Vladimir is the Director General of the Joint Research Centre, which is the European Commission's in-house science service, which employs scientists to carry out research in order to provide independent scientific advice and support to EU policy. Prior to his role as Director General, Vladimir was Deputy Director-General of the JRC between 2012 and 2013. Prior to that, he spent 6 years in the position of director for culture and media in the Directorate-General for Education and Culture of the European Commission. Before joining the European Commission, he held various positions in the area of European and international affairs. In parallel, he has followed a long-term academic and research career, being a full professor in Slovakia and visiting professor/scientist at different academic institutions in many countries.