University-industry cooperation as a driver of study program development
29.01.2026
The university's cooperation with partners from industry is an essential part of the development of study programs and their quality. The Faculty of Engineering of the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra has been developing cooperation with the world's leading manufacturer of agricultural machinery - CLAAS - through the CLAAS Stiftung Foundation for a long time. From the very beginning, Dr. Hagen Adam, a graduate of the then Faculty of Mechanization, acted as the "godfather" of this cooperation.
We note with gratitude that, despite many professional successes, he never forgot his alma mater and supported its development for a long time. Based on the initiative of Dr. Hagen Adam and Prof. Ing. Vladimír Rataj, PhD., a partnership was established between the CLAAS Stiftung Foundation and the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, which was formally confirmed in 2010 by signing a cooperation agreement.
During the 15 years of cooperation, more than 40 students were awarded the International Student Prize. For students in the key phase of their studies, this award represents not only recognition of their academic achievements, but also a strong motivation and encouragement to continue their studies and professional activities in the field of agricultural technology.
The cooperation has also significantly contributed to the development of educational infrastructure, in particular by supporting the renovation of training rooms, publishing university textbooks and, most recently, by implementing the Smart Agri Classroom project, which aims to build a modern training room as part of the infrastructure of new study programs focused on smart technologies in agriculture.
Invited lectures by foreign experts also play a special role, which have become an inspiring and unforgettable experience for students and have significantly contributed to the connection of education, research and practice. We greatly appreciate that Dr. Hagen Adam and Dr. Thilo Steckel were able to visit Nitra in person and discuss with students.
These initiatives fit together like individual pieces of a puzzle and have significantly contributed to the development of study programs in the field of agricultural technology at our university. They supported their recognition in a competitive environment and strengthened the motivation of both students and university teachers.
The Rector of the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Assoc. Prof. Ing. Klaudia Halászová, PhD. awarded Dr. Adam a commemorative medal for his extraordinary contribution to the development of cooperation between the university and practice, as well as for long-term support of education in the field of agricultural technology. At the same time, Dr. Adam was presented with a letter of thanks from the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering of the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Prof. Ing. Roman Gálik, PhD.
The words of gratitude and recognition upon his retirement were delivered by Prof. Ing. Vladimír Rataj, PhD. and Assoc. Ing. Jana Galambošová, PhD. during the meeting of the so-called "University team" of the CLAAS company, which took place on January 22, 2026.
On behalf of the Faculty of Engineering of the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Assoc. Prof. Ing. Jana Galambošová, PhD.
