Austrian expert on the Habsburg monarchy awarded a medal of merit by the CAS
23. 02. 2023
The Habsburg monarchy in the 19th century and the history of its local government, political culture, and education. These are the fields of study that are the subject of Peter Urbanitsch’s research. On 23 February 2023, he received the František Palacký Honorary Medal of Merit from the President of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Eva Zažímalová, for his contribution to historical sciences and his years of cooperation with Czech historians. The award ceremony, held at the Villa Lanna in Prague, was also attended by the Ambassador of Austria to the Czech Republic, Bettina Kirnbauer.
Peter Urbanitsch has long worked as a researcher at the Austrian Academy of Sciences. Considered an expert on the history of the Habsburg monarchy, he has made his mark in the world of Austrian historiography mainly as co-author of nine volumes of the monumental series Die Habsburgermonarchie 1848–1918. This magnum opus and flagship of Austrian historiography stands out not only due to its scope, but especially due to the quality of its production and its international authorship.
In his acceptance speech, the historian pointed out that the Habsburg Monarchy significantly connected and shaped the Czech and Austrian nations. “During that time, people were gaining similar experiences that are still worth remembering today. It is an incentive to continue to look for commonalities and expand our knowledge of this historical period, which is what I have been trying to do all my life,” Urbanitsch said. He likened his work, which connects nations, to building bridges.
The President of the CAS, Eva Zažímalová, Peter Urbanitsch, the laureat, and Ondřej Beránek, Vice President of the CAS.
A marked Czech-Austrian historical legacy
“Today, Peter Urbanitsch is receiving an honorary medal bearing the name of František Palacký [a prominent Czech historian and politician], which can be considered a significant coincidence, as Urbanitsch’s research also happened to focus on his son, the geographer Jan Palacký,” Eva Zažímalová pointed out.
But the Austrian historiographer’s connection to František Palacký does not end there. As he mentioned, “My joy at receiving this award is heightened by the fact that I have developed a close relationship to František Palacký, as I was heavily involved in the creation of the German version of Jiří Kořalka’s biography of him.” It was Jiří Kořalka who initiated Urbanitsch into the Czech academic world of historiography and introduced him to Czech colleagues.
Years of fruitful cooperation also speak of Urbanitsch’s connection with Czech researchers, with whom he has worked on international projects, often opening access to our historians, co-authoring publications, and participating in Czech conferences. He also contributed to the publication of Czech historiographical works in his homeland – such as the works of the aforementoned Jiří Kořalka, with whom he was connected by a similar subject of research. Luboš Velek, former director of the Masaryk Institute and Archives of the CAS, the institution that nominated the historian for the award, also recalled Peter Urbanitsch’s friendly relations with Czech colleagues.
The Czech Academy of Sciences has awarded the František Palacký Honorary Medal for Merit in the Historical Sciences since 1965 for outstanding achievements in the social sciences, particularly in the fields of history, philosophy, law, and sociology. The medal is also traditionally awarded to researchers from abroad. Recent laureates include Mark Cornwall from the University of Southampton, Alain Soubigou from Sorbonne University, and Gary B. Cohen from the University of Minnesota.
Prepared by: Zuzana Dupalová, Division of External Relations, CAO of the CAS
Translated by: Tereza Novická, Division of External Relations, CAO of the CAS
Photo: Jana Plavec, Division of External Relations, CAO of the CAS
The text and photos are released for use under the Creative Commons license.
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The Czech Academy of Sciences (the CAS)
The mission of the CAS
The primary mission of the CAS is to conduct research in a broad spectrum of natural, technical and social sciences as well as humanities. This research aims to advance progress of scientific knowledge at the international level, considering, however, the specific needs of the Czech society and the national culture.
President of the CAS
Prof. Eva Zažímalová has started her second term of office in May 2021. She is a respected scientist, and a Professor of Plant Anatomy and Physiology.
She is also a part of GCSA of the EU.