UJEP has awarded Professor William R. Smith Doctor Honoris Causa
The Faculty of Science at Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem marked the 20th anniversary of its founding with a major academic event. As part of the anniversary programme, the honorary scientific title doctor honoris causa was formally conferred on 27 November 2025 upon Professor William R. Smith, an internationally recognised expert in mathematical modelling, statistical physics, molecular modelling, and applied thermodynamics.
Professor William R. Smith is among the leading international authorities in his field. From 1979 he served as Head of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the Faculty of Science, University of Guelph, Canada. After the establishment of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology in 2002, he became its inaugural Dean. He currently holds the position of Professor Emeritus at the University of Guelph, where he remains actively involved in research and supervises doctoral candidates, continuing to serve as a respected authority in modern theoretical chemistry.
Professor Smith has maintained long-standing relations with UJEP and continues to visit the university almost annually. He participates in academic seminars, delivers lectures, and engages actively in discussions with students. His stays at UJEP have repeatedly been supported in past years by the Czech Science Foundation or directly by the university itself.
Professor Smith’s closest ties to UJEP stem from his long-term and fruitful collaboration with Professor Ivo Nezbeda, DrSc., of the Department of Chemistry at the Faculty of Science. Their scientific partnership, which began in 1977, has to date produced 49 joint publications in leading international journals, significantly enriching the research activities of the faculty. Their cooperation has further enabled numerous students and young researchers to undertake postdoctoral fellowships in Canada, thereby strengthening the faculty’s internationalisation efforts and contributing to the professional development of its graduates.
Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem will award the honorary academic title doctor honoris causa to Professor William Robert Smith in the field of statistical physics, molecular modelling, and applied thermodynamics.
“Conferring the honorary doctorate honoris causa upon Professor William R. Smith is not only an expression of recognition for his exceptional scientific achievements, but also of the generous professional support he has provided to our Faculty of Science since its founding. His work and personal engagement have significantly shaped the direction of our research and contributed to the international standing of FS UJEP,” said the Dean of the Faculty, Professor Michal Varady.