In three thematic areas and eleven workshops, participants explored questions of democracy, participation, and social cohesion. These practical formats were complemented by public panels and discussion rounds that brought together perspectives from design, architecture, social work, and civil society. The focus was not on finding quick fixes, but rather on collaboratively examining how we want to shape the future.

The participants developed interventions in public spaces, explored vacancy as a resource for community, created democratic visions of the future, translated voices into visual forms, and tested new avenues of participation. Conversations sparked ideas. Ideas gave rise to artifacts, installations, prototypes, actions, and discussions.

In the thematic area of “Protest & Intervention”, participants in the lab “We come to disturb!” used city walks, changes of perspective and temporary interventions to make urban exclusions visible.
 

“Design can make visible what is systematically overlooked in urban space. In the ‘We come to disturb’ lab, we explored together who finds little space in public space and how solidarity and civic courage can be shaped through shared observation,” says Prof. Annelie Franke, Professor of Media Design at IU International University of Applied Sciences and initiator of the camp.

“Signs & Community” translated voices, speech and sounds into visual forms using audio-reactive techniques in the “Show Voice” lab.
 

“A shared future emerges where different perspectives meet. Design creates the opportunities and spaces in which exchange gives rise to new ideas and visions of the future,” says Prof. Tanja Godlewsky, Professor of Media Design at IU International University of Applied Sciences.

The "City & Participation" lab "Vacancy for All" understood the city as a space for negotiation and discussed existing buildings and obsolescence as resources for third places. This was complemented by the design-build project " Dialogue Kiosk," a temporary, modular piece of urban furniture made from reused materials, conceived as a public space for encounters and exchange.
 

“Good architecture begins with listening. The Dialogue Kiosk shows how vacant spaces can be transformed into new places for learning, encounters, and transformation through exchange, participation, and collaborative action,” says Prof. Dr-Ing. Bettina-Maria Müller, Professor of Architecture at IU International University of Applied Sciences and Project Manager for Architecture.

The "Taking up space together" sprint of social work asked during a neighbourhood walk who takes up space in Frankfurt's neighbourhoods and who does not.

Further sprints focused on fundamental rights as a design task, the concept of "democracy in one word", "signs for peace" in the tradition of Matisse, the role of brands in democratic discourses, and democratic utopias in authoritarian times.

The programme was complemented by the school workshop "Memes for Democracy" . Students from Frankfurt developed their own visual responses to hate speech and fake news.
 

Current societal and social challenges require new, transdisciplinary approaches. Activating vacant spaces, in particular, holds potential. It can create so-called third places - open spaces for encounters, exchange, and participation - and thus strengthen democratic processes in everyday life.

Design plays a central role in this process. Design makes issues visible, translates ideas into concrete experiences, and opens up new forms of participation. In conjunction with architecture and social work, formats emerge that promote social engagement and bring together diverse perspectives.

The Design Democracy Camp combined discussion, design, and public presentation. Ideas were developed in workshops and labs, discussed in panels, and made visible through interventions, prototypes, and a public exhibition.

The potential of this approach became particularly evident in the numerous encounters with passersby and visitors. The developed works served as conversation starters and opened up spaces for exchange, reflection, and collaborative thinking about social issues. The public final exhibition demonstrated the great interest in such formats and the strong desire of many people to participate, contribute their ideas, and help shape the future.

The results of all workshops, including posters, mappings, interventions, installations, the dialogue kiosk and visual statements, were presented in a public exhibition on campus on the last evening.
 

A key insight from the camp is that thinking arises not only through discussion, but also through collaborative action. Design creates concrete opportunities for exchange, makes different perspectives visible, and opens up spaces in which the future of society can be designed together.

The Design Democracy Camp is therefore not intended as a one-off event. The format is designed as a prototype for new forms of learning, research, and collaboration, and is thus transferable to other cities and contexts. It demonstrates the potential that arises when universities open their doors and become places where the future of society is shaped together.

The camp was supported by approximately 16 professors from the fields of media design, architecture, and social work. The project was led by Prof. Dr Annelie Franke, Prof. Tanja Godlewsky, Prof. Dr-Ing. Bettina-Maria Müller, and Prof. Holger Ziemann. Participation was free of charge.

Background: World Design Capital 2026

The World Design Organisation awards the title "World Design Capital" every two years to a city or region that uses design specifically for social, environmental, and economic development. In 2026, the Frankfurt Rhine-Main region will hold this title under the motto "Design for Democracy — Atmospheres for a better life".

We offer the following for your reporting:

• Sound bites and interview opportunities with the speakers
• Insight into the live-created Sustainable Media Development Goals Map
• Images available upon request

Programme highlights:

• Keynote: Eva Nemela, Executive Director of the Körber Foundation – “The value of media and journalism for our society”
• Impulses: Prof. Dr. Lisa-Charlotte Wolter (Head of IU RCSMM), Prof. Dr. Daniel Graewe (Academic Advisory Board IU RCSMM) and media and advertising professionals of the IU RCSMM Board (including NDR Media, Welect, radiozentrale, teads, RMS, 720Health, bvdw/OVK, GWA)

The key data:

• What: Sustainability workshop “Hamburg shapes the future of the media landscape”
• When: Wednesday, 1 July 2026, 10 am – 1 pm
• Where: Hamburg Chamber of Commerce
• Results presentation: from 6 pm in the Dome in the Future Garden at Rathausmarkt (separate registration requested)

Press registration/accreditation:

until Monday, 29 June 2026
rcsmm@iu.org
Prof. Dr Lisa-Charlotte Wolter
Head of IU Research Center for Sustainable Media & Marketing

We look forward to your visit and are also happy to answer any questions and discuss matters with you outside of the event.

Oxford/Erfurt, 9 June 2026. How can companies make sound, data-driven decisions during the energy transition? IU students explored precisely this question for the future during a two-week programme in April 2026 at Oriel College, University of Oxford. As part of a jointly developed certificate programme entitled "Sustainable Energy Systems – Strategic Data Driven Decisions," they analysed the challenges of modern energy systems – at one of the world's most prestigious universities. With this new programme, IU International University of Applied Sciences is further expanding its collaboration with the University of Oxford.

