Interview Series with Academic Leaders - doc. izr. prof. PhDr. Ladislav Cabada, Ph.D.

In the ever-evolving realm of academia, staying ahead of the curve is not just an aspiration; it's a necessity. ?? In this context, I want to launch an interview series, in which I will share interesting exchanges with academic leaders to help us to stay ahead of this curve. In the next months you might expect more interviews of this kind.

In a recent enlightening conversation with a distinguished academic leader Ladislav Cabada , we delved into the heart of current challenges shaping the educational landscape. The insights gained not only shed light on the hurdles faced by academia but also underscored the pivotal role education plays in our rapidly changing world. ??

As we navigate through these challenging times, the importance of education has never been more evident. The interview series aims to unravel the complexities that academic institutions grapple with today. From adapting to new technologies to addressing the needs of diverse learners, the academic journey is a dynamic one that demands continuous evolution. ??

In our discussion, doc. izr. prof. PhDr. Ladislav Cabada, Ph.D. shared profound perspectives on the transformative power of education. We explored how educators are not just disseminators of knowledge but architects of change, molding minds to meet the demands of the future. The challenges discussed ranged from the integration of digital tools in the classroom to fostering inclusivity and diversity in educational spaces.

Without further ado, let me introduce to you doc. izr. prof. PhDr. Ladislav Cabada, Ph.D. in more detail:

Ladislav Cabada (*1973) is Associated Professor (Czechia) and Extraordinary Professor (Slovenia) in Political Science. He works as the Vice-Rector for the Research, Quality and Development at the Metropolitan University Prague. Since May 2021, he acts as one of the twelve members in the Executive Committee of European Consortium for Political research (ECPR). He focuses mainly on comparative politics of East-Central Europe, regionalism and development studies, Europeanisation, Euroscepticism and political anthropology.

Now you have the opportunity to read the exciting interview:

-- Interview beginning

1.????? How has the higher education landscape changed over the course of your career, and what do you believe are the most significant developments?

The education ecosystem and the ways we educate students have completely transformed over the last three decades. I belong to the generation that already used computers; for us, email represented the pinnacle of technical support for our work. Nowadays, we operate in an environment that is entirely online, where electronic libraries and sources have largely replaced traditional ones. Travel for students and scholars has decreased, which has long-term implications for research. Additionally, teaching methods have evolved: traditional lectures have diminished, with a greater emphasis on seminars and group or project work. The last 30 years have brought a visible transformation in university-level education.

2.????? COVID-19 has fundamentally changed the way institutions deliver education. What do you think are the lasting impacts of this shift, and how has your institution adapted?

Prior to 2019 and 2020, many people had mental barriers—possibly generational ones—against organizing hybrid or online meetings. This was true for university management and scientific boards alike. However, the acceptance of hybrid and online methods as viable forms of communication and decision-making has improved. The same applies to teaching and office hours. Now my talented staff coordinates online student meetings, allowing us to better accommodate students' schedules. At our institution, half of the students are part-time, balancing work with their studies. We've developed online teaching formats specifically for them, a development that will likely continue post-pandemic.

3.????? As we move further into the digital age, how is technology shaping the future of higher education and what role does it play at your institution?

Technology has both positive and negative impacts. For instance, while chatbots are not entirely negative, they do raise concerns. Artificial intelligence can be helpful but also problematic, especially in the areas of assessment and research. At our institution, we are tackling these challenges and seeking opportunities for positive application. Beyond chatbots, we've seen improvements in administrative processes, including exam organization for our Ph.D. program, which is now conducted online for international students.

4.????? There is a growing emphasis on diversity and inclusion in all sectors, including education. How is your institution fostering an inclusive environment for students and staff from various backgrounds?

We are a small private university founded in 2002 and have developed a flagship program called "School without Barriers" focused on full inclusivity. Our facilities are designed to be physically accessible, with lifts and ramps throughout. We also offer various forms of support, including a gender equality plan and specialized support for students and staff undergoing unique challenges, such as the impact of the Russian aggression against Ukraine.

5.????? What are some innovative ways your institution is addressing the challenge of balancing quality education with affordability?

We operate in the Czech environment, where students pay tuition fees. While I don't have a complete overview of public universities, we try to provide quality education in different ways, often in cooperation with the state. Public universities have their challenges, like limited dormitory space, that we don't face, given our different model.

6.????? There is often a disconnect between academia and industry. How is your institution bridging this gap to ensure that students are ready for real-world challenges?

Although we don't follow the German "Fachhochschule" model, our curriculum emphasizes practical aspects. Czech legislation in 2016 and 2017 bolstered this focus on practicality, influencing programs like business administration and language education. We also collaborate closely with external partners and employers.

7.????? What is your vision for the future of higher education, and how is your institution taking steps towards achieving this vision?

Our vision includes internationalization and digitalization. We offer bilingual programs in English and Czech, attracting students globally. We've also seen an increased demand for face-to-face interactions post-pandemic, which we believe will be a key challenge moving forward.

8.????? How does your institution incorporate sustainability into its operations and curriculum, and how important do you think this issue is for higher education in general?

Sustainability is crucial not only for education but for all sectors of society. Since 2021, we've been a member of the Society of Sustainable Cooperations. Our curriculum incorporates sustainability, and we're involved in research grants and projects related to anthropocene and green societies. We also encourage waste separation, recycling, and individual awareness about the green economy among students.

- -Interview end

In conclusion, Prof. Ladislav Cabada's insights offer a snapshot of higher education's evolution, showcasing adaptability to online paradigms and a commitment to inclusivity, technological integration, and sustainability. The institution's vision embraces internationalization and digitalization, reinforcing a dedication to quality education and a greener future.

Dear Ladislav Cabada I extend my sincere gratitude for this insightful interview! Your wealth of experience promises to guide our audience through their challenges, and I am confident your wisdom will prove invaluable in their journeys. Thank you once again!