UHK ∙ Students, News, Employees ∙10/21/2026

The Rector of the University of Hradec Králové Jan Kříž Has Passed Away

Dear Colleagues, 

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our friend, colleague and Rector of the University of Hradec Králové, Jan Kříž, who passed away on Wednesday, 21 October. 

During the final months of his life, he often compared his struggle to a hockey match. Standing by his side as his most devoted supporters, we believed that he would emerge victorious once again, just as he had in so many previous battles throughout his life. And although he sadly did not win his final match, we will forever be inspired by the determination, strength and fighting spirit with which he faced an opponent who did not play fair, despite the odds being heavily stacked against him. 

In Jan Kříž, we have lost not only an established scholar, a leader in nurturing young talent and an experienced manager, but above all a man of fairness and integrity, whose enthusiasm for meaningful causes could inspire and unite countless people, and whose dedication to UHK knew no bounds. 

In accordance with the law and UHK’s internal regulations, the Rector of UHK is currently represented by his statutory deputy, Leona Stašová.