This two-week intensive academic programme is exclusively for IU students. Developed in collaboration with IU and delivered by Oriel College, it offers an in-depth exploration of modern energy systems and the global transformation towards sustainable solutions. Through lectures, interactive workshops, and project-based learning formats, participants analyse the challenges and opportunities of sustainable energy systems and data-driven decision-making processes. The aim is to combine sound scientific principles with practical applications and to prepare students specifically for key issues in energy and data economics.

In keeping with Oxford's high teaching standards and academic excellence, the programme combines academic rigor with concrete practical application. Students work on both individual and group-based, supervised projects and are encouraged to work critically, using data and finding solutions. The practice-oriented assignments foster analytical skills, innovation, adaptability, and intercultural collaboration – and encourage participants to develop beyond their comfort zone.

In addition to the academic content, participants benefit from the unique study environment on site. The programme offers insights into Oxford's historic college structure and allows them to experience firsthand the collegial atmosphere of one of the world's most prestigious universities. Direct interaction with international lecturers and fellow students also strengthens intercultural competence and expands personal and academic networks.

The collaboration between IU International University of Applied Sciences and Oriel College underscores both institutions' commitment to developing innovative international learning formats and providing students with early access to global academic networks. With this Certificate Programme, the partners are sending a strong signal for practice-oriented internationalisation and excellent academic training in the future-oriented field of sustainable energy systems.

“The programme aims to cultivate globally minded IU graduates equipped with both the analytical skills and creative perspective needed to address the world's most challenging energy demands. It represents a meeting of academic excellence and practical insight: an opportunity for IU students to learn, connect, and grow within the inspiring intellectual environment of Oxford,” says Prof. Kunal Saigal, Academic Director for International Markets at IU International University of Applied Sciences and Head of the Programme.

Stefan Mageney is being honoured for his many years of exceptional volunteer work. Following the devastating tsunami in Southeast Asia in 2004, he initiated a benefit festival to raise funds for the victims. This initiative later led to the founding of the association "Wuppertal hilft!" (Wuppertal Helps!), which Mageney co-founded and of which he remains the chairman. For many years, the association has organised numerous fundraising events for social causes.

Engagement through strong networking in the music scene

Thanks to his close contacts in the music scene, the rock singer repeatedly succeeded in recruiting many musicians for charity performances. The participating artists waived their fees. Since 2005, this has raised approximately €500,000, which has been donated to foundations and associations supporting people in need.

Beyond his work with the club, Stefan Mageney also made a social impact: After a severe bout of COVID-19, he participated in a campaign by the Ministry of Health. Using the hashtag #IchHatteCorona (I Had COVID), he called for people to take the disease seriously.

Back in 2016, the city of Wuppertal had already recognised his commitment and awarded him the "Wuppertaler" prize for his services to "Wuppertal hilft!" (Wuppertal Helps!). The Federal President's Medal of Merit, now awarded to him, is the logical next step in the national recognition of his lasting contribution to the common good.

IU congratulates Stefan Mageney most sincerely – for his exemplary role, which visibly strengthens society and community.

Jenny Elisa Pabst, from Hamburg, investigated in her master's thesis at IU International University of Applied Sciences how Hamburg daycare center directors promote the diversity skills of their teams with regard to the inclusion of autistic children. Pabst will receive the IU Diversity Award 2025 for this work. This award is presented twice a year by IU and recognises outstanding theses that address diversity, equal opportunities, and social participation in a scientifically sound and practically relevant manner.

“With her work, Jenny Elisa Pabst makes an important contribution to the further development of inclusive practices in early childhood education. Her findings illustrate the key role that managers play with regard to inclusion and how they can contribute to it. Her work combines in-depth expertise with great professionalism and empathy,” explained Ariane Weber, staff member in the Equal Opportunities Office of IU International University of Applied Sciences and project manager of the IU Diversity Award, justifying the jury's decision.

Inclusive daycare centers need strong leadership.

The award-winning master's thesis by Jenny Elisa Pabst focuses on how managers in daycare centers can specifically promote the diversity skills of their staff in order to enable inclusive and discrimination-sensitive practices. The focus is on the inclusion of autistic children, who in everyday daycare life still face structural barriers as well as normative and sometimes discriminatory notions of "disability" and "autism."

The results of the master's thesis clearly show that daycare center directors play a key role . They act as multipliers between children, staff, the sponsoring organisation, and families, and can make a significant contribution to an inclusive organisational culture. At the same time, it becomes clear that Germany still has considerable ground to make up in implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities – particularly in the areas of accessibility and structural support.

Nevertheless, Pabst observes a positive development: "Societal understanding of autism and neurodiversity is growing noticeably."

Science, practice and personal perspective

Jenny Elisa Pabst's motivation for her thesis grew over several years. Even during her bachelor's degree in social work, she worked continuously in educational settings with neurodivergent children, completed internships, and participated in university research projects on equal opportunities for preschool children. She subsequently continued this commitment as a manager in an inclusive preschool. Currently, Pabst works in the preschool provider advisory service of the Hamburg BSFB (Association for Social Services and Family Support), advising preschool providers and childcare facilities, including on the topics of inclusion and autism.

Her empirical study is based, among other things, on interviews with daycare center directors who, despite high motivation, are often limited in their work by restricted time, personnel, and financial resources. These lack of resources can ultimately lead to barriers in the care of autistic children in daycare centers and restrict their access to childcare services. The work gains particular depth through its own neurodivergent perspective, which is reflected upon and professionally integrated into the research.

“What’s special about this work is the consistent connection between scientific findings and professional practice,” says Pabst. “My goal is that research doesn’t just sit on a shelf, but provides concrete support to children, families, professionals, and organisations.”

As part of her master's thesis, Pabst collaborated with daycare center directors from six of Hamburg's seven districts, whom she does not professionally supervise. She will strategically share the insights gained within her professional field and apply them in her consulting practice so that as many Hamburg daycare centers, children, and families as possible can benefit.

Studying as a solution for self-realization

Jenny Elisa Pabst comes from a non-academic background and is therefore particularly proud of her master's degree in "Pedagogy, Educational Counseling, and Leadership," which she was able to finance in part with a Germany Scholarship. Distance learning at IU gave her maximum flexibility to combine work, family, and studies. Thanks to modern digital teaching methods and additional courses for acquiring future skills, she is now also considered an "AI expert" on her team.

