The director of the Institute Prof. Martin Hof received the honorary citizenship of Prague 8

On Tuesday, September 24, 2024, the director of our institute, Prof. Martin Hof, was awarded honorary citizenship of the Prague 8 district. The ceremony took place in the historic setting of the Libeň Castle, where the restored organ in the castle chapel played for the first time in over a century. Prof. Hof received the medal from the mayor of Prague 8, Ondřej Gros.

Prague 8 awards honorary citizenship to personalities who have contributed significantly to the development and reputation of the district, as well as to society as a whole. This is a way of expressing respect for their lifelong work and outstanding contributions to the community.

Awarded personalities

Professor Martin Hof has been the long-standing director of the J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry in Ládví and has been a resident of Prague 8 since the 1990s. For his scientific achievements, Martin Hof has received numerous awards, such as the Czech Academy of Sciences Award and the Praemium Academiae, as well as the Ioannes Marcus Marci Medal for his achievements in fluorescence spectroscopy and the Emil Votoček Medal for his significant contribution to the advancement of science and education. Born in Friedberg, Germany, he holds both Czech and German citizenship.

This award not only recognizes Martin Hof's personal accomplishments but also affirms the importance of science and research for society. We warmly congratulate Professor Martin Hof!

In addition to Martin Hof, Jiří Pavel Kafka, a World War II veteran and the last living RAF pilot, and Jan Švadlenka, a former SK Slavia Prague league football player who now focuses on sculpture, poetry, and music composition, were also honored.