In the ceremonial hall of the České Budějovice City Hall, the degree of Doctor Honoris Causa was formally conferred upon Professor Bryan William Brooks. The honorary degree of Doctor Honoris Causa is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of science, culture, or the benefit of humanity at both national and international levels.
At the Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia (FFPW USB), Professor Brooks is actively engaged in scientific work, including the preparation and publication of academic papers, participation in research projects, and contributions to scholarly discourse within the relevant field. In addition to research activities, he provides expert consultations, delivers academic lectures and seminars, and offers professional support in both educational and research contexts.
Furthermore, Professor Brooks plays a significant role in the strategic development of FFPW USB by sharing expertise through consultations, providing constructive feedback, and offering insights that support effective planning and implementation of key initiatives. This involvement helps the faculty stay aligned with current trends and set long-term goals that meet the needs of both the academic community and the professional sphere. These activities are carried out in close collaboration with the Dean of the Faculty, the Director of CENAKVA, and the heads of research programs, which enables effective coordination and strategic alignment.
Professor Brooks' transdisciplinary research interests broadly include understanding and managing anthropogenic activities and stressors across levels of biological organization, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions. Students and postdoctoral fellows working in his group are engaged in environment and health research that often incorporates laboratory and field studies in aquatic, environmental and comparative toxicology, environmental chemistry, environmental risk assessment, and water resources research. Because of the complex nature of the environmental and ecological sciences, environmental public health and biomedical studies, students receive an interdisciplinary training that balances formational coursework and theoretical preparation with applied problem solving experiences.
Working internationally, Professor Brooks routinely addresses water quality, environmental contaminants, and sustainability issues, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions across five continents.He coordinates the strategic Global Horizon Scanning Project, which is identifying priority research questions necessary to achieve sustainable environmental quality around the world.
His close collaboration with FFPW USB is evidenced by the fact that he is employed at our faculty in the position of Sabbatical, which we regard as a strong expression of his trust and a confirmation of his long-standing professional connection with our academic environment.
