Fachhochschule Dortmund as an international meeting place for science: a good 140 specialists and managers from 35 universities and research institutions from 15 countries traveled to the International Summer Convention (ISC) at the end of August - almost twice as many participants as at the premiere last year.
"International networks are the key to innovative research and future-oriented teaching," says Prof. Dr. Stephan Weyers, Vice-Rector for Teaching, Studies and International Affairs at Fachhochschule Dortmund. "Our partnerships worldwide contribute to offering our students the best possible education." Participation in international projects also promotes new scientific findings and has a pull effect on researchers at the university itself.
The ISC program offered a mixture of research presentations, workshops on cross-border projects and project-based teaching as well as insights into the work of International Offices. At the "Market of Opportunities" on the Emil-Figge-Straße campus, the diversity of international partnerships became tangible. Inspired by the poster exhibition, lecturers and researchers exchanged ideas and forged cooperation plans. "Our aim was to create a space in which ongoing initiatives could become visible and new projects could be agreed directly," says Stephan Weyers.
Personal contact strengthens project partnerships
"In international projects, personal contact is extremely important, but not always easy to achieve," adds ISC project coordinator Catrin Randersen. Although digitalization facilitates exchange across continents, sustainable partnerships are created through joint discussions away from the screen, through working together in a productive atmosphere, but also through informal exchange. "We created the necessary space for this at the first International Summer Convention 2024 and received a lot of positive feedback," says Catrin Randersen. At the new edition of the ISC, the BVB stadium tour, a visit to the Dortmunder U and storyLab kiU, a BBQ and dinner event provided the opportunity for informal networking. "It's a great feeling to have created a platform that enables international exchange on a variety of levels. Seeing colleagues from different nations and institutions discuss ideas with each other in an inspired way is the best recognition for the work that went into organizing this event," says Catrin Randersen.
Students benefit
For students, close international networking pays off in several ways: Joint study modules, exchange semesters and international internships are easier to arrange. The university's internationalization strategy sees the expansion of such opportunities as a central task in order to prepare graduates for the global job market in the best possible way. At the same time, international students with double degrees are being attracted to Fachhochschule Dortmund.
The International Summer Convention 2025 took place in cooperation with the City of Dortmund and the Hochschulallianz Ruhr. The ISC makes it clear that international networks are an engine for innovation and development; openness and diversity are the central building blocks for the success of research and teaching. A continuation next year is firmly planned.