“Special thanks go to my programme director, Karin Thiel. The professional exchange with her, as well as with numerous other lecturers and fellow students, was incredibly helpful in my successful graduation,” said Pabst. She doesn't rule out pursuing a doctorate in the future, but above all wants to remain in the field and actively contribute to quality development in childcare.

About the IU Diversity Award

IU International University of Applied Sciences has been awarding the IU Diversity Award twice a year since 2018. The jury consists of a ten-member team of staff members from various departments. IU students have the opportunity to submit their bachelor's or master's theses. In 2025, in addition to Jenny Elisa Pabst, Alina Klein from Bochum also received the award for her work on improving the treatment of queer refugees in Germany. The IU Diversity Award aims to contribute to raising public awareness of diversity research and includes a prize of 500 euros. Further information on equality and diversity at IU can be found at: https://www.iu.de/en/university/diversity/

The transformation of the construction industry requires a radical rethink

The construction sector worldwide is facing profound change: resource scarcity, climate change, and societal shifts demand a radical rethinking of planning, material selection, and construction processes. What role do experimental approaches, real-world laboratories, or circular value chains play in this transformation of the construction industry? How can ecological, economic, and social aspects be integrated in practice? How can research findings be successfully transferred into built reality? And how does this change aesthetics and architectural culture?

The invited speakers will present inspiring projects, introduce the latest research findings and discuss approaches – from the development of circular materials to digital planning processes and built examples of sustainable architecture.

Dates & Topics

(all lectures are held in German)

January 16, 2026, 2:00 PM
Systemic transformation for the construction revolution
Martin Bittmann & Julia Dorn (BuildSystems, Munich)

January 16, 2026, 4:00 PM
The mobility transition begins in the neighborhood.
Sophie Stigliano (Urban Standards, Munich)

January 20, 2026, 12:00 PM
Empathy and Transformation / Over Time
Serafina Eipert (eipert winter Architects) & Elena Masla (etal. Architects, Munich)

January 20, 2026, 2:00 PM
Typological structures as a conscious renunciation
Daniel Penzis & Giulio Bettini (PENZISBETTINI. Architects, Zurich)

January 22, 2026, 2:00 PM
We Connect – Nikken Wood Lab
Takuya Oba (Nikken Sekkei LTD, Nikken Wood Lab, Tokyo)

January 26, 2026, 10:00 AM
Greenhouse gas emissions in structural design – planning approaches from Switzerland
Fabio Pesavento (ZPF engineers, Basel/Zurich)

January 27, 2026, 10:00 AM
Thinking in motion
Andrea Wiegelmann (Publishing Director, Triest Verlag, HTA Freiburg, Switzerland)

January 27, 2026, 12:00 PM
How much is enough? On the house without heating and other projects made of wood in the context of sufficiency and sustainability.
Jan Bohnert & Christian Neuburger (*neuburger, bohnert und müller Architekten, Munich)

January 30, 2026, 10:00 AM
Never waste a good resource
Kim le Roux (LXSY Architecture, Berlin)

January 30, 2026, 2:00 PM
Yesterday. Status quo. What's next?
Prof. Matthias Rudolph (Transsolar, ABK Stuttgart)

February 3, 2026, 10:00 AM
Planning practice: Comfort, energy, resources
Prof. Michael Wengert (MW Energiebuero, Biberach University of Applied Sciences)

February 3, 2026, 12:00 PM
Island Ecologies
Prof. Susanne Brorson (Susanne Brorson Studio, Academy of Fine Arts Vienna)

February 10, 2026, 10:00 AM
Designing daylight and artificial light for people and the environment
Robert Müller (Kardorff Engineers, Innsbruck)

February 10, 2026, 12:00 PM
cabin magic
Prof. Tobias Maisch (FRIDA Architects, Dresden) & Prof. Michael Weichler (NEW Architects, Cologne)

Participation & Access

The lectures will take place online via Zoom.
Participation is free and open to everyone.

Zoom link for participation: https://tinyurl.com/32JSD6B5

The series is organised by the following IU professors from the Department of Architecture:

Prof. Dipl.-Ing. m.arch Ulrike Wietzorrek

Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Thorsten Klooster

Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Bettina-Maria Müller

Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Stefan Rappold

Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Manuel Du

Contact for questions about the lecture series

Ulrike Wietzorrek
ulrike.wietzorrek@iu.org

Creative solutions sought for an industry in transition

The real estate industry is facing a complex polycrisis in the face of climate change, the energy crisis, regulatory consolidation, volatile markets and social change. Traditional approaches are becoming less and less effective. Sustainable solutions emerge where sustainability, digitalisation, social innovation and new business models are consistently considered together.

The goal of climate neutrality by 2045 reinforces this pressure for transformation. Holistic concepts are needed – from decarbonisation and energy-efficient renovation of existing buildings to intelligent energy and neighbourhood solutions to digital service and platform models that combine ecological responsibility, social impact and economic viability.

The award focuses on the students' wealth of ideas and creative drive and shows the contribution that young talent can make to the sustainable, digital and resilient development of the real estate industry.

Platform for thought leaders

The IU Innovation Award recognises outstanding theses that impress with creative problem-solving and a strong connection between theory and practice. The evaluation focuses in particular on theses that focus on sustainability, digitalisation, social innovation and new business models.

The award ceremony will take place on 10 June at Real Estate Arena 2026 in Hanover, one of the industry's most important real estate trade fairs and future conferences. This gives the winners an ideal platform to present their concepts to leading experts and make important contacts for their professional future.

Apply now!

Students of the housing and real estate industry who completed their bachelor's or master's thesis with a grade of 1.7 or better in the past year are cordially invited to apply by 15 May 2026. 

All information about the application and the prizes is available at: 
https://www.iu.de/lp/iu-innovationspreis/ 

All information about the 2025 winners:
https://www.iu.de/news/en/iu-innovation-award-2025-these-are-the-winners/ 

Florian Ebrecht, professor at IU, COO/CFO at meravis real estate group and initiator of the innovation award, emphasises: 

“Last year's submissions already showed how diverse and relevant our students' research in Germany is and how much we need new approaches and food for thought. We are very excited about this year's submissions.”

