Although his appointment to the rectorate of the University of Geneva does not meet with unanimity within the Swiss political class, the Quebecer Éric Bauce will respect the decision of the Council of State, responsible for approving or rejecting the recommendation of the University Assembly.
The Assembly of the University of Geneva announced the selection of Mr. Bauce, professor at Laval University, in Quebec, by press release on Wednesday. She mentioned the “unifying and forward-looking project” presented by the candidate Bauce, “in the continuity of the efforts undertaken by the current Rectorate, not only in terms of excellence and influence of the University, but also in favor of social, environmental and ecological progress, in collaboration with local and international political actors”.
The institution also described the lucky winner as “a person with an excellent scientific profile”, “possessing both indisputable high-level management and leadership skills in research and teaching institutions, a great ability to mobilize a national and international network and a strong commitment to academic excellence”.
Controversial
However, several Swiss media report, certain voices, governmental among others, have expressed reservations about this international appointment, openly indicating that a Swiss candidate would have been better seen.
“It would be the first time that a foreigner, who is moreover a North American, would lead this prestigious university, recognizes Éric Bauce in an interview with The Canadian Press. I can understand the concerns and apprehensions that have been expressed, but I will respect the decision that will be made. I am nevertheless extremely honored to have been chosen by the university. »
The Swiss Council of State could therefore overturn this selection, forcing in the same breath a new application process, indicated La Tribune de Genève. “Such a decision would potentially be likely to open an institutional crisis, because it would undermine the autonomy of the University and its legitimacy”, it is reported.
Long process
The call for applications for the position of rector of the University of Geneva was launched in June 2022 and the appointment process took place between September and January. Two other candidates were in the running, namely the Belgian Jean-Michel Rigo, from the University of Hasselt, and Jérome Lacour, dean of the Faculty of Sciences and internal candidate at the University of Geneva, reports the site 20 minutes.
Already, the possibility of appointing a foreigner was controversial. “The Assembly deplores the public positions taken and the interference in a process carried out according to legal provisions, as well as the strong media pressure exerted during the procedure. These unacceptable pressures violate the autonomy of the University as provided for by law. Despite these pressures, the Assembly continued its evaluation work and took its decision in complete independence,” the University stressed in its press release.
Mr. Bauce has been a full professor in the Department of Wood and Forest Sciences since 1989 at Laval University, where he works in the Faculty of Forestry, Geography and Geomatics. He tried twice to access the rectorship of his alma mater, from which he holds a bachelor’s degree in forest engineering and a master’s degree in forest entomology. He was also awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Bordeaux in 2015.
However, he held the position of Vice-Dean of Research and Graduate Studies at his faculty from September 1998 to June 2007, in addition to having been Executive Vice-Rector and Development of Université Laval between July 2007 and July 2017. Mr. Bauce was vice-rector for administration and finance from January 2009 to January 2010.
It is through an advertisement published in the daily The duty, sent to him by a colleague, that he became aware of the prestigious job offer. “The profile sought was very interesting and I found that we shared the same philosophy”, explains the main interested party, who formulated a proposal focused on socio-ecological transition, collaborative management and open science.
The current rector of the University, Yves Flückiger, will step down in mid-July. The next term of office will run from 2023 to 2027.
This dispatch was produced with the financial assistance of the Meta Exchange and The Canadian Press for the news.