teaching

Understanding the Benefits of Academic Freedom

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Academic freedom is a fundamental right that ensures professors and students can conduct research, teach, and discuss ideas without fear of institutional censorship. This right is enshrined in many of the founding documents of higher education, including the American Association of University Professors’ 1940 Statement of Principles on Academic Freedom and Tenure, which affirms that “Academic freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research. Freedom in research is fundamental to the advancement of truth.”

Academic freedom is essential for the advancement of knowledge and the protection of academic integrity. It is also beneficial for universities and colleges, providing them with the ability to recruit the best faculty and students and attract high-level research funding. Additionally, it provides an environment in which creativity and innovation can thrive. In practice, academic freedom enables faculty to pursue research and teaching in any field of their choosing and to express their views in the classroom and the curriculum, irrespective of their popularity or controversy. Similarly, students are allowed to challenge and debate ideas in the classroom without fear of repercussions, promoting critical thinking and the exploration of diverse perspectives.

In conclusion, academic freedom is an integral part of a free and open society, essential for the continued advancement of knowledge and the protection of academic integrity. It should be respected and protected in order to ensure the continued growth of knowledge and the success of academic institutions.

The Importance of Combining Research and Teaching

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As the world progresses, so too does the need for innovative research to support it. In many ways, research and teaching go hand-in-hand, with each feeding off the other to produce a well-rounded system of knowledge. In the field of cybersecurity, for example, teaching is essential to ensure that a new generation of workers is equipped with the skills they need to protect our online world. But research is also critical to staying ahead of the curve and developing new ways to combat the ever-evolving threats that target our digital lives.

The benefits of combining research and teaching are numerous. By keeping up with the latest advances in their field, teachers can ensure that their students are receiving the most up-to-date and relevant information. This helps to prepare students for the real world, where they will be expected to apply their knowledge to solve problems. Meanwhile, researchers can use their findings to inform their teaching, ensuring that the latest discoveries are passed on to the next generation.

But it is not just about staying up-to-date; research can also help to improve the quality of teaching. By constantly testing and refining their methods, researchers can develop more effective ways of imparting knowledge. This benefits not only the students who receive this improved teaching but also society as a whole, as a better-educated workforce is better equipped to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

It is clear, then, that research and teaching are two sides of the same coin. By working together, they can create a virtuous circle that benefits everyone involved.

The Benefits of Industry Experience for Academics

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Some people may say that having industry experience is essential to being a successful academic, while others may argue that it is not necessary. It is important to consider both sides of the argument before making a decision.

Those who argue that industry experience is necessary may say that it is essential in order to understand the real-world applications of your research. They may also argue that industry experience can help you build important networks and connections. Those who argue that industry experience is not necessary may say that academic research is theoretical and that real-world experience is not relevant. They may also argue that you can gain all the skills and experience you need by working in academia.

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It is important to weigh both sides of the argument before deciding whether or not industry experience is necessary for you. If you are still undecided, you may want to speak to academics who have both industry experience and academic experience to get their opinion. Nonetheless, I believe that industry experience can be beneficial for academics. Here are five ways that industry experience can help you:

1. Industry experience can help you get a job. If you are looking for a job in academia, industry experience can make you a more attractive candidate. Employers will see that you have real-world experience and that you are familiar with the industry. 

2. Industry experience can help you with your research. If you are doing research for your Ph.D., industry experience can be beneficial. You will probably be able to apply your research to real-world scenarios, and you will have a better understanding of the industry. 

3. Industry experience can help you network. Networking is important for both your academic career and your Ph.D. studies. Industry experience can help you meet people in your field and make connections. 

4. Industry experience can help you get funding. If you are applying for grants or funding for your research, industry experience can be helpful. Funding organizations will see that you have experience in the industry and that your research is relevant to the industry. 

5. Industry experience can help you teach. If you are teaching at the university level, industry experience can be beneficial. Students will see that you have real-world experience and that you are familiar with the industry.

You are welcome to contact me if you are interested in learning more about my experience with this, or simply if you want to collaborate with me.

Featured on LinkedIn and Facebook

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I am truly surprised and grateful that a photo of myself and my colleague is being featured on the university website and shared among social media, in particular, on LinkedIn and Facebook.

Talking science featuring Dr. Arezoo Sarkheyli-Hägele and myself

Talking science featuring Dr. Arezoo Sarkheyli-Hägele and myself (post adopted from LinkedIn).

In case you are interested what the text above means, see its translation below:

“Good teachers don’t grow on trees. They grow when they have the opportunity for skills development. As one of the country’s largest teacher training courses, we are involved in shaping the school of the future. The development of employees is a common responsibility that we share with the entire school community.

We offer you who work in the school a wide range of skills-developing training at half-speed, full time and evening. So we contribute to your skills development and to the school being able to both retain its dedicated employees and recruit new ones.”

But, the most important part is that if you want to know more about what Malmö university offers in terms of courses and programs take a look at  mau.se/gemensamtansvar

2020 academic semester kickoff

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Today, was the kick-off to the new academic (Spring) semester.  I took the opportunity to present an overview of what is expected to be covered in the Information Security course. During this lecture, I also motivated students why it is important to study information security, introduced the course syllabus, and talked about the learning outcomes of the course.

This year, I have about 150 students taking my course. This is a great achievement especially considering that the course is an elective course. Talking to such large groups is always exciting and fun! You can see me below testing the microphone and preparing my laptop before the students start heading to the class.  All the lectures are delivered in a classroom setting but all the material including slides, supplementary material, and any assignments are uploaded on the course portal.

Getting ready at Malmö university (2020)

In addition to inviting two external academics as guests, this year, I invited two speakers from the industry. The speakers have many years of experience working with real-life security use cases and are working with international companies TrueSec and Fingerprints.