GLOBAL EDUCATION NEWS - WOMEN IN HIGHER EDUCATION
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GLOBAL
EDUCATION
NEWS
May 2021
QS Quacquarelli Symonds
Issue: 04
WOMEN IN
HIGHER EDUCATION
Issue four | May 2021 Global Education News
In this issue...
60 We’re not going to
wait
How women are shaping higher
WOMEN IN education and developing the
HIGHER EDUCATION leaders of tomorrow
“You hear these figures that it will
take 130 years to achieve gender
parity among heads of government
– we’re not going to wait for that.”
Significant strides have been made 22 44 86
towards reaching gender parity for
women in positions of leadership and Cultivating empathy in Becoming part of the bigger In Conversation with Christine
influence in higher education, but leadership picture Amour-Levar
there is still more work to be done.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic Creating a diverse workplace Founder of Women on a Mission
Women and allies discuss their work, has made managers acutely doesn’t happen overnight - it can and HER Planet Earth, Christine
who they have taken influence from, aware of the need for empathy take years of work and discussions. Amour-Levar, discusses her career,
areas to pay attention to, and the in the workplace. What is the We provide three key steps to passion, and how she is encouraging
opportunities to fasten the pace of role of business schools in become part of the bigger picture. young women to build confidence
increasing female representation. developing empathetic leaders? and take on the world.
News by region
Women in Higher Ed 9-18
Europe & Americas 30-41
Arab Region & Africa 52-58
Asia & Oceania 74-82
95-104
114-123
Movers & Shakers 124-127 106
Empowering young Arab women leaders
For twenty years, the Arab International Women’s Forum has been
connecting and supporting women in business for economic prosperity in
the MENA region. Founder, Haifa Al Kaylani, overviews the organisation’s
history, and its work with young women leaders.
2 3
Issue four | May 2021 Global Education News
We’re not going to wait
Welcome to the fourth edition of QS Global While it is true positive strides are being taken in
Education News! the right direction, the reality is that there is still a
lot of work to be done.
In April this year, I had the honour of speaking to young
female emerging leaders from Africa on the role of I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to dedicate
youth in the UN’s SDGs. It was amazing to see so many this edition of QS Global Education News to the
young women engaging with the topic, and their energy role of women in higher education. There are many
and vibrancy was truly inspiring. Yet, the question inspirational leaders, researchers, and students, as well
was raised: ‘what the future looks like for women as perspectives, packed into this issue.
in higher education?’. The fourth edition of QS-GEN also marks a coming
After a few moments, I realized that the of age for the magazine. This is somewhat of a first
answer was uncertain. birthday celebration. More so, written, designed, and
produced by an all-female team for the first time, this
One of our invited guests at the upcoming EduData edition is a celebration of the many talents inside QS.
Summit, Stefania Giannini, Assistant Director-General
for Education UNESCO noted recently, “While it would While I struggle to answer the question, ‘what the future
seem intuitive that women’s leadership and their full and looks like for women in higher education?’, I hope the
effective participation in public life and decision-making contents of this edition sparks conversations that lead
should correlate closely with their attainment in higher to not one answer, but many.
education. Unfortunately, this is not the case, revealing This magazine attempts to shed lights on some of the
the paradoxes and pitfalls of achieving gender equality.” remarkable stories out there in support of those who
This year UNESCO’s report ‘Women in higher education: follow the famous words of Shirley Chisholm: “If they
has the female advantage put an end to gender don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.”
inequalities?” indicates that inequalities still run deep,
glass ceilings are high, and that the numbers alone do
not reflect how women continue to report working and
studying in climates that privilege male perspectives
and organizational and leadership approaches.
Monica Hornung Cattan
Monica is Head of Programmes at QS Quacquarelli Symonds. Her international
career has focused on strategic partnerships and convening multi-stakeholders
to tackle urgent societal issues for organisations including the United Nations
and the World Economic Forum.
5
Issue four | May 2021 Global Education News
Girls-Only AlgoQueen Coding Contest
to be held by Amrita School of
Engineering
India - In a unique initiative Ahead of the contest, participants to pertaining situations). All girl
launched on Women’s Day, can opt to avail training sessions students in India can participate in
Amrita University has launched by university students and the contest in teams of two or three.
a one-of-its-kind programming alumni, which will help build more The questionnaires for the contest
competition exclusively for girls, to confidence among the students to will be prepared entirely by the
reduce gender bias and promote participate in the coding contest. engineering students at Amrita.
the participation of girl students Following the popular trend
in the coding sector. of conduction of competitive
The contest, called AlgoQueen, has programming in the IT sector,
been initiated with the central aim to coding competitions help industries
promote competitive programming to handpick students with excellent
for girls in India. The contest coding skills. The initiative will also
comprises a series of online tests help girl students to enhance basic
to be conducted during the initial algorithmic and mathematical skills
two quarters of 2021. ICPC, Amrita in addition to knowledge of data
is confident about the success structures, and build logical and
of this initiative. The university analytical skills in students.
has also conducted various The contest is divided into four
programmes like coding camps, online rounds that will comprise
programming championships, and questions based on C, C++, Java,
competitions for both school and and Python. This will then be
college students in India. followed by an onsite round (subject
9
Women in Higher Ed Issue four | May 2021 Global Education News
Academy student makes her debut at the Could COVID breath-testing be next?
Bolshoi New NZ research says yes!
