We are very pleased to congratulate doc. RNDr. Vladimír Špunda, CSc. on the successful completion of the appointment procedure as a professor in the field of Biophysics at the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice. On 16. 6. 2025, the President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, presented him with an decree.
Professor Vladimír Špunda is one of the founding figures of the Department of Physics of the Faculty of Science of the University of Ostrava, which was established in 1991. From the very beginning, he played a key role in profiling the professional focus of this department and was fundamentally involved in its scientific and pedagogical direction. Through his work, he gave the department the character of a research center focused on the biophysics of photosynthesis and plant physiology. Along with the formation of the Department of Physics, he significantly contributed to the introduction of the study field of Biophysics and Experimental Biology at the Faculty of Science.
Scientific career of prof. Špunda is closely connected with the research of the photosynthetic apparatus of higher plants, especially with the analysis of its behavior under stressful environmental conditions. He specializes in photoprotective mechanisms, adaptive responses to light and temperature stress, and the study of the structure and function of thylakoid membranes. In his work, he mainly uses advanced methods of optical spectroscopy, which allow a detailed view of the dynamics of photosynthetic processes.
A significant feature of his work is the international overlap. He completed a number of research internships at prestigious foreign institutions, such as the University of Umeå in Sweden, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in Germany, the Heinrich Heine University in Düsseldorf (Germany) and the Biological Research Centre in Szeged (Hungary). These experiences not only enriched his own research, but also opened the door to cooperation for the entire department, which has established a number of valuable international partnerships as a result.
Prof. Špunda is documented by more than 80 publications in impact journals and almost 2000 citations. His work is highly valued both in the Czech Republic and abroad. His natural authority, professional erudition, willingness to share experience, and above all, his human approach to the members of his team contributed to the creation of a dynamic research group, which, despite its relatively short existence, has a good reputation not only at the national level, but is increasingly making itself known internationally.
Thanks to his leadership and vision, the Department of Physics has established itself as a respected scientific and pedagogical workplace with a strong profile in the fields of biophysics, nanostructure physics and physics didactics. Prof. Špunda was not only at the birth of the department at the Faculty of Science, but also permanently shaped its professional character and the quality of teaching and research.
On behalf of all colleagues from the Department of Physics, we thank you for this lifelong work and we firmly believe that many more successful years together with Professor Vladimír Špunda await us!