ABOUT THE MERAVIS REAL ESTATE GROUP

The meravis Real Estate Group is a nationwide real estate service provider based in Hanover and Hamburg. For over 75 years, it has managed approximately 12,650 of its own residential and commercial units and has developed over 23,500 residential units. Its portfolio includes residential buildings, student apartments, hotels, retirement homes, and commercial properties. The company, with approximately 220 employees, is managed by Matthias Herter and Prof. Dr. Florian Ebrecht. Its future goals include sustainable, digital residential neighbourhoods, including through its own PropTech platform Spiri, as well as through initiatives in New Work, sustainability, and digitalisation.

Renowned experts from science and practice provide insights into how built space can respond to the climate and resource crisis – through innovative design, research and collaboration.

After a successful launch in June, the series of exciting lectures continues until the end of July. Further dates are planned for the upcoming winter semester, starting in October 2025.

About the series “Aspects of Sustainability”

The lecture series reflects the current discourse on the transformation of the construction industry and demonstrates how sustainability can be conceived, researched, and implemented in architecture and the construction industry today and in the future. Given the construction industry's high climate relevance, IU is placing particular emphasis on future-oriented approaches and innovative practices.

The lectures will illuminate various – sometimes contradictory – perspectives, from experimental research to realised projects. They will illuminate the ecological, technical, cultural, and social dimensions of sustainable design.

Upcoming dates in July:

• July 10th, 11:30 a.m. – Amandus Samsøe Sattler (Ensømble, Berlin):
  The circular aesthetics of sustainable construction
• July 16, 10:00 a.m. – Thomas Auer (transsolar, Stuttgart/Munich/New York):
  Simply rebuild!
• July 17, 9:30 a.m. – Max Otto Zitzelsberger (Munich):
  Design Talk: Learning center for environmental education in Nabburg and more
• July 18, 10:00 a.m. – Maike van Stiphout (DS landscape architects, Amsterdam):
  Nature-Inclusive Design
• July 23, 10:00 a.m. – Anne Niemann (TH Rosenheim):
  Simply build – simply good?
• July 24, 10:00 a.m. – Boris Peter (c4 engineers, Stuttgart):
  Designing in times of climate change
• July 24, 12:00 PM – Matthias Fuchs (ee concept, Darmstadt)
  Less is different – sufficiency as a planning strategy
• July 30, 10:00 a.m. – Florian Dilg & Julius Klaffke (Task Force Building Type E, bogevischs büro):
  Building sustainably together – Building type E
• July 31, 9:30 a.m. – Martin Wißmann (bogevischs büro, Munich):
  Qualifying existing stock – Design Talk

Participation & Access

The lectures will take place online via Zoom and are mostly held in German.
Participation is free and open to everyone.

Zoom link to participate:
https://iubh.zoom.us/j/5607247166?pwd=Q2JLSCs4elIzOXJrcE1Id2VyK3Judz09

The series is organised by the following IU professors:

• Prof. Ulrike Wietzorrek, Professorship of Architecture & City
• Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Bettina-Maria Müller, Professorship of Architecture
• Prof. Thorsten Klooster, Professorship of Architecture
• Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Hans Nungeßer, Professorship of Architecture
• Prof. Stefan Rappold, Professorship of Architecture
• Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Henry Ripke, Professorship of Architecture

Berlin/Erfurt, May 19, 2025. With the “Diversity Maturity Model”, IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU), Germany's largest university, and the Diversity Charter (Charta der Vielfalt), Germany's largest employer initiative for promoting diversity in the workplace, are introducing a joint tool that supports companies in systematically classifying their diversity measures through a self-assessment. The model was developed by IU professors Sonja Würtemberger and Katharina-Maria Rehfeld together with Heiko Holz (research assistant), as well as Corina Christen and Şeyma Erdi from the Diversity Charter.

The Diversity Maturity Model, available as of today, is the first freely available model of its kind nationwide. The model is distinguished by two features: Despite the considerable development effort, it is free of charge, and despite the complexity of the topic, it is very easy to use. The model is designed to help companies in Germany assess their current status in terms of DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) and define practical steps toward greater diversity and participation. It is suitable for all types and sizes of organisations: micro and small enterprises, medium-sized companies, and large corporations.
 

Diversity and participation: “Now more than ever!”

“For us, now is exactly the right time to demonstrate a clear stance on diversity, equality and participation,” says IU Professor Sonja Würtemberger in response to the US president’s order to cancel DEI programmes – a development that also affects German companies.

Katharina-Maria Rehfeld , also a professor at IU and co-developer of the maturity model, emphasises: "But attitude alone is not enough for us: With the radar, we are giving companies in Germany the tools they need to take action so that they can strengthen their own DEI efforts instead of abandoning them."

“The Diversity Maturity Model provides international companies like ours with scientifically sound and objective recommendations for promoting an inclusive work environment,” says Stephan Schütz, DEI Manager at Daimler Truck AG, who was part of the project team that developed the model. “The link to the employee lifecycle in particular offers clear practical relevance. The assessment shows where companies are well positioned and where there is room for improvement.”

"The Diversity Maturity Model is a unique guide for companies in Germany – practical, multi-layered, and scientifically sound," adds Dr Eva Voß , Chair of the Board of the Diversity Charter. "It enables precise self-assessment and will make it easier for many to strategically structure and effectively develop their DEI work. I am very much looking forward to applying the model in my daily professional life in the future."

A study by IU on the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace shows that such corporate commitment is also a decisive factor in employees' career choices: 75.1 per cent of tomorrow's skilled workers expect potential employers to implement diversity and inclusion measures in the workplace. For 38.2 per cent, equal opportunities are among the top three reasons for choosing a company.

Diversity Maturity Model: Project launch in summer 24, go live in May 25

The Diversity Maturity Model is based on a total of 24 qualitative interviews that the two IU researchers conducted with DEI experts from companies after the project launched last summer. The project was supplemented by a comprehensive literature review to scientifically substantiate the interviews and a multi-stage validation of the results by experts from the field. The methodological approach is described in detail in the recently published paper . Starting today, companies can self-assess the maturity of their DEI efforts in a free, open-access assessment.

