Charles University's first female rector on US collaborations, equal opportunities and other challenges
Professor Milena Králíčková, the first woman to hold the position of rector in Charles University’s centuries-long history, recently returned from a working visit to the United States aimed at strengthening existing academic partnerships and exploring new collaborations. I met with Mrs. Králíčková at the Carolinum, the historic seat of Charles University, to discuss the US mission, but we also spoke about the significance of being the first female rector, her goals for advancing equality, and how the university has dealt with the tragic shooting at the Faculty of Arts last December.
You've recently returned from a working trip to the US aimed at deepening cooperation with prestigious universities. What kind of reputation does Charles University have abroad?
“I was really happy to see that Charles University is known abroad. In fact, all of the scientists, academic staff, and students we met at various institutions represented Czechia and Czech science very well. Even though Czechia is a small country, people did know about Charles University.
“I can give you an example: when we arrived at the annual scientific retreat at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, one of the heads of the institution told me he had received his doctorate from our university and that he collaborates with our professors.
“So it was really great to see that cooperation has already been established and that Charles University is recognized as a comprehensive university with intensive research.”
Would you say you have already succeeded in opening doors to new collaborations, or is it perhaps too early to say?
“We've already had two meetings with my team to discuss the next steps for all the cooperations we’ve established, and we’ve started acting on those decisions. But you're right that, in some cases, it’s definitely too early.
“I was really happy to see that Charles University is known abroad. Even though Czechia is a small country, people did know about Charles University.”
“For example, when we visited the Center of European Studies at Harvard, we need to coordinate with our faculties—the Faculty of Social Sciences, the Faculty of Arts, and the Faculty of Humanities—to set up cooperation and establish possibilities for Harvard students to come here for so-called J-terms. So, in some cases, it is too early to evaluate, but there are things we’re fairly certain will happen.
“For instance, researchers from Harvard Medical School with experience in creating spin-off companies are coming next year. They’ll give a lecture and share best practices with us. So, some things are already arranged and will happen, while other negotiations are still in progress.”
During your trip, you met this year's Nobel Prize winner in Physiology or Medicine, Victor Ambros. As a successful scientist yourself, what was this meeting like?
“It was an amazing experience to meet him. Let me tell you a funny story: we wrote an official letter to UMass Chan, which is his university, asking if they could arrange a meeting, and they told us he was busy and so on.
“But when we attended the scientific retreat at UMass Chan and approached him during a break, he was so friendly and really, really humble. We talked for maybe 10 or 15 minutes, and we also asked him about the atmosphere at UMass, which was very nice and friendly.
“He confirmed that it’s an institution that genuinely supports leadership, cooperation, and sharing best practices, and that relationships within the institution are very meaningful.
“I was thrilled to learn that he’s coming to Prague next year for a scientific conference in August, and we immediately invited him to also visit Charles University. It was a wonderful meeting, and I’m really excited about the possibility of hosting him next year.”
As the first woman to lead Charles University since its founding in 1348, do you have specific ambitions to leave a unique mark?
“Definitely. I hope to emphasize equal opportunities, because, let’s be frank, there are still glass ceilings for women. We have more female students—even PhD students—but as they advance in their careers, we start to lose them. When you look at the number of associate professors and professors, you can see the imbalance. So, we certainly want to take steps toward establishing equal opportunities at Charles University.
“We have more female students—even PhD students—but as they advance in their careers, we start to lose them. So, we certainly want to take steps toward establishing equal opportunities at Charles University.”
“But I have plenty of other goals. We need to expand our capacity to participate in European calls in Horizon program. I also mustn’t overlook the quality of education. Right now, we’re focusing on improving the pedagogical skills and competencies of our academic staff, which we believe may also enhance our graduation rate.
“As you know, all these aspects are interconnected. You can’t discuss education without considering research, and you can’t talk about either without mentioning international affairs. So, I hope to leave a mark in all these areas.”
