional students and outstanding teachers
Bratislava, 18 November 2020: Thirty-one students and thirty-one teachers received awards from Comenius University this year on the occasion of International Students' Day. Despite epidemiological measures, the largest Slovak university does not forget the achievements of its exceptional people. The award ceremony may not take place this year but just like in previous years, both students and teachers received symbols of praise and gratitude for their achievements in academic year 2019/2020.
The Rector of Comenius University awarded academic commendations, one of them to the medic Ján Chvála, for his help in fighting against COVID-19. Ján Chvála assisted in sample collection from potential patients during the first wave of the pandemic and now helps coordinate other medics in the call centre of the National Health Information Center.
Management student, Matúš Kovár, designed and 3D printed protective shields for medical staff during the first wave of the pandemic. He also taught 3D printing to students of the Secondary School of Electrical Engineering and consequently deserves this year’s award presented by the university.
Another laureate of the award, doctoral student Petra Dražová, studies cybercrime from the legal perspective. She condensed the results of her research in a textbook titled ‘Law of Information and Communication Technologies’.
The list of award-winners also includes Sára Šimková, a student of protestant theology, who translates the Bible into the sign language for the hearing-impaired. She also assists in teaching students at the Evangelical Lyceum and helps people in need.
Julián Enrik Smoliga represents Slovakia in karate and won medals at European championships, the World Cup in Japan and the EUSA Academic European Championship. He received awards from the Ministry of Education, the Slovak Karate Association and the National Sports Center. His latest award is a commendation of the Rector of Comenius University.
The university also recognised other students' extraordinary study results, scientific activity, work in academic self-government bodies or student associations, or their participation in organising or evaluating distance learning, organizing other activities for students or good results in various competitions.
“Action of individuals and their contribution to the community are extremely important for social development. Outstanding students and teachers who often use their own leisure time to work for others deserve our attention and respect. I am glad that I have the opportunity to give them the deserved recognition, especially on the occasion of International Students’ Day," said the Rector of Comenius University, Marek Števček.
Exceptional teachers who contributed to the scientific, artistic or professional achievements of their students will receive a letter of appreciation from the Rector of Comenius University. Laureates of this award include, among others, epidemiologist associate professor Alexandra Bražinová, constitutional lawyer Dr Vincent Bujňák, historian Professor Roman Holec, brothers Daniel and Samuel Furka, who developed the Q-vent lung ventilator and molecular geneticist Dr Tomáš Szemes. Both awards are associated with a financial reward.