Faculty of Chemical Engineering Medals Awarded for Outstanding Contributions

As part of the master’s graduation ceremony held at the Bethlehem Chapel on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, the Faculty of Chemical Engineering held, for the fourth time, a ceremonial presentation of the Faculty Medals to three outstanding individuals who have significantly contributed to the development of the faculty. The Dean, Prof. Michal Přibyl, personally presented the medals for outstanding achievements in teaching, research, and organizational work to Dr. Ing. Pavel Vrbka, Assoc. Prof. RNDr. Eva Muchová, Ph.D., and Ms. Perla Maršíčková, respectively. Congratulations to all awardees!

Dr. Ing. Pavel Vrbka

Medal for Outstanding Teaching

Dr. Pavel Vrbka has devoted his entire professional life to physical chemistry and to the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague. He graduated in 1988 and, after completing his military service, returned to the Department of Physical Chemistry as a lecturer. He has long focused on experimental thermodynamics, particularly liquid–vapor equilibrium studies. He also enriched his expertise abroad—at the University of Merseburg and during a two-year research stay at the Technical University of Berlin.

However, his greatest passion lies in teaching. Starting with computational exercises and laboratory instruction, he eventually became the lead coordinator of practical physical chemistry education, guiding hundreds of students each academic year. His tireless energy, enthusiasm for teaching, and ability to clearly and engagingly convey complex topics culminated in his own lecture series for Physical Chemistry I, which he continues to teach to this day.

For his exceptional and long-term contributions to teaching, marked by dedication, patience, and deep respect for students, Dr. Pavel Vrbka was awarded the Faculty of Chemical Engineering Medal for Outstanding Teaching.

Assoc. Prof. RNDr. Eva Muchová, Ph.D.

Medal for Outstanding Scientific Work

Assoc. Prof. Eva Muchová is a leading figure in Czech theoretical chemistry. She began her academic journey by studying physical chemistry at the Faculty of Science, Charles University, followed by doctoral studies at the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, where she focused on theoretical modeling of hydrogen bonding and excited states.

Today, she leads the Theoretical Spectroscopy Research Group at the Department of Physical Chemistry at UCT Prague. Her research is centered on modeling light- and X-ray-induced processes and on uncovering new mechanisms of energy transfer. She contributes significantly to both theoretical work and international experimental campaigns conducted at top-tier facilities such as synchrotrons and free-electron lasers.

She is the author of numerous publications in prestigious international journals and gained valuable experience through international fellowships, including a postdoctoral stay at the University of Pisa. In addition to her research, she also teaches courses in quantum chemistry and chemical kinetics and co-authored a textbook on quantum chemistry.

For her exceptional scientific achievements, which combine world-class theoretical and experimental research, Assoc. Prof. Eva Muchová received the Faculty of Chemical Engineering Medal for Outstanding Scientific Work.

Ms. Perla Maršíčková

Medal for Outstanding Organizational Work

Ms. Perla Maršíčková has been part of the Faculty of Chemical Engineering since 1999, after graduating from the Environmental Monitoring program at the Masaryk Secondary School of Chemistry in Prague. She began her career as a laboratory technician at the Department of Analytical Chemistry at UCT Prague.

Since then, she has diligently ensured the readiness and cleanliness of student laboratories—spaces where future analytical and forensic chemists take their first steps in practical chemistry. Her willingness to help, kind attitude, and ever-present smile make her a symbol of support and a positive atmosphere for both students and colleagues.

In addition to her lab duties, Ms. Maršíčková also handles administrative responsibilities related to the academic programs at the Department of Analytical Chemistry. Her outstanding organizational skills have contributed to the successful planning of several international scientific conferences as well as the regular Student Scientific Conference organized by the department.

Ms. Maršíčková is known for her meticulousness, consistency, sense of humor, and boundless energy. When she’s not working or caring for her family, she enjoys cycling and inline skating.

For her long-term, often unseen yet irreplaceable contributions to the smooth operation of the department and the faculty as a whole, Ms. Perla Maršíčková was awarded the Faculty of Chemical Engineering Medal for Outstanding Organizational Work.