Jiri at VSB – Technical University of Ostrava, Faculty of Safety Engineering, Czech Republic
Prof. Ing. Jiří Pokorný, Ph.D., MPA, dr. h. c., is a distinguished researcher and academic leader in the field of fire safety, civil protection, and crisis management. With over three decades of experience, he has held prominent positions in both public safety institutions and academia, currently serving as the Dean of the Faculty of Safety Engineering at VSB – Technical University of Ostrava. His research portfolio includes more than 200 scientific and professional publications, including 13 books and over 70 indexed articles in Scopus and Web of Science. He has also led or participated in over 10 scientific projects between 2015 and 2025. As chairman of the Czech Technical Standards Committee for Fire Safety of Buildings and a member of several editorial and professional boards, his contributions have shaped national safety standards and academic discourse. Prof. Pokorný’s expertise, leadership, and impactful research make him highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award.
Professional Profile
Education🎓
Prof. Ing. Jiří Pokorný, Ph.D., MPA, dr. h. c., has a rich and multidisciplinary educational background that underpins his expertise in fire safety and civil protection. He graduated in 1992 from the Faculty of Mining and Geology at VSB – Technical University of Ostrava, specializing in fire protection. In 2002, he completed his Ph.D. in Fire Protection and Industrial Safety. Expanding his academic scope, he earned a Master of Public Administration from the CEVRO Institut in Prague in 2013. He further advanced his academic qualifications by completing his habilitation in Safety and Fire Protection in 2017 and subsequently obtaining the academic title of professor in Theory and Construction of Buildings in 2024. Additionally, in 2018, he completed the ING.PAED.IGIP pedagogical course, enhancing his qualifications in engineering education. His academic journey reflects a deep commitment to both technical and administrative aspects of safety science, reinforcing his role as a leader in his field.
Professional Experience📝
Prof. Ing. Jiří Pokorný, Ph.D., MPA, dr. h. c., has extensive professional experience in fire safety, civil protection, and academic leadership. His career began in 1993 with the Fire Prevention Department of the Fire Brigade in Opava, where he progressed to head of the department and later became Deputy Director of the Fire Rescue Brigade in the Moravian-Silesian Region. From 2005 to 2010, he served as Director of the Fire Prevention Department at the regional headquarters in Ostrava and from 2011 to 2015 as Deputy Director for prevention and civil emergency preparedness. In 2016, he transitioned to academia as Head of the Department of Civil Protection at VSB – Technical University of Ostrava, and since 2017, he has served as Dean of the Faculty of Safety Engineering. His professional path bridges public service and academic advancement, making him a key figure in both emergency response leadership and safety engineering education.
Research Interest🔎
Prof. Ing. Jiří Pokorný, Ph.D., MPA, dr. h. c., has a focused and impactful research interest in the areas of fire safety engineering, civil protection, and crisis management. His work primarily explores the fire safety of buildings, fire ventilation systems, evacuation of people during emergencies, and the development of effective fire engineering strategies. He is also deeply involved in research related to population protection and emergency preparedness, contributing valuable insights to both theoretical frameworks and practical applications in disaster management. His interest extends to the integration of safety principles into building design and urban planning, ensuring the resilience of structures in crisis situations. Through participation in more than ten scientific research projects between 2015 and 2025, and with over 200 publications, Prof. Pokorný continues to advance knowledge in fire protection science. His research plays a critical role in shaping safety standards, policies, and best practices at both national and international levels.
Award and Honor🏆
Prof. Ing. Jiří Pokorný, Ph.D., MPA, dr. h. c., has received several prestigious awards and honors in recognition of his outstanding contributions to fire safety engineering, civil protection, and academic leadership. Among his most notable accolades is the conferral of an honorary doctorate (dr. h. c.) in 2023, acknowledging his lifelong commitment to advancing public safety and education. In 2024, he was awarded the academic title of professor in the field of Theory and Construction of Buildings, reflecting his excellence in research, teaching, and institutional development. His leadership roles—such as chairman of the Czech Technical Standards Committee for Fire Safety of Buildings—further highlight the trust and recognition he has earned within the professional and academic communities. Additionally, his involvement on editorial boards and in expert associations underscores his status as a respected authority in his field. These honors validate his lifelong dedication to enhancing safety standards and engineering education.
Research Skill🔬
Prof. Ing. Jiří Pokorný, Ph.D., MPA, dr. h. c., possesses exceptional research skills grounded in both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in fire safety, civil protection, and crisis management. He demonstrates strong analytical abilities, enabling him to evaluate complex safety systems and propose innovative solutions for fire protection and emergency response. His research is characterized by a multidisciplinary approach, combining engineering, public administration, and safety science to address real-world challenges. He is adept at designing and managing large-scale research projects, having led or participated in over ten significant scientific initiatives between 2015 and 2025. His prolific output of more than 200 publications—including peer-reviewed articles, books, and conference papers—reflects his ability to conduct in-depth investigations, synthesize findings, and contribute original knowledge to his field. Additionally, his experience in reviewing and editing scientific work as part of various editorial boards further showcases his critical thinking, precision, and commitment to academic excellence.
Conclusion💡
Prof. Jiří Pokorný is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award, especially in fields related to fire safety engineering, civil protection, and crisis management. His academic qualifications, professional leadership, and research output are substantial, sustained, and impactful. While a greater international footprint and applied innovation could further strengthen his profile, his current achievements already reflect the hallmarks of a top-tier researcher and leader in his discipline.
Publications Top Noted✍️
- Title: Calculation technique CSN for smoke layer interface assessment during fires in industryAuthors: Dlouha, Dagmar; Pokorny, J.; Podkul, Marek; Vlček, Vladimír; Zhironkin, S. A.
Year: 2025
- Title: Smoke Layer Interface Assessment in Building Design in the Czech RepublicAuthors: Pokorny, J.; Brumarová, Lenka; Podkul, Marek; Vlček, Vladimír
Year: 2025
- Title: Assessment of Risk Factors of Critical Points in Forest Firefighting in Difficult-to-Access SitesAuthors: Tomaskova, Marianna; Pokorny, J.; Krajňák, Jozef; Balážiková, Michaela
Year: 2025
- Title: Increasing the safety and security of strategic railway terminals through environmental and situational aspectsAuthors: Loveček, Tomáš; Rehak, David; Hromada, Martin; Häring, Ivo; Kuffa, Radoslav
Year: 2025
- Title: Monte Carlo Analysis for Evacuation in Multipurpose Event SpacesAuthors: Snohová, Adéla; Kučera, Petr; Pokorny, J.; Bernatík, Aleš
Year: 2024
Citations: 1
- Title: Parameters Affecting the Explosion Characteristics of Hybrid Mixtures Arising from the Use of Alternative Energy SourcesAuthors: Helegda, Matous; Pokorny, J.; Helegda, Iris; Skřínský, Jan; Sinay, Juraj
Year: 2024
Citations: 1
- Title: Comprehensive assessment of transparent wood degradationAuthors: Wachter, Igor; Štefko, Tomáš; Rantuch, Peter; Ház, Aleš; Reinprecht, Ladislav
Year: 2023
Citations: 2