New Arqus Knowledge Pills Episode: How Can We Bridge the Gap Between Academic Theory and Real-World Practice?

In an era of rapid technological change and evolving social dynamics, how can university courses prepare students for the ethical and practical challenges of the professional world? What does it mean to “practice” inclusion and care within a classroom setting? These are the central questions explored by Claudia Padovani (University of Padua) and Silvia Kober (University of Graz), winners of the 2025 Arqus Teaching Excellence Award.

As traditional teaching models are challenged, educators must find new ways to engage diverse student bodies through interdisciplinarity, gamification, and hands-on collaboration. This discussion delves into the complexities of “good teaching,” emphasizing the importance of valuing student voices and creating meaningful connections between the classroom and global professional networks.

For the 47th episode of the Arqus podcast, “How can we bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world practice?”, Professor Padovani and Senior Scientist Kober share their unique experiences in transforming the learning environment. They offer a deep dive into how interactive labs and gender-sensitive research can empower students to become active participants in both their education and society.

To listen to the episode, click here.