On 15 April 2025, representatives from the Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic and the Ministry of Education, Research, Development, and Youth of the Slovak Republic visited Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice. Daniel Pella, Rector of UPJŠ, Monika Halánová, Vice-Rector for Academic Qualifications and PhD Studies, and Pavol Jarčuška, Vice-Rector for Strategic Development and Investments, welcomed Matúš Šutaj Estok, Minister of the Interior, accompanied by the representatives from the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Education.
The discussion on the topic of security at universities took place in the Historical Auditorium. Matúš Šutaj Eštok, Minister of the Interior, Jozef Halcin, Director of the Crime Prevention Department of the Office of the Minister of Interior, Stanislav Hromádka, Director of Public Order Police Unit of the Presidium of the Police Force, and Róbert Zsembera, State Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, met with the management of UPJŠ, heads of the faculties, presidents of the academic senates, and other members of the academic community to discuss the current security situation at the university, challenges and necessary measures, with emphasis on the protection of soft targets. “Today, the quality of teaching in the era of ultra-fast development of artificial intelligence, digitalization, and development of innovative technologies depends on many factors. It depends on the ability of educators to apply them and students to adopt them. But it also depends on a safe learning environment and on managing previously unprecedented security risks,” summarized prof. Daniel Pella. Both parties present agreed on the importance of sufficient vigilance and mindfulness. In the event of a crisis situation, it is important to follow the “run, hide, fight” rule.
The ministerial delegation also visited the Faculty of Medicine of UPJŠ and discussed with the university and faculty management the security measures following the recent tragic events in Slovak and Czech schools. The Minister also visited the Centre of Simulation and Virtual Medicine, where he tried the simulators our students use in their education process.
