At the turn of September and October, a delegation of the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, led by Rector Oliver Moravčík visited Leibniz University Hannover (LUH), the STU partner within the EULiST Alliance of European universities. During plenary and bilateral meetings, the STU Management and individual STU faculties’ representatives discussed the possibilities of closer cooperation and solutions to common problems and challenges.
The two-day visit provided a platform for intensive dialogue on current trends and future development within the EULiST network. Interactive workshops presented ongoing projects including part-time professorships, travel grants for young researchers and calls for summer schools.
One of the workshops focused on synergies in the education sector, emphasising particularly the EULiST micro-qualifications and innovative infrastructures of digital education. In addition, the STU delegates learned more about LUH and its individual faculties.
"We were impressed and inspired by the LUH management system. Although LUH is twice the size of STU, its key bodies are leaner and thus more flexible and efficient," noted Rector Moravčík.
In the course of discussion, the STU representatives also learned that it is the valid federal legislation that facilitates the operation of the Leibniz University Hannover and other universities in Germany, as it covers, among others, also the rules for admitting foreign students from the countries outside the European Union, which poses certain problems to STU and other Slovak universities.
"Germany automatically recognizes only the secondary-school diplomas obtained within the EU. Further pre-conditions for admission of extra-EU candidates, in addition to visas, include student health insurance in Germany and even a proof of sufficient amount of funds for the stay. German universities thus avoid many problems," stated Rector Moravčík.
In conclusion, both parties agreed that the visit of the STU delegation to the Leibniz University Hannover represents an important step towards deepening cooperation within the EULiST network. Both Universities are optimistic regarding the potential for joint development of innovative solutions in research and education.
1.10.2024
Source: LUH
