Comenius University will provide accomodation for young scientists
Comenius University in Bratislava has been looking for ways to support young scientists and researchers up to the age of 35 years. One way that it can help is through helping them find accommodation.
The rector of Comenius University, Marek Števček, wants to motivate young scientists and teachers to work at the university by taking particular steps. “We want to improve the working and living conditions of young scientists and graduates of doctoral studies by giving them better housing opportunities. In this way we would like to support the beginning of their scientific and teaching career,” the rector said. As Comenius University's salaries cannot compete with those salaries offered at universities in richer countries, such assistance in addressing housing needs could be seen as an interesting benefit for talented young scientists as they are considering whether to work at Comenius University or go abroad.
The first phase of this project will see the university allocate ten two-room and three one-room apartments at the Mlynská dolina dormitory and ten one-room apartments at the Družba dormitory for this purpose. It plans to increase these numbers depending on interest.
Housing will be allocated on the basis of transparent criteria by a committee composed of a dormitory representative, two vice-rectors, and the university bursar. In this area, the university is planning to work alongside the Foundation for Stopping Corruption. The criteria for receiving this housing will be published in the autumn.
The university also has the Professor's House at the Botanical Garden. The accommodation there will mainly be for international teachers and researchers who come for a working stay. “I consider this to be a positive step towards the internationalization of the university,” the rector concluded. “A greater diversity of lecturers is a clear step towards higher quality education at Comenius University.”