Between 25 February to 27 February 2025, Prof. Ing. Drahoslav Lančarič, Pro-Rector for Science and Research at the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra (SUA) participated in an Erasmus+ Mobility visit at the University of Malta (UM). The main focus of this visit was to exchange best practices in research development, the support provided to doctoral researchers, and the implementation of the Human Resource Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R).
During the initial phase of his visit, Prof. Ing. Lančarič engaged with the UM’s Quality Support Unit (QSU). In a productive meeting with Dr Jacqueline Vanhear (QSU Senior Executive) and Dr Chaker Mhamdi (Quality Coordinator), discussions focused on both internal and external Quality Assurance (QA) practices at UM.
The conversation also extended to the National Quality Assurance Framework and the National Standards for Accreditation, highlighting their role in shaping UM's approach to ensuring quality in academic programmes. This exchange of best practices is anticipated to assist the SUA in strengthening its own QA mechanisms
Subsequently, Prof. Ing. Lančarič discussed the implementation of the HRS4R with Prof. Inġ. Simon Fabri, Pro-Rector for Research & Knowledge Transfer at UM. The objective of this exchange was to learn from UM's experience in relation to the implementation of the HRS4R action plan and its strategic focus on international mobility. This will support SUA in the integration of similar strategies to enhance the career development of its researchers, and to align its practices with international standards.
Prof. Ing. Lančarič also met with Prof. Nicholas Vella, Director of UM’s Doctoral School, to discuss the functions of the Doctoral School, since SUA is currently seeking to emulate the model of establishing an institution-wide support structure for its doctoral researchers. The professional development programme which provides transversal skills training for all Ph.D. students at the UM was also discussed.
