Professor Milan Horáček receives the 2025 Robert Smart Prize
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Professor Milan Horáček was awarded the 2025 Robert Smart Prize at the 34th International Conference of the European Investment Casters’ Federation in Seville. The award recognises his long-standing commitment to investment casting, foundry technology, research and engineering education.
Award at the EICF conference in Seville
Professor Milan Horáček has been awarded the Robert Smart Prize 2025. The award was presented at the 34th International Conference of the European Investment Casters’ Federation (EICF) in Seville. The prize was presented by Philippe Hoste, the former chairman of the EICF.
The Robert Smart Prize commemorates Robert Smart and, according to the original announcement, honours individuals who have contributed to the further development of the investment casting industry through their commitment, innovative spirit and technical contributions. This latest award thus highlights Horáček’s long-standing work at the interface between research, teaching and industrial application.
Long-standing work in foundry engineering and education
Horáček, born in the Czech Republic in 1948, has been associated with the Brno University of Technology for many years. This association began whilst he was a student, continued during his PhD and led to a decades-long academic career. Over the course of his career, he rose from the position of lecturer to full professor.
A key focus of his work was the training of future engineering professionals. According to the source, Horáček supervised more than 100 dissertations and taught on Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD programmes. In doing so, he shaped engineering education in the field of foundry technology over many years.
Contribution to the further development of investment casting
In addition to his teaching, the original report also highlights Horáček’s research work. Among other things, it mentions production control, precision in castings and the introduction of modern production technologies. His publications are described as part of his contribution to advancing technical knowledge and strengthening the exchange between research and practical application.
According to the source, his collaboration with the European Investment Casters’ Federation played a particular role. On his initiative, EICF educational programmes were established and further developed at the Brno University of Technology. These programmes serve to train and provide professional development for specialists in the field of investment casting.
Significance for the foundry industry
The award places Horáček’s professional career within an international industry context. The source highlights his involvement in international foundry organisations as well as his commitment to the Czech foundry industry. For GIFA, this news is particularly relevant as it touches on key issues in foundry technology, investment casting and the training of skilled workers.
Key facts at a glance:
- Professor Milan Horáček received the 2025 Robert Smart Award at the 34th International Conference of the European Investment Casters’ Federation in Seville.
- The award was presented by Philippe Hoste, former chairman of the EICF.
- The announcement highlights Horáček’s contributions to investment casting, production control, precision in castings, modern production technologies and training.
