International Advisory Board Members Visit the University of Hradec Králové
Author: Lenka Karalová, Matyáš Strnad
From May 14 to 17, 2024, the University of Hradec Králové hosted a highly anticipated in-person meeting of its International Advisory Board (IAB). This esteemed board, an advisory body to the Rector of UHK, comprises five distinguished academics from renowned global universities.
The IAB provides independent, objective, and expert evaluations of UHK's mission fulfillment, creative and pedagogical activities, internal strategy consistency, viability, societal relevance, and knowledge transfer. Their insights are instrumental in aligning UHK with international standards, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and proposing pathways for advancement.
The current members of the IAB are:
Prof. John R. Anchor, PhD – Associate Dean (International) at Huddersfield Business School, University of Huddersfield, Great Britain (Chairman)
Prof. Enrique Herrera-Viedma, PhD – Vice-Rector for Research and Knowledge Transfer, University of Granada, Spain.
This meeting was the first in-person meeting of the IAB in its new composition, which has been working since January 1, 2023. The program began on Tuesday with a welcome dinner attended by the university leadership. Wednesday's program presented visions and reflections on significant challenges faced by universities worldwide, from the perspective of the board members. Topics discussed included immigration policy, funding models, research impact, artificial intelligence, mental health, transformation of working conditions, and more.
Thursday's schedule gave the board members a virtual insight into the specific areas overseen by the Rector's Board members and the daily life at UHK's faculties through presentations by UHK representatives. A Q&A segment followed each session, fostering in-depth discussions on different operational aspects. The day concluded with a meeting summary, during which the IAB offered numerous inspirational recommendations for UHK's continued development.
On Friday, IAB members followed their individual agendas, including meetings to enhance international partnerships, research collaborations, and the development of academic programs. The intensive work program was balanced with informal activities, such as a boat trip on the Elbe River and a cultural performance by talented students from the Faculty of Education's Music Department, led by Assoc. Prof. Michal Chrobák.
"The International Advisory Board brings invaluable insights and expertise to our university, helping us stay aligned with global academic standards and innovations. Their independent assessments and recommendations are crucial for us in planning our strategic development and enhancing our educational and research activities. I would like to thank all the members of the board for their valuable contributions and everyone involved in organizing this meeting. I look forward to continuing our collaboration, which will undoubtedly further contribute to the development and improvement of our academic environment," adds Kamil Kuča, UHK Rector.
The next IAB meeting, scheduled for next year, will be conducted online.
Thursday's schedule gave the board members a virtual insight into the specific areas overseen by the Rector's Board members and the daily life at UHK's faculties through presentations by UHK representatives. A Q&A segment followed each session, fostering in-depth discussions on different operational aspects. The day concluded with a meeting summary, during which the IAB offered numerous inspirational recommendations for UHK's continued development."The International Advisory Board brings invaluable insights and expertise to our university, helping us stay aligned with global academic standards and innovations. Their independent assessments and recommendations are crucial for us in planning our strategic development and enhancing our educational and research activities. I would like to thank all the members of the board for their valuable contributions and everyone involved in organizing this meeting. I look forward to continuing our collaboration, which will undoubtedly further contribute to the development and improvement of our academic environment," adds Kamil Kuča, UHK Rector.
