How many years have you been an alumnus/alumna?
I attended Summer Academy in 2016, which was slightly over 5 years ago. Time flies!
What is your best memory of IACA?
It is really hard to pick just one. The Summer Academy was an absolutely unique experience from beginning to end on all fronts: top speakers, cultural activities and the Gala Dinner. Having the opportunity to meet over 60 people from over the globe was absolutely amazing. Everybody had fantastic stories and experiences to share.
However, it is the people that make our lives special. Apart from the wonderful IACA team, which has done a splendid job every time I was on campus (apart from the Summer Academy, I participated in Alumni Reunion 2017 and Regional Summer Academy Competition Event December 2019) I met several people that I am honoured to call my friends ever since. Meeting them for Alumni Reunion a year after the Summer Academy was not only the best memory of IACA but one of the most special moments in life.
How has IACA influenced your career?
My primary goal of attending the Summer Academy was to support practical experience I gained at work with a deeper understanding of basic and applied research in the field. As an interdisciplinary area of research by nature, corruption studies offer a lot to follow, making it a never-ending journey if one wants to truly keep up. IACA is a good place to return regularly. Hence, I would say that IACA makes me a more accomplished professional.
What’s unforgettable at IACA? (most memorable)
I have already spoken of the people that make everything about IACA unforgettable. The mixture of professional and cultural experiences is another remarkable thing. And the cosy venue in Laxenburg, which I hope re-opens as soon as possible, facilitates perfectly the productive and cooperative work during courses.
What three words would you use to describe the alumni network?
Global, encouraging, engaging.
How many days have you spent in Laxenburg?
Around two weeks for Summer Academy, Alumni Reunion and Regional Summer Academy Competition Event combined.
What message would you like to share with the IACA community including its staff and alumni
I don’t think I can put it better than Ken Corlett, another participant at the Regional Summer Academy Competition Event two years ago, an accomplished law enforcement professional and inspirational, yet a humble human being. I hope Ken does not mind me quoting him. He said: “never stop learning, never stop training” – and I don’t think there is a better answer to the pace of changes we all see in the world these days.
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