Russia - Eva Sergeenkova, student performer’s career.
of the graduating class of Marina After her debut performances,
Leonova, Principal of the Academy Eva shared her emotions: “We
and Professor of the Classical worked on every figure, trying to
Dance Department, made her debut perfect every motion and be sure
in not one, but two ballet shows on of every step, because the Stage
the Historical Stage of the Bolshoi. can agitate both the soul and the
On February 11, Eva performed nerves of a performer.
the part of the Queen of Dryads “You need to be able to control your
in Don Quixote, the Bolshoi’s emotions while having fun on Stage.
regular repertoire ballet show. On I still cannot believe I have been this
April 7, she performed the part lucky, and I am ever so grateful to
of Raymonda’s friend Henrietta in my teacher at the Academy and the
the classical heritage ballet show management of the Bolshoi Theatre
Raymonda. Both performances for their trust in me”.
are landmarks in the young
National University of Science and
Technology develop AI-based
framework for early diagnosis of lung New Zealand - Anyone who’s
experienced a sharp swab up the
nose and a tense, isolated wait for
or saliva samples,” says the paper’s
co-author, UC biochemist Associate
Professor Deborah Crittenden.
is expected to be as accurate
as the current gold standard
lab-based approach,” Associate
abnormalities results will surely be interested
in a pain-free COVID-19 test
with a speedy result delivered
Associate Professor Crittenden
brought together with the
Professor Crittenden says.
“We will continue developing this
MacDiarmid Institute’s expertise as a ‘platform technology’ for other
in minutes, not days. in sensing measurements, sensing applications... In future, if
Oman – Under the sponsorship of enabled with Modified Transfer can render the diagnosis in less A new New Zealand study led by Callaghan Innovation’s ability other pathogens emerge, it would
The Research Council of Oman, Learning methodology applied than 2 minutes’ time, eliminating University of Canterbury (UC) to make the target protein, be really useful to be able to use
the National University of Science on Convolutional Neural long delays in starting the researchers, along with Callaghan and the biochemical analysis what we have learned to roll out
and Technology (NUST) has Networks (CNN’s) trained with adequate medication. Innovation’s Protein Science and skills of researchers within UC’s real-time sensors/diagnostics
developed an AI framework for n-numbers of chest X-ray data Engineering team and MacDiarmid Biomolecular Interaction Centre. a lot more quickly.”
diagnosing and classifying lung sets and delivered an acceptable Institute researchers from Massey The result is a proof of principle The team’s research paper ‘Optical
abnormalities like pneumothorax, accuracy of 97 percent. University, has shown it may be for a new COVID-sensing test Detection of CoV-SARS-2 Viral
and pneumonia, led by principal possible to detect COVID-19 in that could dramatically decrease Proteins to Sub-Picomolar
This AI system is embedded with as little as 5 minutes, thanks to
investigator Dr R Krishna Priya. the facility to alert the physician turn-around times for testing, Concentrations’ was published
a simple breath test. and increase the volume of tests in ACS Omega, a journal of the
The research has taken a lead immediately after processing the
role in assisting the doctors even X-ray with an SMS, if the patient is “We’ve developed a new approach that can be performed. American Chemical Society.
during the pandemic situation to suspected to have pneumothorax. to detecting COVID-19 viral “Unlike other proposed COVID
identify and address the patient This avoids delays in diagnosis and proteins that is sensitive and breath-testing technologies,
at risk immediately. treatment, which when unattended accurate enough to directly detect this test directly detects the
may cause death. The AI system coronavirus particles at biologically COVID spike protein antigen and
The AI-based framework relevant levels, specifically in breath
10 11
Women in Higher Ed
Dr Catherine Robinson completes pilot
survey regarding technology adoption
and skills in Kent
United Kingdom - Kent Business third of all surveyed SMEs reported
School’s Deputy Dean Catherine difficulty in attracting people to
Robinson and Dr Christian Siegel their jobs with the correct digital
(School of Economics), have skills. The research found that a
undertaken a pilot survey of SMEs in majority of businesses that reported
Kent to understand their use of Big difficulties recruiting offered
Data, AI and robotic technologies. training to address the gap.
The research, funded by the Office The surveyed SMEs were generally
for National Statistics discovered unsure of how AI or Robotics
evidence of a digital skills gap would impact their future business
amongst SMEs in Kent. While 70 activities, indicating uncertainty and
percent of surveyed SMEs made lack of confidence in investing and
technological improvements in the engaging with new technologies.
past three years and 50 percent
adopted new production methods, a
Celebrating commitment and
determination amid the pandemic
decades, first as a guest lecturer.
She enjoys communicating with
students and has built good
rapport with colleagues within
HKAPA and well networked
with external partners.
“Our students are uniquely
positioned in the region being
immersed in an East-meets-
Hong Kong - In April 2021, The not always be a smooth journey, West culture, allowing them to
Hong Kong Academy for Performing but please remember that there have a natural display of creative
Arts (HKAPA) organised its is always a way forward. If it is thinking and an artistic style of
Graduation Ceremony for the Class something you believe in, give it their own,” she said.
of 2020, which had been delayed all you can and tackle problems “The extensive partnership network
for months due to the pandemic. fervently as they come.” established by HKAPA around the
HKAPA Director Professor Gillian Being HKAPA’s first female Director world will ensure that they can keep
Choa extended her congratulations whose Directorship commenced abreast of the latest developments
to the graduates, “Life and your in January 2021, Professor Choa commensurate with 21st Century
career in the performing arts may has been with HKAPA for over two Performing Arts practices.”
12
Women in Higher Ed Issue four | May 2021 Global Education News
We all remember that one professor who
inspires
By Hanan Nasser
so we need to hold ourselves Sibai was the driving force that particularly undergraduate students,
to the highest standards of propelled him in his career as to find a sense of purpose early in
work ethics and values.” a cancer researcher. their career,” she added.
