By: Arzu Maharramova.
In the spotlight of our interview today is Professor Tomáš Sirovátka, a distinguished senior member of our esteemed faculty. As we know, Faculty of Social Studies (FSS MU) is the second youngest addition to the Masaryk University. Founded in 1998, this faculty has been graced by the scholarly presence of Professor Sirovátka since the year 1999. But don’t think Prof. Sirovátka started to his academic career in FSS first, he also served in Faculty of Economics and Administration - Masaryk University for 7 years, so we are talking about the man that dedicated his 32 years to this university.
- What motivated you to specialize in Social Policy and Social Work?
I studied sociology and economics. After graduation I worked being responsible for social policy programme in a company and doing some marketing research. In 1991, they invited me to teach social policy at university and this discipline captivated me as increasingly interesting, interdisciplinary: social problems are typically complex. In search for effective solutions, you need to consider their various aspects: socio-cultural, ethical, economic, political, etc.
2. You have worked at this university since 1991. This is almost 32 years; can you tell us about a memorable experience or something unique that this university has added to your life that has left a lasting impact on you?
First, I have to remind fruitful cooperation with Ivo Možný who introduced me into the academic community (through participation in research projects, conferences of International Sociological Association). Next, during the 1990s, I coordinated at Masaryk University a large Tempus project, visited several European Universities, learned about their study programmes in social policy, lectured at the summer schools, established research networks.
3. What MUNI means to you?
MUNI is not just the place where I work, it is a crucial part of who I am in this academic world, making its mark whenever I am in the global spotlight. I could take part in developing new study programmes and research at two faculties (Economics and Administration, Social Studies) and performed various managerial positions.
4. Can you share a memorable story of a breakthrough or success in your
research or teaching that you're proud of?
During my career in this faculty there were many achievements I am proud of such as research projects and publications with my colleagues but, if you ask about the crown jewel of my career, I’d likely point to the establishment of the international program in social policy and labour market policy. This was possible thanks to solid grounds we retrieved from comparative research in social policy, taking part in the EU wide projects and publications.
5. What do you enjoy doing outside of your academic and professional
life?
I spent a lot of time with sports in my youth. I enjoyed water sports like swimming, water polo, and playing football, skiing, biking. Because of my age and health conditions right now, I slow down, enjoying going to art galleries and adoring fine arts.
6. Do you have any message for our students?
It does not matter if you are a Czech or an international student, use your years of studies efficiently, join to Erasmus programs, go see other countries and universities. Because this might be your one and only chance.
As a student ambassador, it was a memorable experience to take an interview from the head professor of my program. We thank Professor Tomáš Sirovátka for making time to for us to take an interview from him and we wish him lots of success in his life.