On Thursday, 30 May 2024, the IROICA (International Relations Officers' Network of the Association for European Life Science Universities) hosted a webinar titled "Universities and Mobility in the Time of Global Polycrises”. The event focused on the challenges and opportunities that universities face in maintaining academic mobility amidst global crises such as climate change, pandemics, political instability, and economic disruptions. The webinar featured expert speakers who discussed strategies for fostering international collaboration, supporting student and staff mobility, and ensuring resilience in higher education institutions. The participants explored how universities can adapt to rapidly changing global circumstances while continuing to promote international exchange and cooperation.
Prof. Michal Lošťák, Vice-Rector for International Relations, Head of Department of Humanities, CZU Prague, shared thoughts on "Universities in the Time of Global Polycrises" and “In what sense are current crises the opportunity window for changing paradigms in internationalisation at life-science universities?".
Dr. Petra Chaloupková, Vice Dean for International Relations, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, CZU Prague focused on "Practical and Ethical Aspects of Mobility in the Time of Global Polycrises" and shared practical experience with international mobilities at FTA. She also promoted the outputs of the project Multiclass: Multicultural classrooms: Inclusive Learning and Teaching in Higher education.
"Thanks to our extensive experience in implementing projects in various countries around the world, e.g. Cambodia, Georgia, Ethiopia, Syria, Ukraine, Zambia, in cooperation with an expert in staff safety during foreign trips, we have developed rules and procedures for the trips of FTZ students and staff and established a safety team for foreign mobility," she said.
This insightful session provided valuable perspectives and practical solutions for higher education professionals navigating the complexities of global polycrises.