The National University of Political Studies and Public Administration (SNSPA) will host the public debate “Inclusion in Higher Education: Strategies, Challenges, and Innovations”, as part of the CIVICA “Tours d’Europe” lecture series.
The event will take place on July 8, 2025, at 14:00 (CEST) and will be moderated by Professor Remus Pricopie, Rector of SNSPA.
The session will feature presentations by:
- Pușa Năstase, Central European University
- Professor Mikołaj Pindelski, SGH Warsaw School of Economics
- Professor Mihai Păunescu, SNSPA, Bucharest
This event aims to examine the evolving concept of inclusion in higher education, highlighting various national and institutional strategies, as well as the challenges and innovations that define this field today. Drawing on the experience and expertise of academics from diverse European contexts, the discussion will address both systemic barriers and opportunities for advancing equity in academia.
The agenda includes:
- Thematic Panel Discussion, structured around five key themes:
- Policy and Institutional Frameworks: National and institutional approaches to fostering inclusion
- Technology and Digital Inclusion: The impact of digitalisation on access to education
- Cultural and Organisational Change: University leadership and mindset transformations for inclusive environments
- Urban-Rural Divide and Access Inequities: Addressing structural barriers affecting rural students
- Challenges in Pursuing Social Sciences: Encouraging participation from disadvantaged backgrounds
- Audience Q&A – A short interactive segment with selected questions from participants.
- Closing Remarks – Final reflections and takeaways from each speaker.
The panel will also engage with a set of guiding reflection questions focused on institutional practices, policy development, digital access, urban-rural inequalities, and the role of the social sciences in inclusive academic trajectories.
Speaker Profiles:
Prof. Remus Pricopie is the Rector of SNSPA since 2012 and former Minister of Education and Research (2012–2014). He has collaborated with international institutions such as UNESCO, UNICEF, the EU, OECD, the World Bank, and the United Nations University. His academic work spans higher education management, public policy, and internationalisation.
Prof. Mihai Păunescu is Vice-Rector and Professor of Political Science at SNSPA. His research focuses on the sociology of organisations, public policy, and quality assurance in higher education.
Dr. Pușa Năstase is Senior Program Manager at Central European University, where she coordinates the Global Professional Development Program for the Open Society University Network (OSUN) and teaches on university governance and educational technology.
Prof. Mikołaj Pindelski is Vice-Dean of Master Studies and Professor at the SGH Warsaw School of Economics. His research interests include leadership, organisational transformation, and innovation in management education.
The language of the event is English. Participation is open to the public upon prior registration.
To attend, please register using this link.