The model was programmed by D² - Denkfabrik Diversität , a Würzburg-based startup that, in addition to consulting services, also develops digital tools for diversity management in the public and private sectors. The result of this collaboration is a practical maturity model for diversity management in companies.

When diversity wins, Germany wins

At German Diversity Day on May 27, the Diversity Maturity Model will be part of the live event hosted by the Diversity Charter in Berlin. Under the motto "When Diversity Wins, Germany Wins," the Diversity Charter is creating a day of action for companies and institutions across Germany for the 13th time to demonstrate their commitment to diversity and a respectful, prejudice-free workplace. Project manager Şeyma Erdi of the Diversity Charter, and IU Professor Würtemberger together with Heiko Holz will be present at this year's live event in Berlin and will provide insights into the model's development process.

For interviews and background discussions, please contact us at: presse@iu.org and presse@charta-der-vielfalt.de

Test the Diversity Maturity Model yourself now

https://www.diversity-reifegrad.de/
 

ABOUT THE CHARTER OF DIVERSITY

The Diversity Charter is the largest employer initiative promoting diversity in companies and institutions in Germany. It advocates for a respectful and prejudice-free working environment in which all employees – regardless of age, ethnic origin and nationality, gender and gender identity, physical and mental abilities, religion and ideology, sexual orientation, and social background – can develop their potential. Learn more at: https://www.charta-der-vielfalt.de/

Creative solutions sought for the challenges facing the industry

The goal of German climate protection legislation to achieve climate neutrality by 2045 presents the real estate industry with enormous challenges. In addition to changes in the regulatory area, forward-looking innovations and new perspectives are needed, particularly in the areas of decarbonisation, smart energy solutions, neighbourly coexistence and a new level of service and communication. The award relies on the ideas and innovative strength of the new generation of students.

Platform for thought leaders

The IU Innovation Award recognises outstanding theses that impress with creative solutions and a strong combination of theory and practice. In particular, the award focuses on theses with a focus on sustainability, digitalisation, social innovations and new business models.

The award ceremony will take place on 15 May at the Real Estate Arena 2025 in Hanover, one of the most important real estate trade fairs and future conferences in the industry. This provides the winners with an ideal platform to present their concepts to leading experts and to make important contacts for their professional future.

Apply now!

Students of the housing and real estate industry who completed their bachelor's or master's thesis with a grade of 1.7 or better in the past year are cordially invited to apply by 13 April 2025. All information about the application and the prizes is available at: https://www.iu.de/lp/iu-innovationspreis/

In this playful way, the children familiarised themselves with topics relating to science, technology, engineering and mathamatics (= STEM), an area in which there is still a great need for skilled workers.

“The earlier and more positive the access to STEM topics, the more likely it is that children will develop a more open and interested attitude towards this field and later choose a STEM profession,” says Prof. Dr Annette Schneider, Professor of Childhood Education at IU. She came up with the idea for the experimentation day and implemented it together with her students. “It's a great project that offers our future childhood educators real practical relevance and with which we can jointly contribute to early STEM promotion, which should be expanded even further in the Ulm area,” adds the professor. In one of her surveys, she found that only less than 10 per cent of daycare centres still offer STEM projects. A decline that she would like to counteract with passion and commitment.

This was the second time that Prof. Dr Schneider had processed the experimentation day with a group of students. 14 dual students from the IU's Childhood Education study programme were able to plan, design and implement the project independently. In various teams, they took care of the room concept, time management, materials and finances, marketing and overall project coordination. The selection and preparation of the experiments was also part of their project. On the day itself, they guided the children through the various experiments, imparted knowledge and reflected on their experiences and findings afterwards in a scientific protocol. As there was already a great deal of interest last year, the students processed this year's experimentation day in two rounds. The first group started in the morning, the other in the afternoon.

For both the children and the students, the experimentation day was great fun with a lasting effect. There was also great gratitude on the part of the professionals at the participating daycare centres. “Unfortunately, we can't process something like this on this scale ourselves at our centre, so we think it's great that IU is offering this experiment day free of charge,” said several of them.

Professor Schneider would like to establish the project as a permanent part of her study programme and preferably process it several times a year in order to give as many children as possible in Ulm access to the STEM field. “However, this would require cooperation partners or sponsors who would like to expand this programme with us,” says Schneider, who is happy to receive interested enquiries at annette.schneider@iu.org.

About the dual study programme at IU

In the dual study programme at IU International University of Applied Sciences, students gain practical experience in a company in their region alongside theory in lectures and seminars. Students can apply and test the knowledge they have learnt directly in the split week or alternating weeks. They complete the theoretical part either in the traditional way on site at one of the campus locations across Germany, via online teaching or from any location on the Virtual Campus. A high proportion of practical work within the programme prepares students ideally for their entry into working life. Further information at: https://www.iu.de/duales-studium/

All information on the dual study programme Childhood Education can be found at: https://www.iu.de/bachelor/kindheitspadagogik/duales-studium/

“Felix's work impressively demonstrates how media can be used creatively to reduce interpersonal prejudices and make queer life realities more visible,” said Nicola Schmidt-Geheb, equal opportunities officer at IU. 

A personal project close to his heart 

As someone who identifies as part of the LGBTQIA+ community, Felix Würkner is well aware of the obstacles and challenges that people can face, both as adolescents and as adults. “Queer children and young people need more support, representation and visibility,” says Würkner. “With my work, I want to make a small contribution to reducing homophobia and transphobia.” 

For his bachelor's thesis, Felix Würkner conducted interviews with six queer people from Berlin. Their stories are at the heart of the campaign – six different life backgrounds, six different sexualities, six different gender identities and many different reactions they have experienced in dealing with their fellow human beings. Emotional, profound and enlightening.

“The results of my research show how important it is to start education early on – for both young people and adults,” explains Würkner. Surveys at Berlin educational institutions, for example, have shown that there is a need for action here to give teachers in particular more confidence in dealing with queer topics. Awareness workshops and information brochures could help here. Digital and social media, which are used primarily by younger people, would in turn create visibility and representation. Accordingly, Würkner designed his #ColourFueledHearts concept for many different media channels. 

With the IU Diversity Award, IU honors not only Würkner's scientific achievements but also his commitment to greater tolerance in society. 

