LU konference
Academic career in the 21st century represents a challenge – simultaneously attractive and complex. On the one hand, it provides an opportunity for self-realization, creating new knowledge, influencing society and shaping the future. On the other, it is subject to high demands, constant pressure, uncertainty and the need to balance numerous roles. From the perspective of the rector, I must emphasize that, in this tension, a balance must be found that ensures both the professional growth of academic staff and the sustainability of the university.
At the annual conference of the European University Association (EUA), which the University of Latvia was honoured to host in Riga this year, we highlighted five essential components that help create a balanced, motivating and equitable career environment at university. These components are not merely theoretical recommendations – they are clearly supported in the association’s report of 2025, which emphasizes the need for a structured, inclusive and thoughtful approach to building academic careers.
One of the cornerstones supporting attractiveness of an academic career is a clear and supportive professional development path. In addition to the opportunities to grow academically – to develop research prepare publications, to lead projects, it encompasses the recognition for the accomplishments. We must create a culture in which excellence is recognized and appreciated not only through bibliometric indicators, but also through pedagogical work, outreach to society and international collaboration, and achieving excellence in at least one of these disciplines. EUA names it “responsible research assessment”, meaning a multidimensional assessment that recognizes different types of contributions. At least one of these dimensions must be at the level of distinction, and we must provide the means for cultivating and advancing its development.
The university should provide individualized career opportunities – not only traditional academic career paths, but also alternative career directions, appreciating different types of contribution. It is evident that in many parts of Europe there is a lack of clear intermediate stages between doctoral studies and the beginning of academic career path, which hinders the development of sustainable careers. It is necessary to give the opportunity to teaching staff who work excellently with students to advance in their careers even if their research is not as intensive in comparison with others, whereas the researchers of distinction should be able to grow rapidly if they make a significant contribution to their field. This flexibility is the basis for fairness in academia. Furthermore, there should be a prospect of interim departure from academic career, putting it on hold while gaining experience in the fields of practice or business.
The university must be able to offer young researchers – doctoral students and those in postdoctoral positions – a clear growth trajectory. Currently, the early stages of a career frequently depend on project-based funding, which creates instability at the very stage of life when young scientists are building a family, a home and their professional identity. Analysis of the actual situation shows that the prevalence of short-term contracts and insufficiently clear career transitions is a widespread problem. If we want to retain these people at universities, there must be a well-thought-out early career support system encompassing financial, mentoring and networking aspects.
Academic careers cannot develop in a vacuum – they require collaboration both within the university, as well as at national and international levels. We must create an environment where researchers, teaching staff and students are interconnected with a view toward a shared goal – to create, teach and inspire. It is necessary to create structured networks of cooperation to promote mobility and knowledge exchange, especially between less well-endowed and larger institutions. It is the particular task of the university to support the formation of such a community – providing platforms for collaboration, opportunities to travel, participate in conferences, attract funding for joint projects.
A modern university cannot exist in isolation from the society. Researchers must become opinion leaders who help society navigate complex issues – artificial intelligence, climate change, religious coexistence and peace, as well as important complicated practical everyday matters such as family budget in the modern world,. At the same time, they must be able to clearly and convincingly demonstrate how the university uses public resources for the benefit of society. Therefore, the third mission – outreach to society – has become an integral part of an academic career, which must be supported in a structured and long-term manner. Here, one of the forms of academic excellence can be observed – the ability to transfer complex knowledge to the general public.
However, despite these principles, significant systemic contradictions still exist. The EUA report highlights that some groups may have a competitive advantage academic environment in many parts of Europe – the universities must promote structural fairness, equal access to opportunities and gender balance in senior positions. Demands are increasing, and so is the lack of stability. Competition grows more intense, whilst the reward often fails to match the investment. Bureaucratic burdens become heavier, meanwhile, the time for creative work is shrinking. We observe that the academic environment is becoming more demanding, yet, frequently ungrateful.
In this situation, universities must have courage. The courage to offer different career paths. The courage to create personnel policies based on fairness, diversity and trust. The courage to defend fundamental science at a time when society demands quick and measurable results. The courage to talk to policymakers about the need to invest in academic careers as the basis for the country’s long-term development.
And finally – universities must have the courage to care for people. For the young researcher who is still trying to understand whether this environment is for her. For the lecturer who has been passing on knowledge to students for years and is often left in the shadow. For the scientist who wants to think boldly and do it with academic freedom. If we can do that – we will also be able to shape a university where a career is not only possible, but also sustainable and inspiring.
This is my call – to universities, to politicians, to society. An academic career is not just a profession. It is the foundation of society’s future. Let us take care of it together – with clear structure, fairness and courage!
For these changes to be more than slogans and incur a real systemic development, not only the internal commitment of universities but also the support of national policies is needed. We see that, in parallel with institutional efforts, a coordinated, intergovernmental policy must be developed that ensures funding stability, mobility opportunities and career coherence across the Europe. Currently, too many young scientists find themselves in a “career vacuum”, where there is no clear, structured next stage after the doctoral or postdoctoral period. This is a loss for both the individual and the country.
Moreover, it must be recognized that sustainable careers are not just an institutional or structural problem, they are also a cultural issue. We must change the idea of the “academic hero” – no one is ceaselessly productive, invariably available and always self-motivated. We only shape the future if we also acknowledge the humanity of this path – the fatigue, the mishaps, the need for support. Fairness and sustainability begin when we allow different personalities to grow at their own pace and still be part of a common goal.
That is why we need courageous solidarity – across institutions, generations, sectors and countries. Only then will we be able to build a European academic space where a career is an opportunity, not a risk.
The article was originally published on University World News – an online higher education publication providing in-depth, independent news and commentary on higher education and research around the world – An academic career should be an opportunity, not a risk, Gundars Berzins, 11 June, 2025.
