The University of Prešov has awarded the honorary title of Doctor honoris causa (Dr. h. c.) to the distinguished Slovak biblical scholar, Jesuit, and internationally recognized researcher, Prof. Peter Dubovský, SJ, Th.D., President of the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome and one of the leading figures in contemporary theological studies. The award was conferred during a ceremonial session of the Scientific Council of the University of Prešov held on Monday, 8 June 2026, attended by representatives of the academic community, churches, research institutions, and guests from Slovakia and abroad.

The highest academic honour of the university was granted to Professor Dubovský in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the development of biblical studies, theology, international scientific cooperation, and his long-standing support for the academic growth of students and staff at the University of Prešov.

A Global Expert Representing Slovakia at the Highest Level

The laudatio was delivered by the Dean of the Greek Catholic Theological Faculty of the University of Prešov, Prof. ThDr. Peter Tirpák, PhD, who described Professor Dubovský as a scholar of global significance.

“Professor Peter Dubovský is among the most prominent representatives of contemporary biblical scholarship. His research has fundamentally influenced our understanding of the historical books of the Old Testament, the history of Israel, Assyriology, and the methodology of biblical studies. Through his work, he достойne represents Slovak science worldwide while significantly contributing to the development of theological education in Slovakia,” stated Dean Tirpák in his laudatio.

Professor Peter Dubovský was born in 1965 in Piešťany. His academic journey led him from studying biochemistry at the Slovak University of Technology, through philosophical and theological studies within the Society of Jesus, to specialized biblical studies in Rome, Jerusalem, and at Harvard Divinity School in the United States.

He currently serves as President of the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome, part of the Pontifical Gregorian University and one of the most prestigious institutions for biblical studies in the world.

Research Shaping Global Biblical Scholarship

Professor Dubovský is the author and editor of numerous internationally respected scholarly publications published by leading global publishers. His research focuses primarily on the Books of Kings, the Prophet Isaiah, the history of the fall of Samaria and Jerusalem, diplomatic relations in the ancient Near East, and Assyrian intelligence services.

A significant part of his scholarly work involves integrating biblical texts with archaeology, Assyriology, and ancient Near Eastern history. He has actively participated in archaeological research in Israel, Jordan, Turkey, Syria, Iran, Armenia, and Greece.

He is the author of dozens of studies published in prestigious international journals such as Biblica, Orientalia, Journal of Near Eastern Studies, Vetus Testamentum, and Catholic Biblical Quarterly.

A Long-standing Partner of the University of Prešov

Professor Dubovský and the University of Prešov have been connected through more than two decades of intensive cooperation. He has contributed to the supervision of doctoral students, academic placements of staff and students at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome, served on habilitation and inauguration committees, and regularly participated in scientific conferences organised by the Greek Catholic Theological Faculty.

His contribution to the project of Slovak biblical commentaries is particularly significant. Since 2007, the project has systematically built a scholarly foundation for the study of the Holy Scriptures in the Slovak language, with experts from the University of Prešov actively involved from its inception.

Professor Dubovský is also one of the leading figures in global biblical scholarship. From 2025 to 2028, he serves as President of the International Organization for the Study of the Old Testament (IOSOT), which brings together leading scholars in Old Testament studies worldwide.

Rector: Science and Faith Enrich One Another

In his speech, the Rector of the University of Prešov, Dr. h. c. Prof. PhDr. Peter Kónya, PhD, emphasized that Professor Dubovský represents an exceptional example of the harmonious combination of scientific excellence and spiritual depth.

“His work is a compelling testimony that scientific integrity and spiritual depth are not mutually exclusive, but instead enrich one another and positively influence not only the academic environment but also society as a whole,” stated Rector Kónya.

He also noted that Professor Dubovský’s work demonstrates that critical scientific analysis and theological reflection can form a natural unity in the search for truth. “Fides et ratio are not two competing paths, but two wings by which the human spirit rises toward the knowledge of truth,” he added.

Recognition of a Lifetime Achievement

Throughout his career, Professor Peter Dubovský has educated several generations of students and doctoral candidates in Slovakia, Italy, and the United States. He is a member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts, served on the International Theological Commission of the Holy See, and is a member of several prestigious editorial boards of academic journals.

For his scholarly, teaching, and spiritual contributions, he has received numerous awards, including the Fides et Ratio Award of the Conference of Bishops of Slovakia and the Anton Hajduk Award of Trnava University.

By awarding the honorary degree Doctor honoris causa, the University of Prešov expresses its profound recognition of his lifetime work, which has significantly contributed to the development of global biblical scholarship, theological science, academic education, and international scientific cooperation.

Text: PhDr. Ingrid Timková, Spokesperson of the University of Prešov
Photo: Peter Haľko Jr.