Mentorship extends beyond Dr Khalil is currently working on Dr El-Sibai underlined the
the walls of the classroom and developing cancer therapies that importance of one-on-one
helps students “navigate the inhibit metastasis by inducing mentorships in universities such as
knowledge they acquired and apply cancer cell dormancy and is also LAU, describing it as the modern-
it in a pragmatic way to extract an adjunct assistant professor day equivalent of the mentorship
the most out of it in order to at Fordham University. model “used in ancient civilizations
advance their career.” Beyond the academic whose objective is to develop
For years, Dr El-Sibai’s molecular encouragement and guidance, the well-rounded scholar and to
biology lab has served as a hub students such as alumna Maria propagate schools of thought.”
where students are trained to Al Haddad, have found in Dr But ultimately, a mentor is
become future scientists, and where El-Sibai not only a mentor there to inspire her students,
they are pushed to think about but also a confidant. support them through failed
experimental designs. Al Haddad said a sense of kinship experiments and to remind them
“They have to analyse the reason that Dr El-Sibai fostered in her lab of the “ethical dimensions and
behind the use of every chemical and which formed the nucleus of a sacrifices” of scientists.
all the way to how the project as a support system for her students. “It is all done in the name of science,
whole would answer the theory and “Our lab is like a family. We celebrate not the individual, the same way
advance scientific knowledge.” together and we mourn together. every research article is one piece of
In her mission to encourage We looked forward to meeting as a the puzzle toward helping humanity.
undergraduate research, Dr group weekly so we can share laughs These values students learn from
El-Sibai regularly hosted and stories,” Al Haddad said. their mentors,” she said.
undergrad volunteers in her “She would sense if you’re not
lab. She also mentored 38 doing well and she’d always help
graduate students from the MS whenever possible. Her office is a
in Molecular Biology (now the MS vault of secrets and I can say with
in Biological Sciences), two PhD confidence that she has helped
students and two post-docs. us all grow in science and in our
One of her former mentees, Samer personal lives,” she added.
Hanna, researched in her lab as Dr El-Sibai’s philosophy is to
a graduate student focused on set goals for her students while
the molecular mechanisms in focusing on what they are
breast cancer metastasis. most passionate about.
Dr Hanna graduated in 2018 with “At the undergraduate and graduate
a PhD from the Albert Einstein levels, I encourage the students
College of Medicine and is now to get exposed to many ideas and
completing his post-doctoral explore career potentials,” she
Lebanon - Students find opportunities for them to thrive. College of Medicine alongside her training at Weill Medical College
inspiration in many things during former mentee Dr Gilbert Salloum in said of her approach.
One such mentorship at Lebanese of Cornell University.
their university years. But ask American University (LAU) is that celebration of Arab Heritage Month. “Planting the seed of scientific
any student who had the most For Dr Bassem Khalil, who is curiosity and walking students
of Associate Professor of Biology at A mentor, said Dr El-Sibai, “should completing his second postdoctoral
impact on them and they will surely the School of Arts and Sciences, Dr cast himself or herself as a role through the process of the
remember that one professor who fellowship in Dr Aguirre-Ghiso’s scientific method with relevant
Mirvat El-Sibai. Recently, Dr El-Sibai model, an example for the student/ laboratory at Icahn School of
was their mentor, who encouraged was featured by the Albert Einstein young scientist to emulate, examples from everyday life, helps,
them and created the right Medicine at Mount Sinai, Dr El-
14 15
Women in Higher Ed Issue four | May 2021 Global Education News
IFTM’s Dr Yang Jingjing takes part in Research is not all Ha Ha, Hee Hee
high-profile academic initiatives India – Dual Degree student Gayatri GIFs, and more - all related to the to only a handful became a
Purgilla, under the guidance of Dr universality of the pandemic. universal phenomenon.
Radhika Mamidi, from Language “We wanted to understand if it Using data extracted from tweets,
Macao - IFTM Assistant Professor Tourism Academy in early January. current academic year, after Technologies Research Centre
Dr Yang Jingjing has taken part stints in academia in the United is possible to deduce a trending the team found the type of
“I hope that my knowledge, my (LTRC) at IIITH Hyderabad has topic, either universal or culture- humour derived out of someone’s
in several academic activities abilities, can contribute to national Kingdom and Mainland China. presented her research on humour
discussing the impact on Her professional experience specific based on the humour misfortune or ‘schadenfreude’ was
development,” said Dr Yang. during COVID-19 at the 11th Humour type,” said Gayatri. the most common type present
tourism of a number of national includes work related to Research Conference organised by
development strategies, including She gives as an example governmental affairs, tourism, For instance, when the US reported irrespective of the time period.
Texas A&M University.
the ‘Belt and Road’ initiative and her work on cultural tourism planning and consultancy. a massive shortage of toilet paper Whenever governments announced
the Outline Development Plan linked to the goddess A-Ma, a Joking one’s way through a crisis from panic hoarding in early April new lockdown guidelines or policies
deity also known as Mazu. Research by Dr Yang has been has long been considered a
for the Guangdong-Hong Kong- featured in top-rated academic of 2020, it led to a surfeit of with respect to the pandemic, satire
Macao Greater Bay Area. coping mechanism. Research has jokes on the same topic. and sarcasm were the most popular
“This cultural phenomenon journals, books and international shown how using laughter as a
Her work over the past year has is not only restricted to conferences. She is Associate Editor “As was the case with Dalgona humour techniques deployed.
stress-buster provides the much-
seen her deliver talks at Beijing Macao,” Dr Yang explained. (China) of the leading international needed diversion especially in an coffee or Work-From-Home “Sometimes, you feel helpless
Union University, a keynote at the “It exists in many places like Hong journal Tourism Management. unchanging situation. Much like memes,” remarked Dr Mamidi, and resort to humour as a coping
online Contemporary Approaches Kong, Mainland China, Chinese the one brought upon us by the explaining how the frothy technique,” said Dr Mamidi.
and Intercultural Communications Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand and novel Coronavirus. Social media concoction born out of social
in Development of Tourism on Silk Vietnam. Through investigation on platforms particularly saw a deluge isolation as well as the WFH
Road conference, training on cultural this special topic, we can learn more of humorous memes, jokes, videos, acronym earlier restricted
and tourism development within about how this kind of tourism can
the Greater Bay Area. be further developed.”