From theory to the world wide web 

Würkner implemented the cross-media campaign, which was initially developed fictitiously, before he had even completed his studies. The content produced can be seen on Instagram and YouTube under the hashtag #ColourFueledHearts and is free to share.

One special aspect of his work is that Würkner tried to integrate queer influences into almost all areas of his work. For example, the campaign logo was inspired by the works of the American gay graphic designer Kyle Letendre. Its color scheme is based on the colors of the trans flag. The color gradient underscores the idea that gender and sexuality are a kind of spectrum and that there is more than just black and white. In addition to his queer interview partners, Würkner also worked with a queer photography student who helped with the implementation. “I even developed a custom font for the project, which I put together from letters from children to their parents, including mine, to bridge the gap between content and design here as well,” says Würkner. 

Links to the videos & campaign content:  
https://www.instagram.com/colourfueledhearts 
https://www.youtube.com/@ColourFueledHearts  
 

About Felix Würkner 

Felix Würkner is 34 years old and has been living in Berlin for five years. Before his studies, he gained experience in various creative professions, worked as a dancer for several years and now works as a graphic designer in an advertising agency. A dual study programme in his early 30s gave him the opportunity to further his education in his favorite industry and gain practical experience in his company at the same time. At IU, he studied in a split week model – two days at the university, three days at the company – and was thus able to apply his new knowledge directly. With his passion for creative projects, he is pursuing the goal of gaining a foothold in the advertising industry as an art director. As the uncle of a little nephew and a little niece, he wants nothing more than “[...] that the two grow up to be open and enlightened people who don't have to fear the fear of rejection if they ever realize that they feel a little ‘different’.” 

About the IU Diversity Award 

The IU International University of Applied Sciences has been presenting the IU Diversity Award twice a year since 2018. In 2024, in addition to Felix Würkner, IU graduate Melissa Ockelmann from Hamburg also received the prestigious award. In her bachelor's thesis, she addressed the topic of inclusion in old age and presented a queer-sensitive model for open work with senior citizens. The jury of the IU Diversity Award consists of a team of ten employees from different departments. IU students from Germany and abroad have the opportunity to submit their bachelor's or master's theses. The IU Diversity Award aims to contribute to increasing public awareness of the research field of diversity and is endowed with a prize of 500 euros. Further information on equality and diversity at the IU can be found at: https://www.iu.de/en/university/diversity/

About the dual study programme in media design 

In the dual bachelor's programme in media design at IU, students learn how to creatively convey information and messages. It covers both analog and digital content preparation and delivery, equipping students with knowledge of relevant tools and strategies. Students become experts in web design, cross-media strategies, video editing, and app development, and gain insights into typography and printing technologies. For more information about the programme, visit: https://www.iu-dualesstudium.de/bachelor/mediendesign/

Erfurt, Germany, 3 December 2024. The IU Research Center for Sustainable Media and Marketing (RCSMM) celebrated its launch in Hamburg with an inspiring kick-off event on 26 November 2024. Around 70 representatives from academia, business and the media came together to discuss forward-looking and transparent standards for responsible and sustainable media planning in the media industry.

Prof. Dr Lisa-Charlotte Wolter, Head of the IU RCSMM, and Alex Čaičics, Head of Sustainability and ESG Communication at IU Group, kicked off the event by jointly welcoming the guests and introducing the IU and the research project.

"The value chain in the media and advertising industry is becoming increasingly complex - characterised by global players, diverse media genres and new technologies such as artificial intelligence. In order to develop sustainable strategies that combine economic success with responsibility, a detailed analysis of the processes and the involvement of diverse stakeholders is essential", explains Wolter, adding: “With Bundesverband Digitale Wirtschaft (BVDW), NDR Media, IQ Digital, Radiozentrale, Wort & Bild Verlag, RMS Radio Marketing Service and Teads, we already have strong and representative stakeholders that reflect the media landscape in all its diversity - from associations and digital platforms to marketers and public sector players, which is crucial for the development of practical and sustainable strategies.”

Keynote speech and discussion: Focus on "Value Media" 

A highlight was the keynote speech by Prof Dr Sylvia Chan-Olmsted (University of Florida), who spoke on the topic of "Value Media & AI That Enhances Human Value". Her remarks emphasised the opportunities that arise from the responsible use of artificial intelligence for sustainable and human-centric value creation.

Dr Moritz Holzgraefe (BVDW) then moderated a lively panel discussion on "Responsibility for a sustainable media landscape - what solutions does the industry provide and how do we take action?"

Experts from various initiatives and companies were involved:

• Nadja Schick (Group M) presented the "Back to News" initiative, which aims to strengthen trustworthy media through targeted advertising funds.
• Florian Ecker (Media Plus) presented the sustainability strategy of Mediaplus.
• Holger Thalheimer (Initiative18) spoke about the importance of education and empowerment in the media and introduced Initiative18, an association of committed experts from the media industry, journalism and research.
• Steffen Johann Hubert (Seven.One Media and IAB Europe) provided insights into Seven.One Media's sustainability standards and their European relevance.

Another highlight was the stage panel, where stakeholders emphasised the relevance and benefits of the new research centre. You can find the partners' views on the importance of the IU Research Centre for the industry at the end of the press release.

New partnerships welcome: Opportunities for advertisers, social media and digital platforms 

The day was rounded off with a presentation of the research centre's next steps. "We discussed the key challenges and opportunities together with our partners. The discourse illustrates how valuable the exchange was and how dynamic collaboration is. The Research Centre will continue to work closely with industry in the future to create innovative and practical solutions that will transform the media and advertising industry in the long term. Our aim is to drive forward research with concrete benefits for society and industry", concludes Wolter.

What the partners say about the importance of the IU Research Centre for the media industry

f.l.t.r.: Tino Meitz (University of Münster), Alex Čaičics (Head of Sustainability and ESG Communication at IU Group), Dr. Moritz Holzgraefe (BVDW Vice President), Prof. Dr. Sylvia Chan-Olmsted (University of Florida), Prof. Dr. Lisa-Charlotte Wolter (Head of the IU RCSMM), Maik Rogge (COO IQ Digital), Ronja Böhlke (Head of Marketing and Deputy Head of Media Management at Wort & Bild Verlag), Niclas Hübner (Head of Sales NDR Media), Grit Leithäuser (Managing Director of Radiozentrale), Sven Thölen (CEO Radio Marketing Service)

Dr Moritz Holzgraefe, BVDW Vice President: "For the BVDW, it is clear that sustainable standards are essential for the digital economy. Together with the IU, we want to involve the relevant stakeholders and create a fact-based approach that builds trust and promotes sustainability."

