I am head of the University Communication and Marketing Department (Centre for Promotion). I lead the team that is responsible, among others, for developing communication strategies and selecting appropriate tactics that help build the right image of the university as an institution of engaged research that is meaningful to the community, my team organizes meetings for researchers with external experts to help them better plan their research career path. I work very closely with scientists, supporting them in the realization of organized events, including conferences, preparing materials on their research, or selecting appropriate activities to effectively promote their research and science practiced at our university in the environment.
Which aspects of your work/function do you appreciate the most?
Working in an academic environment is a very interesting and varied challenge. I can’t think of such as interesting job for someone who, like me, is primarily concerned with communication strategies, at an institution other than the University. Having the opportunity to work with scientists from so many fields, interviewing them about their work, and learning about new, very interesting areas of researchers’ work is a great value that allows me to grow. This work allows me every day to learn and discover something new, new unknown facts, customs, it teaches respect for diversity of thoughts, opinions, views and cultures – this is something I appreciate the most.
What do you consider as the most important impacts of your work (e.g. for science, for the scientific community, or for your team)?
On daily basis we do communication, we help scientists to translate their work into words that are more approachable for society, for our surroundings. Looking at it from the other side, we explain the world of science and research, let other people learn about the world of scientific discovery. We explain complex social and economic phenomena, processes that occur in nature, or physical phenomena. I consider such a dialogue to be a great and significant impact of our work on the development of societies as well as science itself. I am glad that campaigns on important subjects such as sustainable development, the use of new solutions in the treatment of atherosclerosis and others are carried out at our University with my participation.
Do you think appreciation is important at work? And in which form? (e.g. in the team, or for the results of work)
Yes, for me appreciation at work is important, it helps me stay motivated and gives me positive energy. I believe that both the appreciation of the efforts made by the team and superiors as well as the appreciation of the work results by the surroundings have a positive impact on the increasingly better realization of the undertaken tasks. Particularly in cases where we are undertaking assignments for or with researchers and my work has a direct impact on improving the visibility of our scientists and their work, their recognition and appreciation of support helps keep engagement high and encourages for further challenges.
What aspects of your workplace do you perceive as supportive in order to be motivated? (e.g., working with colleagues, facilities, work atmosphere)
Many aspects of the workplace help keep my motivation high, especially the tasks, the ones that I know have a direct influence on the perception of the university as a strong academic and research unit that is socially engaged. Definitely work as part of a team, a team of dedicated and above all goal oriented individuals. More down-to-earth aspects such as a friendly environment, the right equipment in the work place that helps to focus are also of considerable importance for maintaining motivation to work at the right level.
