News

Former CERGE Director Prof. Kánský Passed Away

20 September, 2019

It is with deep sadness that we inform you that Professor Karel Kánský passed away on Sunday, September 15. Professor Kánský played an important role in establishing CERGE-EI and contributed fundamentally to introducing the principles of the market economy to Czech and Slovak society after the fall of communism.

In 1993 and 1994, he was the director of then CERGE (at that time, CERGE and EI had separate directors). He served as a CERGE - EI visiting faculty member in the early 90's and also was a member of The Scientific Council of EI. His deep knowledge and dedication to our faculty and students were invaluable.

As Prof. Jan Švejnar stated, "Karel was with us from the very conception of CERGE-EI. We will always remember him as a highly respected economist, great colleague and a true friend who was ready to help anytime. He will be greatly missed."

Karel Kánský was Professor Emeritus at the University of Pittsburgh, where he taught Geography and Economics. His work in the fields of urban and Eastern European studies has been published in numerous books and journals.

Please join us in expressing our condolences to Jana Kansky, Karel's wife, and the family.

A memorial service will be held in Washington DC, on Sunday, September 29, 2019.