Universities – Communities: strengthening cooperation, where we strengthen cooperation between universities and communities for sustainable development.
From the 2nd to the 6th of October, 2023, the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague hosted the UNICOM project meeting, an event organized by the Biogas Research Team. The gathering in Prague provided a dynamic platform for experts, educators, and innovators to explore the exciting potential of university-community cooperation and provide knowledge sharing to colleagues from Ukraine.
Day 1: A Warm Welcome to UNICOM members
The weeklong event opened on Monday, October 2nd, as delegates from around Ukraine converged at the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague. They arrived with a shared mission: to learn experiences and insights regarding the third mission of universities and university-community cooperation. The day began with a voluntary option to participate in the Biogas Research Team's regular meeting, setting the tone for knowledge exchange and collaboration.
In the early afternoon, the event's primary organizer, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hynek Roubík officially welcomed participants, emphasizing the significance of the third mission of universities and its role in connecting the academic community with broader society. His words rang out as a guiding principle for the event: "The third role of CZU is an important aspect of the university's mission, helping to connect the academic community with the broader society and contributing to the sustainable development of the region."
Then, in the late afternoon, participants received a training in the Importance of communication and ways of strengthening the third mission of universities by Dr. Stacy Hammond. In this session, they learned how to write proper popularisation articles and clearly communicate the importance of the third mission of universities clearly. As Dr. Hammonds says: “The communication is key.”.
Day 2: Regulations and Real-World Engagement
On Tuesday, October 3rd, we continued exploring the third mission of universities. Once again, the day commenced with arrivals and registrations, reinforcing the sense of community among participants. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hynek Roubík led a discussion on the importance of national regulations concerning the third mission of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
After a midday pause for a well-deserved lunch, participants delved into the practices of university-community cooperation at European HEIs, offering valuable insights and sharing success stories. The day concluded with a focus on Artificial Intelligence and its role in advancing the third mission of universities, guided by Ing. Jan Staš.
Day 3: Bridging Theory and Practice
Wednesday, October 4th, marked the transition from theory to practice. The day commenced with arrivals and registrations, again fostering a vibrant atmosphere in room 313. Here, real-world examples of university-community cooperation were showcased by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hynek Roubík provided participants with inspiration from CZU's experiences.
In the afternoon, discussions shifted to the future, where attendees contemplated the next steps in advancing the third mission of universities. This day was characterized by strategic thinking and practical insights into bringing these ideas to life.
Day 4: Deep Dive into Key Topics
Thursday, October 5th, continued with sessions exploring sustainable development and economics and, later, extensive discussions on waste-to-energy opportunities and challenges across diverse disciplines, from environmental sciences to veterinary medicine. The day concluded with a dinner, fostering connections and fortifying the bonds formed during these insightful sessions.
Day 5: Sharing Research and Innovations
As UNICOM reached its final day on Friday, October 6th, the focus shifted to sharing research and innovations. The morning was dedicated to in-person and online poster presentations, offering a platform to showcase diverse ideas and perspectives. The event's final session explored advancements in agricultural engineering and food security, delving into challenges and opportunities, including those faced by Ukraine.
The UNICOM project meeting was an enriching journey of exploration and collaboration, shining a spotlight on the third mission of universities and the power of university-community cooperation. The echoes of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hynek Roubík's words continued to resonate throughout the event, emphasizing universities' vital role in connecting academic expertise with the broader society and contributing to regional sustainable development.
Stay tuned for more insights and updates as we continue to unlock the potential of university-community cooperation, guided by the spirit of the UNICOM project.
For more: UNICOM official website