More recently, Dr Yang was involved The IFTM academic is an
in the production of the Report accomplished scholar and
on China’s Ice and Snow Tourism researcher. Dr Yang joined the
HUFS’ Choi Ji-Yoon wins
Development, released by the China Institute at the start of the
Korea Advertising Society’s
DIU graduate received TUBITAK Rising Scholar Paper Award
Research Fellow Scholarship in Turkey South Korea – Dr Choi Ji-
Yoon of the HUFS Media and
In her paper entitled ‘Study on
TV Advertising Pricing Structure:
advertising fees. At the same
time, it will increase predictability
Communications Research Institute Centred on Hourly Rates on for advertisers in assessing the
was selected as a finalist for the Terrestrial TV Networks,’ Dr Choi efficiency of the given advertising
Bangladesh - Congratulations achieve this success. 2020 Korea Advertising Society’s focused on the long-standing fees, helping them plan their TV
to Afsana Ahsan Jeny, a recent TUBITAK is a first-class category Rising Scholar Paper Award. The issue that the current hour-based advertising in a more systematic and
graduate of the Deptartment scholarship in Turkey to contribute awards ceremony was held during its price of TV advertising does not professional manner.
of Computer Science and to projects that will be executed spring conference on 2 April 2021. properly reflect the audience size
Engineering, Daffodil International in research fields. It is aimed to of individual TV programmes and
University, who has achieved fully The Korea Advertising Society
promote qualified researchers and holds the Rising Scholar Paper conducted an empirical verification
funded TUBITAK 2232 (Scientific scientists who have come to the on the existing TV advertising
and Technological Research Award to improve the quality of
fore with top-level scientific and advertising research and motivate pricing structure using advertising
Council of Turkey) research technological achievements in their fee and viewer rating data from the
fellow scholarship at Turkey’s young advertising scholars in
fields and who have the experience their first five years or less after three major terrestrial TV networks.
Bahcesehir University (BAU). to work in an international
Her outstanding performance in attaining their PhD degree. This study is expected to lead
environment, to conduct the TV networks to make
research and several significant their research in Turkey. Each year, it presents the award to
publications published from reputed one young scholar selected by its their advertising pricing more
international conferences helped to judging committee to encourage reasonable by giving more weight
research among young scholars. to the audience size of each TV
programme in determining their
16 17Women in Higher Ed
Chula develops herbal nasal and throat
spray to prevent COVID-19
almost all types of viruses tested, The extract was then formulated for
including flu and herpes. nasal and throat spray at optimum
“We have been doing this research viscosity and surface tension,
for about a year and a half even to ensure particles were able to
before the COVID-19 outbreak,” said reach targeted spots.
Professor Dr Pornanong. The extract works immediately
“When COVID-19 came about, we by physically preventing the virus
started testing with it. Currently, we from adhering to the epithelium,
are in the clinical trial process on and bioactively blocking the
62 volunteers, in collaboration with inflammatory chemical mediators.
Thailand - Chula Pharmaceutical Vibharam Chaiprakarn Hospital. The People who travel to high-risk areas
Science, in collaboration with product is expected to be in the such as crowded places, can use the
a leading Austrian institute, market in the next three months.” nasal or throat spray before entering
have created a special intensive the areas and then wear a mask.
longan extract formula (P80) for For the research process, Professor
Dr Pornanong explained longan Professor Dr Pornanong added
throat and nasal sprays that can that only a small amount of longan
reduce the amount of viruses that extract with high active ingredients
of polyphenols was derived by a low extract was needed, and could
attach to mucous membranes be used for both throat and nasal
and may enter the body. temperature process under high
pressure, and filtered several times. passages twice a day.
The spray helps safely prevent all
kinds of viral infections including
COVID-19, with no side effects.
Professor Dr Pornanong Aramwit,
who developed the spray from
longan extract, said the fruit was
used because it is edible and very
safe, and after studying it, it was
found to be able to reduce viral
adhesion and was effective against
18Cultivating empathy in leadership Issue four | May 2021 Global Education News
Cultivating empathy in leadership
by Amie Edwards-McLean
“If you’re not a truly empathetic person
then it’s not just a switch that you can
turn on.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has Vladi Minihane, a finance
radically altered how academic professional and MBA student at
institutions, firms, and communities Oxford Brookes University, agrees
around the world communicate. with Altmann-Richer, adding there
With emotional intelligence is a need for leaders to remember
(EQ) consistently correlating they are working with humans, not
with the rising success of robots, “a fairly basic principle but
businesses, human and economic it’s easy to forget” she posits.
metrics are being given equal “We need to take into account our
“A good manager will importance and attention. team’s circumstances when it comes
always check in with their In the discourse surrounding to decision making and work twice
leadership, the rise of empathy as hard at making connections.
team members and see and the growing need for it is Make allowances that your team
how they’re doing before taking centre stage. This has may not always have a good
led businesses to attempt to day,” she tells QS-GEN.
jumping into what’s understand how empathy can be The cost of not addressing mental
happening at work.” ingrained into the role of leadership, health and wellbeing is high.
and higher education providers, According to Westfield Health
particularly MBA programmes, may research, poor workplace mental
soon be playing a larger part to instil health during the pandemic cost
in graduates a more compassionate UK businesses £14bn last year. The
view towards colleagues. study also revealed absenteeism
Changing circumstances and the saw employees in the UK taking an
future of the workplace average of three days off for mental
health in 2020, with e-presenteeism,
Difficult circumstances tend the feeling of needing to be
to make leaders think and act always online, also on the rise due
differently if they want their firms to workplace insecurities such
to survive. 2020 was the year that as fear of job loss and increasing
accelerated leadership to a state anxieties about work.
