The EU's lending arm is facing pressure from governments to bankroll more military projects.
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As both a researcher and a policymaker, I am often confronted with the challenge of bridging the gap between these two worlds. While academia and policy serve different purposes, they are intricately connected and have much to offer one another. The UACES (University Association for Contemporary European Studies) Doctoral Training Academy (DTA) in Prague gave me a unique opportunity to reflect on this connection, equipping me with the tools, insights, and strategies to navigate both realms better.
The DTA was held at the European Commission in Prague, a city that balances the old with the new, much like academia and policy. From its rich history to its modern influence, Prague served as the perfect backdrop for this experience—reminding me of the delicate balance between tradition and progress that we often face as both practitioners and researchers. Below, I reflect on some of the key lessons I learned and how my experience as a practitioner in the UK Civil Service and an early career researcher at UCL helped shape my perspective throughout the event.
Practical Strategies for Balancing Teaching and Research
As a practitioner in the Civil Service, I am no stranger to the fast-paced demands of policymaking. However, as a PhD student at UCL, I’m also accustomed to the slower, more deliberate process of academic research. Balancing these two roles can be challenging, but the DTA provided invaluable strategies for managing both without compromising on quality or mental well-being.
Led by Dr. Michal Parízek, Dr. Eliska Tomalová, and Dr. Emilija Tudzarovska, the session on balancing teaching and research focused on time management, integrating research topics into teaching, and ensuring that both areas complement each other. This session resonated deeply with me as it highlighted how, as a practitioner, I often need to draw from theoretical insights to inform policy decisions. Conversely, the DTA reaffirmed how teaching can serve as a dynamic space for refining my own research ideas. This dual advantage can be developed by thoughtfully integrating both roles rather than viewing them as separate entities.
Navigating the Challenges of Teaching Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Being a practitioner has allowed me to engage in policy discussions and see how theory translates into practice. Yet, as an academic, I often find myself in classrooms with students at various stages of their educational journey. Dr. Monika Brusenbauch Meislová, Dr. Viera Martinková, and Dr. Lucie Tungul’s session on the unique challenges of teaching undergraduate and graduate students provided me with the tools to manage diverse student needs.
What stood out was the importance of engaging students effectively by using social networks and interactive techniques and addressing the varying levels of prior knowledge. As a researcher, it is easy to forget that students may not always be familiar with complex topics. As a practitioner, however, I understand the importance of context and how crucial it is to ensure information is accessible. This session reinforced the value of finding innovative ways to explain complex ideas.
Teaching Sensitive Topics with Respect and Empathy
As both a policymaker and a researcher, I have dealt with sensitive issues—from political conflicts to social justice issues. Teaching these topics requires a high level of empathy and awareness, which Dr. Irena Kalhousová, Prof. Tomáš Weiss, and Dr. Olga Litvyak skilfully addressed in their session. Teaching sensitive topics requires navigating complexities, ensuring that all voices are heard, and respecting diverse perspectives in the classroom.
The lessons I took away were powerful: sensitivity and respect are key when dealing with controversial or emotionally charged issues. From a policymaker’s perspective, it is essential to be sensitive to the social and cultural dynamics at play when addressing sensitive matters in policy. As a researcher, I now understand that I approach these topics in my work should be equally empathetic and inclusive, aiming to generate thoughtful, well-rounded discussions.
Building Authority and Handling Difficult Questions with Poise
As a practitioner, I often have to assert my ideas and defend them in public settings. This can be particularly challenging when faced with difficult questions or criticism. Dr. Olga Litvyak and Elena Simanschi’s workshop on building authority and handling difficult questions resonated with me because it focused on how to balance authority with approachability, even under challenging circumstances.
As an academic, it’s essential to present ideas confidently and manage challenging questions with poise, which is equally important in policy debates. The session taught me how to remain composed, assert my authority, and stay focused, no matter the nature of the question. Whether in the classroom or in a policy context, these skills are critical for fostering a respectful and constructive environment for dialogue.
Networking and Collaboration Opportunities
As both a researcher and a practitioner, the value of building relationships and networking cannot be overstated. The DTA offered me numerous opportunities to connect with peers and experts, furthering my understanding of the intersection between academic research and policymaking. Engaging with fellow researchers and policymakers from various institutions allowed me to share ideas, learn from different experiences, and explore potential collaborations.
The interdisciplinary nature of these connections also gave me fresh perspectives on approaching my own research and practice. As a researcher, I am constantly looking for ways to make my work relevant to the world of policy, while as a practitioner, I am learning to value the theoretical insights that research brings to the table. The DTA reinforced the idea that collaboration and open dialogue between these communities are essential for creating impactful, evidence-based decisions.
Reflection: The Dual Role of Practitioner and Researcher
The DTA provided me with practical tools for navigating the academic worlds and deepened my reflection on my dual role as a practitioner and researcher. These two roles can sometimes feel like opposing forces—one focused on practical, immediate solutions and the other dedicated to theoretical, long-term exploration. However, the Academy reinforced that they are not separate worlds but two sides of the same coin.
As a policymaker, I recognise the need for evidence-based decisions that are informed by rigorous research. Yet, as a researcher, I am increasingly aware of how important it is to ensure that my work remains relevant to the challenges faced by policymakers. The DTA helped me see that by balancing these roles effectively, I can make a significant contribution to both the academic and policy communities.
Conclusion: A Balanced Approach for the Future
The UACES Doctoral Training Academy was a great experience that supported me with the delicate balance between research, teaching, and policymaking. I could integrate theory and practice, build relationships, handle sensitive topics with care, and navigate the complexities of academia and policy. Most importantly, it reinforced the idea that bridging these worlds is not just possible—it is necessary to tackle today’s world’s complex challenges.
I highly recommend engaging in a programme if you’re a PhD student looking to strengthen your impact. The UACES DTA offered the tools to enhance both research and practice and the opportunity to reflect on how these two roles can complement one another. It was a truly invaluable experience that I will carry forward in both my research and policy work.
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The ECR are willing to work with "those who share our concerns about the economic and social implications of the Green Deal" – including the far-right Patriots for Europe, according to a letter seen by Euractiv.
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In today’s edition of the Capitals, find out more about Slovak NGOs condemning Fico’s government, the Romanian Central Bank confident the country will meet all eurozone requirements this month, and so much more.
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The European Trade Union Confederation says the Competitiveness Compass is full of proposals for businesses, but not for ordinary citizens.
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The report comes after the government said it was postponing the request a final report for Eurozone accession from EU institutions last week.
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The talks were aimed at ensuring that a pro-European candidate would make it through to the second round of the election.
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The gathering in Berlin, held just a few hundred metres away from the German parliament, was attended by several prominent CDU/CSU and FDP politicians.
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Insiders say the series of meetings will be the spiritual successor to the abandoned 2023 heat pump action plan.
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