A recipe for scientists to return: create contacts

State scheme to lure academics back from abroad does not seem to be efficient. But there are other ways to intensify cooperation with them.

Illustrative stock photoIllustrative stock photo (Source: SME)

ERC Starting grants are designed to support outstanding researchers willing to start the development of their independent career. Even though there are also several Slovaks who have successfully applied for the grants, none of them is working at a Slovak university.

SkryťTurn off ads
Article continues after video advertisement
SkryťTurn off ads
Article continues after video advertisement

Even though cooperation with such scientists can benefit the schools, no Slovak universities has addressed Slovaks who have succeeded in receiving the grant, as one of them told To Dá Rozum (Learning Makes Sense) non-governmental organisation in a questionnaire.

SkryťTurn off ads
Read also: Poll: Slovak scientists abroad are not keen on returning to Slovakia Read more 

Similar collaborations can serve as one way of creating contacts between scientists abroad and Slovakia. The contacts between them and Slovak schools can later help create an opportunity for them to return to the country, the organisation’s representatives opine.

“When there is already a contact, there is a much bigger potential for them to return in the future,” said Stanislav Lukáč of To Dá Rozum.

Differences between generations

Most university teachers and scientists who are currently active abroad did not leave Slovakia with the intention of staying there, as stems from an extensive survey carried out by To Dá Rozum between May and June 2018 on 197 respondents aged 24-66 years, who are currently active in 21 countries. The most respondents are in the Czech Republic, the US, the UK, Germany, and Austria.

The rest of this article is premium content at Spectator.sk
Subscribe now for full access

I already have subscription - Sign in

Subscription provides you with:
  • Immediate access to all locked articles (premium content) on Spectator.sk
  • Special weekly news summary + an audio recording with a weekly news summary to listen to at your convenience (received on a weekly basis directly to your e-mail)
  • PDF version of the latest issue of our newspaper, The Slovak Spectator, emailed directly to you
  • Access to all premium content on Sme.sk and Korzar.sk

Top stories

A Slovak citizen got his possessions frozen over sanctions - he attempted an arms deal for Russia. (Illustrative photo)

News digest: Slovak citizen is accused of involvement in attempted Russian arms deals

Heger goes to Ukraine, virtual reality resurrects a Roman camp. and AI is taking over – or is it?


9 h
Volkswagen will make all-electric versions of the Porsche Cayenne luxury SUV.

News Digest: Volkswagen Slovakia to produce all-electric luxury SUV

LGBT+ minority could face new difficulties, a suspect is charged in the Daniel Tupý murder case.


24. mar
Filip Toška holding chard in the hydroponic Hausnatura farm.

How a Mayan doomsday prophecy took a Slovak to hi-tech agriculture

Hydroponic farm run out of former telephone exchange.


9. mar
Easter egg decorations from Stará Bystrica.

Top 10 events in Bratislava for foreigners

Tips for the top 10 events in the capital between March 31 and April 9, plus regular services in different languages, training, temporary exhibitions, classical music and highlights of the year.


30. mar
SkryťClose ad