Niclas Hübner, Head of Sales at NDR Media: "Trust, transparency and relevance characterise successful media - and should also guide media planning. Together with the IU Research Centre for Sustainable Media & Marketing, we are developing standards that both integrate ESG principles and ensure sustainable and responsible media planning."

Steffen Bax, Managing Director of IQ Digital: "We are very pleased about the cooperation with IU International University of Applied Sciences and the Research Centre for Sustainable Media and Marketing under the direction of Prof. Dr Lisa-Charlotte Wolter. The topics of value media and sustainability are immensely important to us, which is why we support fact-based and scientific research in this area. We also have a great interest in transparent framework conditions and standards in the media industry so that responsible decisions in media planning can be made measurable."

Grit Leithäuser, Managing Director of Radiozentrale: "Radio reaches 52 million people every day with good, reliable information and accompanies young and old throughout the day. We are therefore very aware of the power of the medium and the value of the medium is very important to us. Making these values recognisable and comparable across media is of particular interest to us. By supporting the development of media value standards through the independent project of the IU Research Centre, we see a great opportunity for our changing media world to anchor new valuable aspects in media evaluation."

Ronja Böhlke, Head of Marketing and Deputy Head of Media Management at Wort & Bild Verlag: "As Wort & Bild Verlag, we bear a special responsibility for our society. Health is a matter of trust and health requires knowledge. Our media build a bridge between medicine and people. Because people are the centre of our attention: our readers, our employees and all parts of our society. Accordingly, we at Wort & Bild Verlag are happy to participate in the right and important collaboration between research and practice to develop a neutral and transparent value media standard that holistically demands and promotes social sustainability in media planning."

Stefan Mölling, CEO of RMS Radio Marketing Service: "An increasingly important question for us as marketers is the contribution that we as the audio genre make to sustainable marketing planning together with our broadcasters and publishers. We already know that audio, with its enormous daily reach, has a high public value as a trustworthy source of information and that radio advertising produces significantly less CO2 than other genres. However, to be able to validly assess our impact in an ESG-compliant manner, including in an intermedia comparison, we need standardised, evidence-based key figures as an industry standard. The Research Centre has set out to develop this standard and we are delighted to support this goal from the outset as a Pioneer Partner."

Christian Zimmer, Managing Director Teads: "Responsible media is essential to promote trust in brands, counteract misinformation and support quality journalism. It protects brands from inappropriate environments, creates sustainable digital ecosystems and provides a better user experience by ensuring ethical and transparent advertising practices."

Hamburg, Germany, 7 November 2024: The IU Research Center for Sustainable Media & Marketing (RCSMM) and the German Digital Industry Association (BVDW) are pooling their expertise to research and develop a "Value Media" standard. This new cooperation between research and practice is intended to establish transparent and well-founded standards in the media industry that support responsible media planning. 

"Through the cooperation with the BVDW and the scientific expertise of the IU Research Center, we ensure that the scale development is based on neutral, fact-based research and that the requirements of various stakeholders are taken into account," says Prof. Dr Lisa-Charlotte Wolter, Head of the IU RCSMM and Professor and Head of the Online Marketing programme at IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU). 

 

Dr Moritz Holzgraefe, Vice President of the BVDW, emphasises: "At the BVDW, we are already working on the topic of sustainable digital advertising across all segments of the digital economy. We are all united by the goal of strengthening sustainability in all its facets. Together with IU and through independent research, we are now taking the next necessary steps to create standards that build long-term trust and promote sustainability in media planning. The aim of our collaboration is to pave the way for fact-based and fair market approaches." 
 

About the IU Research Centre for Sustainable Media & Marketing 

The IU Research Centre for Sustainable Media & Marketing (RCSMM) arose from the growing need for transparent framework conditions and standards in the media and communications industry to make responsible decisions in media planning measurable and support them. RCSMM studies show that such standards must be scientifically sound, especially in the case of a socially relevant evaluation object such as media. The establishment of these standards is seen as a joint task that should be realised in close cooperation with practitioners - including media companies, marketers, media agencies and advertisers as well as associations such as the BVDW. Cooperation with these stakeholders ensures that the "Value Media" standards developed meet with broad acceptance and can be integrated into media planning programmes in a practice-oriented manner. 

The RCSMM also works with international research partners such as the University of Florida, which is one of the leading research institutions in the media sector. "Globally oriented standard development is essential in order to meet the requirements of internationally operating companies and our media reality with global players such as Google or Meta," says Prof. Dr Lisa-Charlotte Wolter. 

Programme and event information 

You are cordially invited to the kick-off event "Shaping the Future: Sustainable Media and Marketing Strategies Through Innovative Integration of ESG, AI, and Value Media" on 26 November 2024 at the IU International University of Applied Sciences campus in Hamburg, Waterloohain 9, 22769 Hamburg. Starting at 2 pm, you can expect four hours of inspiring discussions and insights into the latest developments on sustainable and transparent standards in the media industry - presented by leading experts from research and practice. 

Programme highlights: 

• Welcome & Opening by Alex Čaičics, ESG Manager at IU, and Prof. Dr Lisa-Charlotte Wolter, Head of the IU RCSMM 
• Keynote speech by Prof. Dr Sylvia Chan-Olmsted (University of Florida) on "Value Media & AI that Enhances Human Value" 
• Panel discussion, moderated by Dr Moritz Holzgraefe (BVDW) on "Responsibility for a sustainable media landscape - what solutions does the industry provide and how do we take action?" 
• Presentation of the IU Research Centre for Sustainable Media & Marketing 
• Opportunity to network with scientists and industry experts 
   

Secure your place now 

The number of participants is limited, so make sure you secure your place in good time. 
Participation is free of charge. 

For further information or questions please contact: 

Prof. Dr Lisa-Charlotte Wolter 
IU Research Centre for Sustainable Media & Marketing 
lisa-charlotte.wolter@iu.org 

We look forward to welcoming you on 26 November. 

