Two Outstanding Researchers from the Faculty of the Environment Receive the Rector’s Award

The Rector’s Award of UJEP for 2025 has been granted this year to two distinguished scientific figures from the Faculty of Environment: Prof. Ing. Valentyna Pidlisniuk, DrSc., and Mgr. Jana Müllerová, Ph.D. They demonstrate that top-level research at the Faculty of Environment knows no boundaries.
Professor Valentyna Pidlisniuk is a driving force behind the faculty’s internationalization and a recognized authority in the field of phytotechnologies. Under her leadership—including within prestigious projects of the NATO Science for Peace and Security Programme—her team investigates the unique capabilities of the grass Miscanthus giganteus. This plant can grow on contaminated brownfields, where it not only removes pollutants from the soil but also produces biomass suitable for energy generation or the production of biomaterials. Through her work, Prof. Valentyna Pidlisniuk gives devastated landscapes a second chance while also attracting talented students from around the world to Ústí, who pursue doctoral studies under her supervision.
Dr. Jana Müllerová approaches environmental issues from a bird’s-eye view. She is a specialist at the interface of ecology and remote sensing. In her research, she uses drones, laser scanning, and satellite data to conduct detailed monitoring of ecosystem health. Her work is crucial for understanding the impacts of climate change—from analyses of bark beetle outbreaks to tracking the landscape’s capacity to retain water. She received the Rector’s Award of UJEP for publishing her research results in prestigious journals, leading research projects, and for her extensive international collaboration. Dr. Jana Müllerová is also a strong advocate of open science, making valuable data accessible to the global community and thereby increasing the impact of Czech research.
Both award-winning scientists highlight the strength and diversity of research at the Faculty of Environment. They combine deep expertise, technological innovation, and a commitment to addressing real-world challenges. Congratulations!