of hyper-change. Focus was drawn
on attracting and retaining staff, The current challenges will also
innovating business offerings, not suddenly finish once the
and prioritising employee mental pandemic is over. As employees
health and wellbeing. return to life after the pandemic,
leaders will need to play an active
Clare Altmann-Richer, an Executive role in supporting the health and
MBA student at University of Exeter, wellbeing of their teams. University
believes, “Employee expectations education also plays a part in
will have changed due to the advocating for this.
pandemic, and leaders need to
focus on demonstrating and role The long periods of disconnection
modelling behaviours. between one another means social
interactions and understanding
“Employee mental health how to be in the presence of other
should be addressed and people is no longer second nature.
supported by management.” Social anxieties around returning to
22 23Cultivating empathy in leadership the office are common, making it an MBA student at Alliance at the start of 2020, yet now, crucial that emotional intelligence Manchester Business School. empathetic leaders recognise not and empathy are practised by “We need to understand where they everyone is situated in the perfect leaders to stay in tune with are and what their perspectives are and most professional setup or the feelings of others. as not everyone is going to plug understand that their colleagues The Royal College of General back in and get going again the may be suffering from the Practitioners predicts there same as how they used to.” effects of ‘Zoom fatigue’. will be a surge of patients with Authentic empathetic leadership “A good manager will always check Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can help to address workplace in with their team members and see (PTSD) due to COVID-19, either insecurities, with a focus on how they’re doing before jumping because of their experiences pivoting practices to navigate the into what’s happening at work. Is at work or because of the loss fast change of pace throughout everything okay with them? It’s a of loved ones. Transitioning to the pandemic and beyond. What natural thing to do for some yet not a new way of life after a long worked at the start of the period of for others,” notes Minihane. period of social isolation will be home working may not necessarily Altmann-Richer supports this view, difficult for many, with compassion work now. Empathetic leaders suggesting leaders need to be needing to be exercised. are able to recognise this and open communicators, as well as “People are not coming back adapt their approach. tailoring and flexing their styles to as the same people who left,” Cameras were consistently the characters and behaviours of comments Steve Capner, encouraged during meetings those in their teams. 24
Cultivating empathy in leadership Issue four | May 2021 Global Education News
Cognitive bias vs empathy By quickly offering advice, a leader Empathy and the MBA and forming ethical values which
can remove a person’s sense had learning outcomes specifically
Cognitive bias is a mental shortcut of autonomy for resolving their According to the QS Global
that our brains take to expedite Employer Survey, employers value related to empathy.
own problems which can result
information processing to try to in dwindled confidence. This soft skills above technical skills The value of empathy
quickly make sense of a situation. removes one of the key pillars of when recruiting MBA graduates.
This is a systematic pattern of Yet, the extent to which soft skills Current MBA students have
empathy, active listening. Active a wealth of advice for leaders
deviation from a rationality in listening involves collecting the such as empathy can be taught
judgement that can affect our as part of an MBA and how is looking to succeed in their roles
information with compassion and in the workplace of the future.
decisions, actions, and behaviours. using a questioning technique it currently being adopted into
the syllabus is inconclusive and Many point specifically to how
While this process of deduction has prior to offering advice. empathy can be practised more
its benefits in quickly understanding somewhat inconsistent.
Michael Bungay Stanier, founder consistently and become integrated
circumstances, it comes with of the L&D company Box of Minhane says her programme into company culture.
significant downsides. When a team Crayons, labels this concept as has impacted the way she
member approaches a leader with thinks and considers situations “Empathy is taught to most of us
“advice monster”. To stop yourself as children and is a skill that anyone
a problem, the leader may address from unleashing your inner advice through an empathetic lens.
it with their own cognitive bias as dealing with human beings can
monster, he suggests instead to ask “Empathetic leadership has practice,” Minihane says.
opposed to demonstrating empathy. a team member three questions: been brought out in me as part
“People are too willing to jump in “What is the real challenge here for of the MBA. It was the reflective “The MBA is a good refresher
and help someone find an answer you?”; “What Else?”; and “What do writing that really made me think,” of this skill. We should all be
or a solution without really trying to you want?”. In doing so, a leader she explains to QS-GEN. respective, kind and create more
understand what the problem is in can pinpoint the topic to discuss, positivity in each other’s lives
the first place,” Capner remarks. dig deeper into the details, and “I’ve learnt to record how I’m than we currently do.”
help the asker explore the outcome feeling at a highly emotional event
“As a leader, are you actually and make myself find the triggers Capner adds: “If you’re not a truly
spending the time to try and that they want to achieve. This empathetic person then it’s not just
is a useful technique that can be that made that event so much
understand what the other more charged than it could have a switch that you can turn on.
person is saying and what used to empower others to find
their own answers and avoid the been. This also helps me to see “We all grow up in a certain way and
their perspective is?” the views of others as they may if it is not part of your mindset now
pitfall of cognitive bias.
have perceived that same situation as a leader then you’re at the wrong
in a different way.” end of the curve. You need to spend
On the Manchester Business School time getting into that mindset and
MBA, Capner observes: “Our that can take years or even decades.
Leading and Managing in a Global People who aren’t truly empathetic
Environment module touches on now are probably going to be
leadership styles but it does seem playing at it for a while and there’s
to gloss over empathy. a danger then that comes across
like it’s being fake”.
