The Czech-BioImaging community is deeply saddened by the passing of Professor Ivan Rektor, an internationally respected neurologist, neuroscientist, and pioneer of neuroimaging research. Professor Rektor passed away on 14 June 2026 at the age of 77 after a long illness. Throughout his distinguished career at Masaryk University, St. Anne’s University Hospital, and CEITEC, he made lasting contributions to the fields of epilepsy, movement disorders, cognitive neuroscience, and brain imaging. He also served as Vice-Rector of Masaryk University and was widely recognized as one of the leading figures of Czech and European neuroscience.

For Czech-BioImaging and the wider imaging community, Professor Rektor played an important role as the Czech Republic’s Scientific Delegate for Neuroimaging at Euro-BioImaging ERIC, a position to which he was appointed in 2019. In this role, he helped represent and strengthen the Czech neuroimaging community within the European research infrastructure landscape.

Over the course of his career, Professor Rektor helped establish advanced neurological and neuroimaging methods in the Czech Republic, led internationally recognized research programs, mentored generations of scientists and clinicians, and received numerous distinctions for his scientific achievements and lifelong contribution to neuroscience.

We extend our sincere condolences to his family, colleagues, students, and friends. His scientific legacy and commitment to advancing neuroimaging research will continue to inspire future generations.