Louvain School of Management has passed a critical period, full of uncertainty in terms of method, time and contents, without deviating from our values. It has been a true test of our resilience and our ability to live up to our capacity to manage effectively under new and fuzzy constraints. Let us be frank and admit, students and staff alike, that it has been exhausting! However, in forcing us to rethink what and how we perform our tasks, learning and development, the COVID-19 crisis will lead to lasting improvements in the processes and outcomes for all involved. Beyond the mere savings in mobility and offices, distance teaching has enabled both students and faculty to take part in and offer lectures when it suits us, to add insights and to overcome time and distance barriers. New educational initiatives have been found and tested; more information uploaded than ever before. Meetings are held more rapidly and more focused, processes have been improved and clarified since they need to be implemented without informal communication.
This week LSM also celebrated the research excellence of our professors, among which we find internationally renowned experts among the 1% most cited in the world, on average publishing more internationally scientific reviewed papers than ever before. This dimension of excellence shows the intellectual curiosity, energy and methodological rigor of our faculty members and researchers, the very essence of our role as a center of knowledge creation and critical thought. Who else is better to inspire our students to surpass themselves in the pursuit of excellence than a professor that constantly puts himself or herself at the test?
We have all reason to be proud over where we are and the path we have taken to come here, because there has been no shortcut to reach this position and there will be work to be done to stay afront. However, at this time let us remember that sustainability also applies to each one of us. Nothing can last forever without recovery and rest. No energy and inspiration can fuel itself without replenishment. Take the time during Christmas without the regular stress of travel and shopping to rest and disconnect from the frantic pace we have led until now. Spend it with your close – and spend it for yourself and your thoughts. We need this time to recharge our batteries, to rethink where we are, in order to return to where we want to be together.
Thanks for your exceptional contributions this year, looking forward seeing you in 2021!
Per J. Agrell
Dean of the Faculty