“According to the QS Global Employer Survey, employers “There is a new module on the
course called Work Psychology for Altmann-Richer concludes more
value soft skills above technical skills when recruiting MBA Managerial Success that may include empathetic leadership in the
it; however, you have to choose workplace could attract better
graduates.” quality talent, appeal to a broader
that as an elective.”
audience, and create more
Altmann-Richer adds that her diversity, because empathetic
programme commenced with a leaders will have a better
leadership and strategy module, understanding of development
including a focus on how to react needs, which in turn will result in
to crisis situations. This involved higher team performance.
topics such as shaping cultures
26 27Europe and Americas Issue four | May 2021 Global Education News
USask model clearer picture of spring Sir Peter Bazalgette appointed as RCA
snowpack runoff, impacts of climate change Chair of Council
Canada - After decades of research, by hydrologist Dr John Pomeroy, “This is a big achievement, which
a new model was developed by Canada Research Chair in Water allows water management agencies
University of Saskatchewan (USask) Resources and Climate Change, to better assess our mountain
researchers that for the first time will provide valuable information snow water resources.”
successfully predicted mountain on spring runoff, risk of flooding,
snowpack with a high degree of avalanche danger, and the impact of
accuracy and detail, information climate change.
critical for water management, According to Dr Pomeroy, more than
agriculture, mining, recreation, half of humanity relies on runoff
and flood forecasting worldwide. from mountain snow for drinking,
Snow cover in the mountains is the power generation, and irrigation.
principal driver of spring runoff.
“We can finally predict the
The Canadian Hydrological development of mountain
Model developed by a team led snowpack,” said Dr Pomeroy.
«Gimme a break» - A hotel management
class had enough of distance learning and
launches a take-away Bistro
United Kingdom - Sir Peter Industrial Strategy in 2017. role since 2015, after over a decade
Switzerland - In Zurich’s “Sales and Guesting” and under the Bazalgette, a leading figure in the “The RCA sits at the sweet spot on Council. He joins the RCA at
Belvoirpark, some students are confident name “Bistro Prelude”, media and creative industries, will for the creative industries: where an exciting time in its 180+ year
getting some air from the gray a class of students runs an all-day join the RCA Council in October art and design with flair meet history. The RCA has been ranked
theory. What is the Corona crisis take-away offering. It ranges from 2021, before taking up the role of cutting edge technologies,” he as the world’s leading art and design
doing to the next generation of morning coffee with croissants to Chair on 1 March 2022. said on his appointment. university for six consecutive years
professionals? There is much to smaller meals that can be taken Sir Peter served as ITV’s Chair and will be welcoming research
suggest that the young generation home or eaten in the spacious park. “Pre-Covid, the creative industries faculty and students next year to its
since 2016 and has held a number sector was worth 6% of the UK’s
is not letting adverse circumstances The class has even announced of high-profile roles in the creative new flagship campus in Battersea
take away its desire for the future. this with a media release. On the economy and was growing three designed by Herzog & de Meuron.
industries, including Chair of Arts times as fast. This is the sector
This is demonstrated by a brand- deserted restaurant terrace next Council England, non-executive
new project in Zurich’s Belvoirpark, to the festively flagged columned that you shouldn’t lose hope and whose brilliant design ideas will help
fight in these difficult times. That board member of UK Research and every other sector. And this is the
which is making its beautiful views portico of the historic Villa Escher Innovation, non-executive director
available as a public green space from 1838, half a dozen cheerful also motivates us for the future.” sector which won’t just fuel growth
They are confident that thanks to of the Department of Culture, Media and jobs, it’ll also improve and enrich
and as the site of the Zurich hotel young people in purple Belvoirpark and Sport, President of the Royal
management school “Belvoirpark”. masks operate at the bistro. vaccinations, restaurants and hotels lives. I look forward to helping the
will largely achieve normal operation Television Society and Deputy Chair RCA maintain its world-leading
Among its training facilities on “Online classes can be exciting, but of the graduate National Film and
the site is the restaurant of the and tourism will also pickup again. status and to nurture the next
we’re just very hands-on,” one of the The friendly campaign was a Television School. In addition, Sir generation of talented rainmakers.”
same name, which is currently not students says almost apologetically, Peter led an independent review
allowed to receive guests. successful prelude to spring and
adding, “We especially want to show to a series of hopefully gratifying into the UK’s creative industries Sir Peter will succeed Baroness Gail
Suitably to the learning module our young colleagues in the industry careers in gastronomy. as part of the Government’s Rebuck DBE who has been in the
30 31Europe and Americas Issue four | May 2021 Global Education News
RIT opens Global Cyber Security Institute SMART-ER: a new virtual research
institute to foster dialogue with society
United States - A pre-emptive to improve our lives, but it The institute has also seen RIT’s
strike on cyber-security threats also significantly increases computing security degree
across the world, Rochester Institute the attack surface.” programmes expand, with more
of Technology (RIT) has created The GCI is a space where people than 500 students studying
the Global Cybersecurity Institute from different academic disciplines, computing security and its largest
(GCI), a 52,000-square-foot state- industry, and government incoming class ever.
of-the-art facility on campus. are collaborating to expand
With the institute, RIT is on its cybersecurity knowledge and make
way to becoming one of the best it useable in the real world.
places in the world for cybersecurity At the heart of the building is the
education, training, and research. Cyber Range, a virtual and physical
“Our ultimate mission is to make lab that allows people to simulate
you and your digital self safer,” network cyberattacks and problem-
said Steve Hoover, the Katherine solving scenarios. Businesses are
Johnson Executive Director of GCI. coming to the range to prepare
“In the 21st century, the physical their employees for cyber incidents,
world is becoming digital. It’s a and students are using the space
double-edged sword, because to conduct ethical hacks during
there’s tremendous opportunity cybersecurity competitions.
KPI develops nanosatellites to explore Portugal - A new virtual research
institute is being born within
ECIU University, with the goal of
cooperation and mobility
between research centres in 12
participating countries.
at 12 ECIU University member
institutions: Aalborg University,
Dublin City University, Kaunas
Earth and space establishing a barrier-free research
and innovation model and of
fostering dialogue with society.
