Prof. Ing. Alois Materna CSc., MBA, an outstanding expert in structural mechanics and plasticity, an award-winning teacher, Dean Emeritus of the Faculty of Civil Engineering of Brno University of Technology and also a long-standing First Vice-Chairman of the Czech Chamber of Chartered Engineers and Technicians in Construction (ČKAIT). From this position he also acted as a representative of the Chamber in the Scientific Council and the Council for Internal Evaluation of Brno University of Technology.

Professor Alois Materna was born on 22 May 1945. He graduated from the Faculty of Civil Engineering of the BUT. He obtained his CSc. degree (Candidate of Science) in the field of mechanics of rigid and flexible bodies and environments also at the BUT, and his MBA degree at Nottingham Trent University (UK). In 2010, he was appointed Professor of Applied Mechanics at the Technical University of Ostrava. His expertise focused on structural mechanics, elasticity and plasticity theory, numerical methods, finite element method, information systems and technologies, sustainable development and wooden structures.

"Professor Materna was an outstanding expert, but above all a great person and friend who did not hesitate to help anyone at any time. I think that he did a lot of good for the Faculty of Civil Engineering and the whole BUT even after his departure. We will miss him very much and definitely honour his memory," said Dean Rostislav Drochytka, summing up the feelings of his former colleagues.

From 1990 to 1997 he served as Dean of the Faculty of Civil Engineering at Brno University of Technology, and from 2003 to 2010 he was Dean of the Faculty of Civil Engineering at the Technical University of Ostrava. Until the last moment, he lectured on statics of building structures and, as Vice Dean for External Relations, he took care of the cooperation with the building practice.

His life mission was the development of higher education and lifelong education of authorized persons within the CKAIT. He was for many years chairman of the editorial board of the journal Energy Self-Sufficient Buildings.

Our sincere condolences to his family, colleagues and friends.

The last farewell will take place on 6th of December 2023 in the ceremonial hall of the Crematorium of the City of Brno, Jihlavská Street 1.