RECTOR MARINA NEOPHYTOU - ''I WANT A NEW CONTRACT BETWEEN THE UNIVERSITY AND SOCIETY'' - HER FIRST INTERVIEW AFTER HER ELECTION - Filenews 17/10 by Evangelia Sizopoulou
"New Dynamics – New Course"! This phrase was used by the newly elected Rector of the University of Cyprus, Marina Neophytou (Professor of Environmental Engineering), when we asked her in the context of our first conversation, to refer to her vision.
Her election to the highest office of the country's first public university, a few days ago, was met with particular warmth, not only by the university community, and one of the points emphasized was the fact that she is its first female Rector.
She officially assumes her duties on December 16 and from what she notes today, it seems that she will place special emphasis on keeping the University open, alive and with a substantial presence in society.
-What is your vision for the next day of the University of Cyprus?
The University of Cyprus is an important success story for our country. In less than four decades he has traveled a remarkable academic career and gained the trust of society. This is a valuable legacy that we must recognize.
However, yesterday's success does not guarantee tomorrow's success. We live in an era of profound upheavals. Wars, violence, geopolitical instability, climate crisis, energy poverty, social inequalities, rapid technological developments. At the same time, misinformation through the spread of fake news, polarization and questioning of scientific knowledge test the trust and ability of people and society to think and act collectively.
In this environment, I believe that the role of universities becomes even more important.
It is not enough to produce knowledge, train scientists and record successes. We need to ask ourselves what kind of people we are preparing for tomorrow, how we contribute to the progress of society and what place we want Cyprus to have in the world that is being formed. My vision can be summed up in two words: New Dynamics – New Course.
New dynamics within the University: To better connect people, sciences and ideas, to unleash creativity, to strengthen cooperation and to create the conditions for the possibilities that already exist to develop.
And a new path outward: A University that is open, vibrant, interactive, with a distinct international academic identity and a substantial presence in society.
I want a University that is a meeting place for people, sciences, cultures and ideas. That will attract people, but above all will inspire them and give them the space to grow and create.
-The connection of the University with society and the interaction of academics for many years seemed distant. There was a feeling, and perhaps still is, that the academic community is cut off from society. What is your position on these issues?
This is perhaps one of the issues that concerns me the most, and not only now, with my election. Throughout my academic career, I believed that science and the University cannot exist in isolation from society. I tried to be present in the public debate, in environmental issues, in public health and quality of life issues, to collaborate with public organizations and to offer scientific documentation wherever I could.
For me this was not a parallel activity. It was and remains a way of life. I deeply believe that the value of new knowledge is not limited to scientific discovery or its publication. It also lies in its potential to broaden human thought, open horizons, enrich public dialogue and contribute to the progress of society.
I would therefore like this perception to acquire a more substantial and institutional expression at the University of Cyprus. I am talking about a new social contract between the University and society.
Not a one-way relationship, where the University produces knowledge and then transfers it to the outside. But a two-way relationship, where the questions, needs and concerns of society return to the University, enrich research and education and create new possibilities for cooperation.
I want us to create stable spaces for meeting and dialogue. Co-creation workshops with municipalities, public organizations and social bodies. Open discussions on the major issues of the country: the environment, energy, health, education, artificial intelligence, culture, demographics.
But I would like to go one step further.
I don't want a University that simply responds to the needs of society. I want a University that contributes to the emergence of new possibilities, new horizons, new perspectives.
Wars, insecurity, misinformation, and polarization can weaken trust between people and their belief that they can influence developments.
The University can act as a force for the empowerment of society. To cultivate critical thinking, to offer independent and evidence-based knowledge, to create spaces for meaningful dialogue and to enhance people's ability to think and act collectively.
-Your election to the highest office of the academic institution brought to the fore another issue: The fact that for the first time in its history it has a female Rector. What is your perspective in general in this discussion about gender and leadership positions?
It is indeed a moment with a special symbolism, which I also feel as an additional responsibility. For the first time, a woman is elected to the leadership of the University of Cyprus.
And this is of special importance for an institution that does not just transmit knowledge, but shapes perceptions, standards and possibilities for future generations.
In fact, I come from the field of Engineering, where I know from personal experience how important it is for young women to be able to see open paths in science, research and leadership in front of them.
I would like the time to come when the election of a woman to the leadership of a university will not be historical news, but something completely natural.
But there is another dimension that particularly moved me.
The spontaneous explosion of joy and appreciation that followed my election, inside and outside the University... It made me think that people, even when they are not expressing themselves publicly, are watching, observing and shaping judgments.
I want to believe that, beyond the symbolism of the first female Rector, a part of the response is also linked to a personal journey that tried not to remain indifferent to the issues of society.
I tried to be present, to take a stand when I considered it necessary, to defend principles such as justice, meritocracy, equality and respect for human beings.
And perhaps this response also expresses an expectation for the way leadership is exercised.
For me, leadership is not primarily a position of power. It is a responsibility. It's the ability to listen, compose, inspire, make tough decisions when needed, and create the conditions for people to develop their potential.
If there is one thing I would like to remain from this historic moment, it is not only that a woman has reached the leadership of the University for the first time.
But helping to open up more paths for the people to follow — and so that leadership is increasingly identified with giving, cooperation and trust.
