Inspiring Research in Slovakia: An Interview with Professor Anna Turczak

In September 2024, Professor Anna Turczak began her six-month research stay at Comenius University in Bratislava under the National Scholarship Programme of the Slovak Republic. Based at the University of Szczecin in Poland, she works at the Institute of Economics and Finance. Over the course of her academic career, she has authored more than 130 publications and delivered 43 conference presentations, including 20 at international events. She has participated in numerous projects, including those funded by the European Union, and conducted a variety of expert analyses. Beyond academia, her professional journey includes years of experience in the business sector, where she held senior management positions. She also served as a dean at a higher education institution. Additionally, she is a long-standing member of the Polish Economic Society.

At Comenius University in BratislavaAt Comenius University in BratislavaWhat motivated you to apply for the scholarship under the National Scholarship Programme of the Slovak Republic?
The decision to apply for the scholarship was influenced by several key factors. Slovakia, with its rich academic traditions and rapidly developing universities, offers an ideal environment for conducting research. The prospect of exploring Slovak academic methodologies and gaining a deeper understanding of diverse research approaches was particularly compelling. I regarded this opportunity as a unique chance to enhance my intellectual horizons and refine my analytical skills.

Equally important was the excellent infrastructure and collaborative spirit that distinguish Slovak academic institutions. I firmly believe that global collaboration is essential for advancing science, and programmes like this play a vital role in fostering cross-border scholarly engagement. The scholarship not only provided financial support but also facilitated opportunities to connect with international research communities and establish lasting professional networks.

Moreover, I was inspired by the chance to immerse myself in a new cultural and academic environment, which I anticipated would offer valuable insights and perspectives to enrich my research. This programme aligned perfectly with my objective of contributing to international academic discourse while broadening my professional experience.

Institute of Economics and Finance, University of SzczecinInstitute of Economics and Finance, University of SzczecinWhat were your expectations for your research stay at Comenius University in Bratislava?
My primary expectation was to deepen my understanding of the subtleties of research methods employed by Slovak scholars and integrate these perspectives into my work. I planned to devote significant time to analysing diverse research approaches, comparing methodologies, and evaluating their relevance to the specific academic contexts in which I am engaged.

I also aimed to actively participate in scholarly events, such as conferences and workshops, to disseminate my findings and foster meaningful dialogue. Comenius University, particularly the Faculty of Social and Economic Sciences, provided an excellent platform for achieving these goals, as its research focus closely aligned with my academic interests. Consultations with Slovak researchers were central to my plans, enabling me to refine methodologies and ensure the rigour of my outputs.

Another significant goal was advancing my forthcoming monograph, Principles of Logical Thinking in Scientific Research: Perspectives from Economics and Finance. I aimed to refine its conceptual framework, structure its chapters, and enhance its analytical precision. The supportive intellectual environment at the host institution was instrumental in achieving these objectives.

Additionally, I was eager to explore the cultural and socio-economic dimensions of Slovakia, as gaining a nuanced understanding of these aspects was essential for enriching my academic contributions. Furthermore, Bratislava, with its historical landmarks and vibrant cultural scene, provided a promising setting for profound reflection and multidimensional personal growth.

Rectorate of the University of SzczecinRectorate of the University of SzczecinCould you describe some of the results you have already achieved during your stay?
The results of my research stay are diverse and exceed my expectations. During this period, I have delivered three conference presentations in Slovakia, each of which has contributed significantly to international academic discourse.

At the 11th Conference and Workshop “Community Psychology in Slovakia”, organised by the Institute of Applied Psychology at Comenius University in Bratislava, I had the honour of delivering the opening presentation. My talk focused on Slovak employees, drawing on insights gained during my stay. The paper accompanying this presentation was subsequently included in the peer-reviewed conference proceedings.

The International Scientific Conference “International Economy, Politics and Law in 2024: Trends, Challenges, Perspectives”, hosted by the University of Economics in Bratislava, offered another excellent opportunity for scholarly exchange. My presentation, focusing on an application of the logarithmic method to decompose GDP per working-age person, was well-received and resulted in a publication in the peer-reviewed conference proceedings.

Lastly, at EDUCOM 2024, an international conference co-organised by Slovak and Czech universities held in Trnava, I presented research on themes of well-being and inclusive education. An article based on this presentation is scheduled for publication in the Slovak journal Pedagogica Actualis.

In addition to these achievements, I am making substantial progress on my monograph. This period of intensive research is significantly enriching my academic portfolio and expanding my professional network.

Dr hab. Anna Turczak, prof. USDr hab. Anna Turczak, prof. USWhat challenges did you face during your stay, if any?
I am pleased to report that my research stay has so far been free of significant challenges. From the outset, the Faculty of Social and Economic Sciences at Comenius University has provided exceptional support. The administrative staff are highly professional, approachable, and consistently ready to assist with organisational matters, ensuring a seamless integration into the academic environment.

My supervisor continues to play a pivotal role in making my stay both productive and enriching. His expert guidance and availability for consultations are allowing me to navigate the institutional framework efficiently, focus entirely on my research, and constantly refine my academic skills. The collegial atmosphere at the faculty fosters collaboration and intellectual growth, creating an ideal setting for scholarly exploration.

How do you view the impact of this scholarship on your career and future plans?
This scholarship has been transformative for my academic career. It has broadened my research perspectives, enriched my methodological approaches, and strengthened my professional relationships. The insights and experiences gained during this stay will undoubtedly influence my future work in meaningful ways.

Furthermore, the cultural immersion and opportunities to temporarily change my professional environment have reinforced my belief in the importance of internationalisation in science. This scholarship has become a cornerstone of my academic journey, equipping me with the tools and experiences needed to contribute effectively to global academic discourse.

Would you recommend the National Scholarship Programme of the Slovak Republic to others?
Absolutely. This programme provides unparalleled opportunities for academic growth, professional development, and cultural exchange. The administrative process is seamless, and the support offered by the organisers is exemplary. I am deeply grateful for this exceptional opportunity and wholeheartedly recommend the scholarship to researchers seeking to elevate the quality of their work and engage with international research communities.