Hamburg Networking Conference

Registration and Welcome @Gästehaus Hamburg

Moin Moin! at the University of Hamburg

Keynote: Courtney Peltzer-Hönicke

Opening Reception with a welcome by the president of the University of Hamburg and Finger Food @Gästehaus Hamburg

Workshop 1

1.1 Anti-Racism Approaches in Higher Education

The implementation of anti-racist practices within universities varies significantly, creating a complex and dynamic landscape in higher education. By understanding these different approaches, we can gain valuable insights into effective strategies and the challenges that institutions face. Exploring anti-racist practices in academia is crucial for fostering inclusive environments that recognize and support all members of the university community. We invite you to join us for an engaging workshop that will critically examine racism in universities, with a specific focus on counseling, teaching and administration. This interactive session is designed to provide a platform for participants to share their experiences and strategies.

Together we will explore essential questions such as: What is needed to promote a non-discriminatory environment in these areas? How can we build alliances to effectively tackle racism in higher education?

We encourage all participants to contribute their perspectives and insights for a rich and meaningful dialogue on these pressing issues.

Responsible Contact: Jin Jlussi, Sonja Kanemaki, Dr. Philipp Dorestal (befragung-rassismuskritik@uni-hamburg.de) 

1.2. Internationalization at home through certificate programs

By fostering global competencies and enhancing cross-cultural understanding, institutions can prepare graduates for an increasingly interconnected world. As not all students have the opportunity to study abroad during their academic pursuits, Internationalization at Home serves as an essential tool for achieving the goal of cultivating global competencies. This session will discuss the concept of Internationalization at Home and its significance in higher education. It will also explore the benefits of certificate programs in facilitating internationalization. Participants will examine existing programs at various universities, exchange best practices, and develop ideas for innovative certificate formats. [subject to change]

Responsible Contact: Lisa Decker (lisa.decker@uni-hamburg.de)

Workshop 2

2.1. Roundtable on military research and its impact on international collaboration

Brief summary: In Germany, civil and military research have traditionally been separated. Conflict and geopolitical crisis have led to a debate in Germany around military and defense research and whether public universities should abolish the traditional separation of civil and defense research. This discussing has been advanced by the EU decision from February 2024 to cut its Horizon Europe budget (EUR 95.5 billion) by EUR 2.1 billion, with EUR 1.5 billion being diverted to defense research. The roundtable invites participants to share their perspectives on the role of universities in an era of conflict and whether universities should (and can) be places for military and defense research. Within the discussion, participants will discuss potential effects of the current trends in Germany and the EU on international cooperation and ethical considerations. [Summary subject to change.]

Responsible Contact: Jan Frömming (jan.froemming@uni-hamburg.de)

2.2. Cultivating Global Perspectives: Staff Development for International Higher Education

As universities have become increasingly interconnected and globally oriented institutions over the past decades, the requirements and challenges faced by university administration have changed. This shift requires a reevaluation of how institutions support and train their employees to succeed in this international academic environment. This session will investigate how to design training programs that foster global competence of administrative staff. Participants will examine existing programs at various universities, exchange best practices, and develop ideas for innovative staff development formats. [subject to change]

Responsible Contact: Dr. Elisabeth Trepesch (elisabeth.trepesch@uni-hamburg.de)

Workshop 3

3.1 Supporting at-risk academics

In a world characterized by conflict and geopolitical volatility more and more researchers are at-risk in their home countries and cannot continue their academic careers there. Since 2015 at-risk academics can get funding through the Philipp Schwartz Initiative in order to continue their careers at German research institutions. In addition, there are other local, regional, national and international initiatives to support researchers at risk. This session will give an overview over the different networks and programs supporting at-risk academics and will examine how host institutions can support the researchers in continuing their academic careers. [subject to change]

Responsible Contact: Kristin Günther (kristin.guenther@uni-hamburg.de), Jin Jlussi (jin.jlussi@uni-hamburg.de)

3.2. Internationalization of Teaching (tbc)

4:00 pm

4:00-6:00 pm

Workshop 4

4.1. Meet & Greet with UHH students
We are pleased to invite you to meet our students at the Campus Fest taking
place on the main campus. The Campus Fest is UHH’s summer party offering a mix of information, hands-on activities, food and live music. Join us at the booth of the Department of international Affairs: in an easygoing atmosphere, you will have a unique opportunity to engage with our students and present your university as an attractive host institution abroad. Afterwards, let’s enjoy the Campus Fest with drinks and music!

Responsible Contact: Annette Listmann (annette.listmann@uni-hamburg.de),
Elisa La (elisa.la@uni-hamburg.de)

4.2. Open slot for additional workshop, topic tbd

Workshop 5

5.1. MIN För Hamburg – Building an International Alumni Network

This workshop focuses on "Building an International Alumni Network" as part of the DAAD-funded project "MIN För Hamburg." With Germany facing an estimated shortage of around 240,000 skilled workers by 2026, particularly in the fields of education and STEM, the integration of international graduates into the workforce has become a pressing priority. The "MIN För Hamburg" project aims to support international students at the University of Hamburg, from the application phase through to career integration. By fostering a robust alumni network, we aim to increase job placement opportunities and create lasting connections between graduates and potential employers.

During the workshop, we will:

- Present the "MIN För Hamburg" project, its objectives, and its relevance to addressing the skills shortage.

- Introduce the Value Proposition Canvas as a tool for developing a successful alumni network.

- Collaborate in groups to identify the needs and opportunities for international alumni.

- Share best practices and discuss strategies for effective network building. [subject to change]

Responsible Contact: Franziska Werner-Saidi (franziska.werner-saidi@uni-hamburg.de), Noomi Peter (noomi.peter@uni-hamburg.de)

5.2 . Global Responsibility Framework

Responsible Contact: Eva Leptien (eva.leptien@uni-hamburg.de), Antje Katzschner (antje.katzschner@uni-hamburg.de)

Workshop 6

6.1. Creating Engaging Content about Research and Campus Life; Part 1

Workshop focusing on the production of short videos for social media, centered on science communication and student life.

Participants will learn how to produce engaging content for various target audiences. The main idea of the workshop is to demonstrate how you can effectively reach specific target audiences on social media by using a diverse team of communication advisers and content producers.

The aim is also to show how you can experiment with new formats and channels to improve storytelling.

Participants will learn to use effective communication techniques and narratives that engage different target audiences.

Responsible Contact: Jessica Mann (jessica.mann@uni-hamburg.de), Kim Bredesen (kim.bredesen@uit.no) UiT The Arctic University of Norway

6.2. Open slot for additional workshop, topic tbd (e.g. Regional Cooperation)

Workshop 7

7.1 Creating Engaging Content about Research and Campus Life; Part 2

Responsible Contact: Jessica Mann (jessica.mann@uni-hamburg.de), Kim Bredesen
(kim.bredesen@uit.no) UiT The Arctic University of Norway

7.2. Blended Intensive Programmes

Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs) allow students to engage in cross-border collaboration without the time and financial commitment required for traditional mobility formats, while still benefiting from in-person interactions and cultural immersion.

The aim of this workshop is to explore how these programs can be implemented and to discuss potential challenges that may arise.

Participants will share their ideas and practices to explore new ways of supporting the students and develop mobility opportunities and services that are truly aligned with the needs of students. This will allow us to not only meet the current demands of student mobility but also to proactively shape its future by incorporating more flexible, inclusive, and innovative approaches.

Responsible Contact: Nadine Stäcker (erasmus.coordination@uni-hamburg.de)