Organised as a virtual research
institute, SMART-ER designs,
University of Technology, Linköping
University, Tampere University,
Hamburg University of Technology,
develops, and implements
The ECIU University Research research and delivers solutions Universidade de Aveiro, Universitat
Institute for Smart European to current and future SDG11 Autonoma de Barcelona, University
Ukraine - The Igor Sikorsky Kyiv research in the ionosphere. The The first test KPI-built nanosatellite, of Stavanger, Università degli Studi
Polytechnic Institute (KPI) is main mission of the satellite PolyITAN-1, was put into a low Earth Regions (SMART-ER) aims challenges, identified by the ECIU
to overcome any limitations University Erasmus + project. di Trento, Institut National des
developing new nanosatellites, is to take photographs and orbit in June 2014, and the team Sciences Appliquées.
PolyITAN, of the CubeSat class. transmit data to Earth. continues to receive signals. in disciplines, sectors, and Public engagement has special
They will be used for exploring countries, based mainly on an relevance in the SMART-ER Jointly, the institutions will pilot
Simultaneously, the team of online collaborative environment. a capacity building programme
space and processes occurring designers is working on three more initiative, including all the ways in
on Earth. Plans are in hand to The project has received €2 which higher education and research (Seed Programme and SMART-ER
nanosatellites. Each of them will million in funding through the Academy), for which the University
orbit one of the satellites, namely carry out missions in outer space. can be shared with society at large,
PolyITAN-3, in 2021. Horizon 2020 programme. from local or regional government of Aveiro will be responsible, and
PolyITAN-4 is projected to This research, innovation, and to companies and individual or citizen science initiatives that
The satellite is being built in be used for bioexperiments will be used as a testbed to put
conjunction with Poland’s Poznan education project will enable organised citizens. This is at the core
on plants as well as for lunar member universities of the ECIU of the methodological approach of into practice all the mechanisms
University of Technology. programmes, and PolyITAN-5 will and structures built.
University network to face complex SMART-ER, and for this reason it is
The engineering model PolyITAN-3 be designed for the exploration social challenges under the UN’s one of the pillars of the project.
is still in the pipeline. It can be of Earth’s electronic field and the SDG11, make cities and human
used for remote sensing of the characteristics of cataclysms, such Activities will be implemented by
settlements inclusive, safe, resilient bringing together scientific and
Earth, environmental monitoring, as earthquakes and tsunamis. and sustainable, stimulating
earthquake forecasting, and management research capacities
32 33Europe and Americas Issue four | May 2021 Global Education News
KSMA material and tech facilities to aid One of world’s leading scientists
students appointed to spearhead research and
Ukraine - Kherson State Maritime The work of the scientific school
innovation at UCC
Academy has opened new is provided by the preparation
material and technical facilities and defense of dissertations by
for experimental research, that graduate and doctoral students,
provides the study of technological and the expansion of the range of Ireland - Professor John F Cryan, researchers for the fifth time. engagement over the next years,”
processes of maintenance and activities of the scientific school is a neuroscientist recognised as said Professor Cryan.
repair of transport equipment, aimed at concluding agreements Professor Cryan has earned in
a global leader in the study of excess of €23 million in research “Now more than ever the value of
improving the efficiency of control on cooperation and exchange of gut-brain interactions, will assume
of the technical condition of specialists both within Ukraine and funding, published over 550 peer research is being recognised both
the position of Vice President reviewed publications across a by the public and policymakers, but
production transport systems of the the European Union, the United for Research & Innovation at
river and sea fleet. States, China and others. range of high-profile journals, and it takes investment. I’m reminded
University College Cork (UCC), has been cited over 62,000 times of the inspirational Mary Lasker
having been selected after a throughout a distinguished career who said: If you think research is
competitive process. in both industry and academia. expensive, try disease!
Professor Cryan’s ground-breaking Professor Cryan has trained “I am passionate about the role that
discoveries on microbiome-brain more than 40 PhD students, the humanities and social sciences
interactions have led to fundamental is a member of the Royal Irish can have in such efforts and there
changes in understandings in both Academy, and has received an
AACSB ‘Innovations That Inspire’ the neuroscience and psychiatry
fields. Through his research in
Honorary Doctorate from University
of Antwerp, Belgium.
are huge opportunities in this regard
for UCC, as we strive for a campus
of Creativity, Curiosity & Critical
challenge motivates institutions to share
the APC Microbiome Ireland SFI “The goal is to grow our research Thinking that will enable a more just
Research Centre at UCC, he was reputation coupled with increases and inclusive future for all,” he said.
recently listed as among the world’s in funding, patents and industry
latest innovations in business ed top one percent of most-cited
France - Grenoble Ecole de
Management (GEM) was rewarded
in the ‘Driving innovation in Higher
Education’ category of the AACSB
challenge for its 2020 Virtual Reality
Back-to-School Challenge.
“GEM has embraced the call to
create positive societal impact
and it is our privilege to recognize
[them]… among the 2021
Innovations That Inspire initiative,”
said Caryn L Beck-Dudley,
AACSB president and CEO.
The Challenge included a host of
innovations, such as an escape-
room game to uncover its theme, period allowed students to share first-year students coming
“New Deals to think and impact their results and pitch new-deal together to interact and collaborate
the world”; 9 days of courses and projects in front of a panel of continuously with the GEM
virtual reality workshops to learn professionals, school administrators, teams involved. The challenge
the controversy approach for and representatives from six major sensitised students to responsible
new deal negotiations”. corporate partners of the school. communication, owning their
A virtual exhibition of 144 stands Among the key outcomes were communication, and more.
that took place at the end of this
36 37Issue four | May 2021 Global Education News
Palacký University enters into the Aurora
Alliance project
Czech Republic - This year, solving global problems. the UP Institute of Translational and
Palacký University Olomouc (UP), UP and its Regional Centre Molecular Medicine to mass-test
celebrated the 75th anniversary of of Advanced Technology and samples for SARS-CoV-2.
its reinstatement after WW2, and Materials (RCPTM) were awarded
447 years of educating students a prestigious Horizon 2020 grant
in Czechia. It became a member to support international research
of the Aurora Alliance of European on bone tumours, and UP Faculty
universities and established of Arts Hispanic studies scholar
the position of coordinator of Iveta Nakládalová received a Marie
sustainable development. Skłodowska-Curie grant.
