Professor Patrick J. Keeling Awarded Honorary Doctorate from the University of South Bohemia
On October 22, 2025, the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice conferred the honorary title Doctor honoris causa upon Professor Patrick J. Keeling of the University of British Columbia, Canada. A world-renowned expert in the evolution of eukaryotic microorganisms, Professor Keeling received the distinction from Rector Professor Pavel Kozák during a ceremony at the town hall and became the 39th recipient of this prestigious honour.
Patrick J. Keeling was ceremonially awarded the honorary title of Doctor honoris causa (dr. h. c.) by the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice. The award was presented by the university’s rector, Professor Pavel Kozák, on 22 October at 11:00 a.m. in the ceremonial hall of the České Budějovice Town Hall, where the event concluded with Professor Keeling’s address. He became the 39th recipient of this prestigious title in the university’s history.
Professor Keeling, based at the University of British Columbia in Canada, is a world-renowned expert in the evolution of eukaryotic microorganisms, particularly protists, and in the study of their organelles such as mitochondria and plastids. His work has made a major contribution to understanding evolutionary processes, including horizontal gene transfer and endosymbiosis, thereby deepening our knowledge of life’s evolution.
The title Doctor honoris causa is conferred by the University of South Bohemia upon individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the advancement of science, education, culture, or the benefit of humankind on a national or international scale.