One of your initiatives was establishing the role of an ombudsperson at the university to address issues like sexual harassment. Is this a significant concern currently?
“Unfortunately, there are more issues that need addressing than I initially thought. In the past, these problems were not acknowledged, but that doesn’t mean they didn’t exist. Having an ombudsperson means people are now coming forward to share their stories and concerns. So, I’m glad we have an ombudsperson.
“We’re also learning through experience. This is a relatively new role, not only for Charles University but for the whole country. And I’m happy to report that we have ombudspersons at each of our faculties. There’s also a national network, and we communicate with the international network of European ombudspersons. So, I’d say we’re gradually learning how to handle this role effectively.”
Would you say today’s students are different from when you were a student? Do they face different challenges?
“Absolutely. They face different challenges, and it’s a different world, particularly because of social media. When I was a student, there were no mobile phones or internet. So the world is very different, and as a university, we must be prepared to support our students in new ways.
“We recently established a Centre of Resilience, which places a strong emphasis on mental health. Part of university safety is psychological safety, so we focus on that, and I believe we’re doing a good job in this area.”
I wanted to ask about the ongoing debate around low salaries in the humanities and social sciences at Czech universities. Is this something you address as rector, and do you think it’s worth examining whether these courses align with job market demands?
“I’ll start with the second part of your question. I’m confident that all the study programs at Charles University prepare students for the competencies required in the world, as there’s almost no unemployment among our alumni.
“Regarding salaries, I know it’s an issue. As I often say, the problem of low salaries at some faculties has three levels. The first is that national funding is insufficient. The second is how we allocate funds within the university. We have a document that sets the rules for the budget each year, approved by the Academic Senate after extensive debate.
“The third level is the faculty strategy, as it’s not the rector but the faculty deans who decide on salaries. The deans decide on study programs, student numbers, and international student recruitment.
“As a rectorate, we work to persuade the Ministry of Education to increase funding for public higher education. We also strive to distribute the budget transparently and support faculties to attract international students and secure more projects.”
Alongside your role at Charles University, you’ve also become chair of the Czech Rectors’ Conference. What does this position involve?
“We meet typically once every two months at the university, and in between, we also meet online. The role involves communication with the Minister of Education, the Minister for Research, and other stakeholders. Another important aspect is sharing best practices and establishing a supportive environment for all rectors.
“The Czech Rectors’ Conference includes two groups: 26 public institutions, two of which (police and military academies) are state-run, and several private universities in Chamber B of the conference.
“We work together to find joint solutions, discussing funding, micro-credential education in the Czech Republic, visas for international students, and other matters.”
You’ve been leading the university for more than two years now. Was the tragic shooting at the Faculty of Arts last December one of the most challenging moments? Has it changed the institution in any way?
“It definitely did, impacting not only the Faculty of Arts but the entire institution. Students, academic staff, and others were affected, and we are still in touch with the families of those who lost their lives, as well as those affected physically or psychologically.
“As I mentioned, we’ve built a Centre of Resilience, offering a range of support activities. We’ve also increased our focus on safety, providing training for students and staff. We’re learning from international partners, like our Norwegian colleagues from Utøya, who’ve taught us that some needs may go unrecognized.
“If anyone listening needs more support, please reach out to UK Point, where our Centre of Resilience is based. We genuinely want to help everyone who was affected.”
Finally, what are your hopes for Charles University in the coming years?
“I hope all Charles University students find success in their studies, as student well-being will always be my priority. I also hope our academic staff feel supported and have an environment where they can be creative and successful.
“If our students are successful and our staff feel valued, the university itself will thrive and continue to excel in education, research, and societal impact.”
“We need to provide stronger equal opportunities. I know we’re still not doing enough, for example, in supporting young scientists who are parents. But we’re working on that and seizing every opportunity to improve.
“If our students are successful and our staff feel valued, the university itself will thrive and continue to excel in education, research, and societal impact. Charles University is the strongest higher-education institution in the Czech Republic, and it has a vital role to play.”
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