Three state-of-the-art scientific After successfully decoding the
centres at UP were combined genetic information of bread wheat,
to create the Czech Advanced barley, and peas, UP scientist also
Technology and Research decoded the rye genome. UP
Institute (CATRIN), aimed at RCPTM scientists have already put
deepening multidisciplinary into practice a new type of magnetic
cooperation, finding new research nanoparticle for the past year at
directions, and contributing to
Innovation Campus programme launched
at National Technical University «Kharkiv
Polytechnic Institute»
Ukraine - On September 7, 2020, and founder of the holding company
the ceremonial opening of the UFuture and the K.Fund, teachers
National Technical University and students of NTU “KhPI”.
«Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute» Innovation Campus was developed
(NTU “KhPI”) Innovation by a team of Ukrainian IT specialists
Campus project on the basis of in cooperation with NTU “KhPI”.
UNIT.Kharkiv took place. The concept is a transition from a
This is a unique project created declarative training scheme to a
by NTU “KhPI” together with the project scheme aimed at acquiring
modern Ucode IT Academy, which practical skills in creating products
offers practical training on popular and systems. This is a fundamentally
IT technologies. The start of the new training system that provides
programme took place with the bachelor’s training at a high
participation of Yevgen Sokol, international level.
Acting Rector of NTU “KhPI”, Vasyl
Khmelnytsky, Chairman of the
Supervisory Board of NTU “KhPI”
39Europe and Americas Issue four | May 2021 Global Education News
NURE started the development of multi- Rethink design change our future –
purpose mobile robotic platform D-CoDE
Ukraine - Kharkiv National Latvia - Transport and D-CoDE catalyses responsible
University of Radio Electronics Telecommunication Institute (TSI) change by working in teams across
(NURE) and the Department of as one of the partners of D-CoDE, sectors and disciplines to go beyond
Computer-Integrated Technologies, a project towards a sustainable the status quo and accelerate
Automation and Mechatronics under future under the European research for real-world challenges.
the leadership of Doctor of Science, Union’s research and innovation A fundamentally new kind of design
Professor Igor Nevliudov, began programme, Horizon 2020, will competence is needed to anticipate
developing a new project to create share its knowledge and resources the digital transformation of society
an intelligent multi-purpose mobile to develop novel methods for and create the conditions for
robotic platform with improved the design of machine behaviour responsible and sustainable futures.
manipulation capabilities. through principled data engineering. D-CoDE partners include TU Delft,
rigid switching structures and versatile tasks of a wide purpose:
This project is based on the devices based on them. finding and providing assistance D-CoDE will train a cohort of 15 Umeå Institute of Design, University
methods, development, and functions to victims - in the field PhD students in design, design of Edinburgh, Aarhus University,
The project is aimed at the anthropology, media studies, human-centric design of product University of Copenhagen, TSI,
improvement for intelligent control intelligent mobile robotic platforms of emergency response (including
nuclear facilities); supervision science and technology studies service systems powered by Big Amsterdam University of Applied
of robotic means, methods of experimental development based Data, Machine Learning, and
mechatronic devices and systems and provision of patient care and data science. The project will Science, and Philips Design.
on the principles of openness, equip students with the holistic Artificial Intelligence.
adaptive control, methods of flexibility, modularity and additivity, functions - in the health sector;
complex mechatronic devices observing, recognising, identifying, understanding needed for the
capable, in accordance with the
and systems sensitisation, conceptual framework, to perform and performing tasks in the
development and use of flexible- field of agriculture.
Hotel Management School of Geneva
students involved in an act of solidarity
collaboration with a Geneva charity This great initiative allowed the
organisation, students were able to EHG to find an alternative to
show their solidarity and altruistic help the students by continuing
attitude with those who are in to put into practice their training
need during COVID-19. in catering services to those in
Throughout the winter, EHG need, despite the closure of the
students volunteered to serve restaurants in Switzerland during
more than 100 breakfasts and the current situation.
150 lunches, per day, to people in
vulnerable situations.
Supervised by a team of permanent
volunteers, the students helped
Switzerland – Thanks to the serve and pack meals in the Geneva
creativity and resourcefulness Community Hall, in compliance with
of the Hotel Management the health standards required by
School of Geneva (EHG), and in the Federal Council.
40 41Becoming part of the bigger picture Issue four | May 2021 Global Education News
Becoming part of the bigger
picture
By Frances James
Creating a gender-
diverse workplace does
not happen overnight.
It requires years of focused
and collective action, driven
by an awareness of the impact
greater gender diversity within
higher education can have on
staff, students, and the wider
gender-equality movement.
Higher education institutions play
a significant role in shaping society,
through the education of future
decision makers, critical research,
and as high-profile and respected
organisations within communities.
“College and university leaders
make daily decisions that have
life-altering impacts on a growing
number of students – students
who will populate our businesses,
organisations and governments
as workers and leaders,”
says Leah Teague, Associate
Dean and Professor of Law
at Baylor University.
To become a catalyst for positive
change, universities must
acknowledge their profile as
complex networks, in which the
decisions made by leadership
can have both immediate and
long-term impact, not only on
their own students and staff,
but on marginalised genders for
generations to come.
In its recently released series
of report, QS looked into how
higher education providers can
develop into diverse institutions,
with specific focus on ethnicity,
gender and disability.
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