January 2026 | #researcher
Pursuing a PhD while managing family life and professional responsibilities is no easy feat. Alexandra Laschkolnig, a dedicated member of USTP and the E³UDRES² Alliance, is doing exactly that. We spoke with her about her journey, her motivations, the challenges she faces, and her hopes for the future.
Can you share a bit about your work at USTP, your research topic, and why it excites you?
"I work in evaluation and quality assurance at USTP. My PhD topic is inspired by European University alliances like E³UDRES² and their impact on regional development. What fascinates me is how university alliances can drive and transform regions. When institutions from different countries commit to long-term collaboration, they create stability and unlock resources that none of them could mobilize alone. This is why the mission of E³UDRES², with its strong focus on rural regions, is particularly valuable. I am especially interested in third mission topics, the societal responsibility of universities to contribute, both directly and indirectly, to regional development. Understanding how alliances like E³UDRES² shape regions, intentionally and unintentionally, will help us strengthen and scale their positive impact."
Alexandra has been working in this field for over 12 years, starting right after completing her studies. Her research focuses on alliances, regional development, and institutional transformation, building directly on her long-term experience in quality assurance.
How does your academic background influence your current research?
“My background in sociology plays a big role. I’ve always been interested in understanding systems and how people interact within them. This perspective helps me analyze the social impact of alliances and higher education transformation.”
What are the biggest challenges of managing a PhD and a professional role at the same time?
“Yes, it is challenging, and once you decide to pursue a PhD, you truly have to commit to it. There’s no single systematic approach that works for everyone, you have to find your own rhythm. A colleague once told me before I started: ideally, researching your topic should feel so intrinsic to who you are that you don’t need to push yourself. You do it because you simply can’t not do it. In that sense, the PhD becomes just one step on a longer journey of exploring your questions and trying to understand a small part of the world a little better.
And I’m also very fortunate that my employer, the University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten, is genuinely interested in what I’m doing. My supervisors and team colleagues support me, and I can directly connect parts of my work with my research, so both sides benefit from that. And of course, privately, I’m lucky as well: my husband and my daughter help make evening commitments and work trips possible whenever needed. Without that support, this path would be much harder.”
What advice would you give to others considering a similar path?
“Just do it - if you’re interested! Passion is the key.”
Where do you see yourself after completing your PhD – continuing in academia, industry, or exploring new opportunities?
“I definitely see myself continuing within academia. It’s the ideal environment for me to explore ideas, dig deeper into questions, and contribute to knowledge in a meaningful way. I feel as though I’m only just beginning to really gain momentum in my research activity, and at the moment I can’t imagine anything more fulfilling. Of course, the future is always open, but for now academia feels like the place where I belong.”
Interview by: USTP, University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten
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