Jan Tachezy presented an honorary doctorate of Charles University to Belgian virologist Marc Van Ranst.
On Tuesday, 2 December 2025, a ceremonial event was held at the Carolinum, during which Charles University awarded the honorary scientific degree of Doctor Honoris Causa to two distinguished figures of world medicine – cardiologist Prof. Béla Péter Merkely and virologist Prof. Marc Van Ranst. The event was attended by members of the academic community, representatives of universities, and international guests.
The ceremony opened with the Czech, Hungarian, and Belgian national anthems, followed by a welcome address delivered by the Vice-Rector of Charles University. The atmosphere of the opening was further enhanced by a fanfare performed by the Prague Trombone Ensemble.
The first honouree, awarded the degree of Doctor Honoris Causa in Medical Sciences, was Professor Béla Péter Merkely, introduced by the Dean of the Third Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Petr Widimský. After the laudation was read, the Dean requested the Rector’s consent to confer the honorary doctorate, which was subsequently ceremonially awarded.
The conferral itself took place in Latin, traditionally standing. Promoter Prof. Toušek presented Professor Merkely with the diploma and symbolically adorned him with the gold chain insignia of the honorary doctor. After a musical interlude, the newly appointed Doctor Honoris Causa took the lectern and, in his speech, expressed his gratitude for the exceptional honour he had received.
This was followed by the introduction of the second honouree – Doctor Honoris Causa in Natural Sciences, Belgian virologist Prof. Marc Van Ranst. In his laudation, the Dean of the Faculty of Science, Assoc. Prof. Vladimír Krylov, highlighted his contributions to global virology and epidemiology, as well as his long-standing collaboration with Charles University. In this case as well, the Rector granted her approval for the conferral, and the entire act proceeded in accordance with the historical university ceremonial tradition.
This was followed by the presentation of the second honoree – Doctor honoris causa of the Natural Sciences, Belgian virologist Prof. Marc Van Ranst. In his laudation, the Dean of the Faculty of Science of Charles University, Associate Professor Vladimír Krylov, highlighted his contributions to global virology and epidemiology, as well as his long-standing collaboration with Charles University. In this case as well, the Rector expressed her approval of the conferment, and the entire ceremony was conducted according to the historic university tradition.
Promoter Prof. Jan Tachezy (Faculty of Science CUNI / BIOCEV) presented Professor Van Ranst with the diploma and the honorary doctor’s chain, after which the new holder of the title delivered his ceremonial address.
After the closing words of the presiding Vice-Rector, the student hymn Gaudeamus igitur was sung. The assembly then left the Carolinum Hall in the traditional order.
In the anteroom of the Patriotic Hall, both new honorary doctors signed the Charles University Commemorative Book, where they were also presented with the Charles University gold medal as a mark of recognition for their outstanding scientific achievements and long-term international collaboration.
Prof. Marc Van Ranst
Professor Marc Van Ranst is a Belgian physician, virologist, and epidemiologist, internationally recognized for his contributions to the study of viral diseases and for his pivotal role in managing epidemics both in Belgium and worldwide. He works at the Rega Institute for Medical Research in Leuven, where he led the Department of Microbiology and Immunology from 2012 to 2020. His research encompasses papillomaviruses, hepatitis viruses, HIV, rotaviruses, and coronaviruses; his team was the first to completely sequence a human coronavirus and made significant contributions to understanding its evolution.
Prof. Van Ranst has been extensively involved in pandemic preparedness and crisis management. During the H1N1 pandemic, he served as the Belgian Commissioner for Crisis Management, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, he was one of the government’s most prominent advisors. He also played a key role in establishing several Belgian national reference laboratories.
He has collaborated with the Faculty of Science at Charles University since 1995, when he founded the first bioinformatics course in the Czech Republic. For three decades, he has led courses in virology, bioinformatics, and scientific communication, actively supporting the education of our students through European projects.
He is also a prominent figure in science popularization. For his clear and witty explanations of complex topics, he received the Science Communication Award from the Royal Flemish Academy. He is the co-author of the successful children’s book Monstrous Microbes.
Source: Faculty of Science Charles University
