Juraj Hraško, a Slovak politician and soil scientist, died on September 28, 2026, at the age of 95 in Bratislava. His death was confirmed by the Slovak Academy of Sciences, where he was a full member.
Hraško was born in Točnica on May 14, 1931. Over a career spanning more than six decades, he became known as a founder of modern Slovak pedology. His work helped shape the country’s soil science institutions. In the 1970s, he established the Research Institute of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition in Bratislava. He directed the institute for many years, overseeing research that influenced agricultural policies across Slovakia.
He served in the government as Slovakia’s minister of environment in 1994. During that time, he was involved in shaping policies related to land use and conservation. His diplomatic service included representing Slovakia as ambassador to Switzerland, a position he held in the early 2000s.
Hraško’s scientific contributions earned him recognition from the Slovak Academy of Sciences. He was made a full member in recognition of his role in developing soil science and environmental research. His influence extended beyond academia. His work was cited in policy debates on land management and environmental protection.
The Slovak government issued a statement thanking Hraško for his contributions to science and public service. “Juraj Hraško’s work laid the foundations for Slovak soil science,” the statement read. “His leadership in both science and diplomacy will be remembered.”
Hraško’s death leaves a void in Slovakia’s scientific community. He was often described as a dedicated researcher and a committed public servant. Colleagues recall his passion for understanding soil ecosystems and his efforts to improve land management practices.
Born in Točnica, a small village in central Slovakia, Hraško’s childhood was marked by an early interest in the natural environment. He studied at Comenius University in Bratislava before embarking on his career in soil science.
He published dozens of scientific papers on soil properties, nutrient cycles, and land use. His research contributed to the development of soil conservation strategies in Slovakia. He also played a role in international scientific exchanges, representing Slovakia at conferences in Europe and beyond.
Hraško’s tenure as environment minister came during a period of rapid change for Slovakia. The country had declared independence from Czechoslovakia in 1993. His leadership helped integrate environmental policies into the new nation’s legal framework.
Details about his family remain private. No immediate funeral arrangements have been announced, but Slovakia’s scientific and political circles are expected to hold memorial services in the coming weeks.
His death underscores a life dedicated to science and public service. An era of Slovak soil science has closed, leaving behind a legacy of institutional development and policy influence. His name remains associated with the foundations of Slovakia’s environmental research infrastructure.
According to Dead-People.