Information on the IU Research Centre for Sustainable Media & Marketing can be found here.

Barbara Lutz , initiator of the Impact of Diversity Award: "With the Impact of Diversity Award, we want to recognise outstanding individuals and initiatives that highlight the positive impact of diversity and inclusion on our society. Current developments show us that it has never been more important to explain the value and impact of diversity and make it accessible to many people.""

Lena Sälzle , FRIDA project initiator and Public Affairs Officer at IU, accepted the award in person at the award ceremony on 4 July in Kronberg im Taunus: "Barbara Lutz highlighted some impressive initiatives at this year's Impact of Diversity Symposium. All of them deserved the award. It fills me with hope that the banquet hall was filled with people who stand for diversity, equity and inclusion and are committed to them every day - especially in these times, when democratic values are being called into question and our society faces major challenges. FRIDA and this award would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of everyone involved. The award has shown that we must continue. And we will."

The award honours the project's great efforts to ensure that educational pathways in the tech industry are no longer seen as the exception for schoolgirls, but instead represent real alternatives. 

More than 200 projects were submitted for the Impact of Diversity Award, which were initially put to a public vote. A 32-member jury from science and business fields, as well as associations and initiatives  then selected the winners in a total of 16 categories. 

In addition to the FRIDA project, the IU initiative "Culture of Everyone" also made it into the top 10 finalists of the Audience Award. An initiative that strengthens diversity, tolerance and openness within the university and in public.

Special thanks to all FRIDA participants

Project founder Lena Sälzle would particularly like to thank all the "FRIDAs", i.e. all the tech women who shared their success stories and put their trust in the initiative, Kim Klebolte, who came up with the idea for FRIDA with her, Pauline Bombeck, who fights with her every day for the success of the project, the film team Moritz Veit and Sebastian Nagel, Jil Rau and Maresa Eberl, who held all the threads together, and IU Chancellor Prof. Dr Alexandra Wuttig and Alexandrea Swanson for their trust and support.

More women in STEM: a project close to the heart at IU

FRIDA is part of an extensive IU campaign to get more women interested in technical professions and technology-oriented degree programmes. Committed female IU professors are conducting interdisciplinary research into the causes of the problem, highlighting effective solutions and introducing young female students to the world of IT through interactive and informative formats (e.g. in lecture series) - for a more inclusive, unprejudiced world of IT and technology. Further information on the campaign can be found at https://www.iu.de/women-in-tech .

All information about “FRIDA – Women in the digital world of work” at:
https://www.we-are-frida.de/de
 

ABOUT IMPACT OF DIVERSITY

The Impact of Diversity Award + Think Tank is a platform that brings together initiatives, experts, representatives from politics and science as well as decision-makers from companies. The common goal: to highlight the positive impact of diversity and inclusion on companies and society and to raise awareness of the topic among the general public. The prize was awarded for the first time in 2021. The initiators Barbara Lutz have been supporting companies and organisations in driving transformation processes for more than ten years. www.impact-of-diversity.com

People in the pictures:

• Lena Sälzle, FRIDA project initiator and public affairs officer at IU International University of Applied Sciences
• Pauline Bombeck, FRIDA project partner and head of #SheTransformsIT (Bitkom e.V.)
• Barbara Lutz, initiator of Impact of Diversity
• Adrian Ehrenberg, HR Social Sustainability Manager, Diversity & Inclusion Manager, MTU Aero Engines (gave the laudatory speech for the category Women in STEM/MINT)

Erfurt, Germany, 22 May 2024. Sustainability and social responsibility are core values of IU Group (IUG) and its educational institutions. As a member of the UN Global Compact (UNGC) and its university initiative, Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU) is committed to the highest sustainability standards for the benefit of all stakeholders. IU's approach to sustainability is defined by the key principles of these two initiatives and clearly demonstrates how education and responsibility are intertwined.

As part of the latest sustainability initiatives, IUG has made significant progress in 2023, underlining its environmental and social responsibility. Studies show that distance learning is fundamentally more sustainable than on campus students. This can also be seen at IU, where students in distance learning programmes produce seven times fewer greenhouse gases than on campus students. This important sustainable advantage of IUG is emphatic proof of how innovative educational models can contribute to overcoming global challenges.

IUG presents a selection of significant achievements and initiatives from 2023 that underline its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility: 

IU Group receives B Corp certification

In November 2023, IUG achieved the status of a certified B Corporation. This important milestone underlines IU's commitment to environmental, social and responsible corporate governance. In a two-year certification process, the structures of all IU-affiliated companies and the overall social and environmental performance along with the entire value chain within the organisation were examined. 
Joining the global community of certified B Corporations is not only an honour for IUG, but it also opens up exciting opportunities for learning and collaboration. 
It offers the chance to engage with like-minded organisations, share valuable insights and participate in joint projects and initiatives that align with IUG's commitment to sustainability. However, this milestone only marks the beginning of the journey towards sustainability, as the B Corporation status commits IUG to further continuous engagement and improvement.

Distance learning study students produce 7 times less greenhouse gases 

IUG's own research in 2020 found that distance learning study students produce seven times less greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional students. IUG's carbon footprint, according to preliminary figures, consists of 2.4 per cent direct emissions (Scope 1) from own sources such as heat supply and vehicles, 3.0 per cent indirect emissions (Scope 2) from purchased energy such as electricity, and 94.6 per cent emissions along the value chain (Scope 3) from all other indirect sources such as purchased goods and services, business travel and the use of products sold. IUG sets priorities to further minimise its carbon footprint, including reducing energy consumption in offices, increasing the use of renewable energy.

IU leads the way in gender diversity among academic staff

IU stands out among German universities in terms of gender diversity. With 38.9 per cent female professors, it ranks second in a recent analysis by the Verbraucherschutzverein Berlin/Brandenburg (VSVBB) on the proportion of women at German colleges and universities. Particularly noteworthy: at IU, more departments are headed by women than by men (55.56 per cent). The study points out that gender equality in academic positions remains a challenge, with an average of 27.94 per cent female professors at the institutions surveyed. However, there are positive developments in the recruitment of junior academic staff, emphasising the ongoing efforts to achieve gender equality and strong role models in academia.

Symposium in Hamburg: focus on sustainable media and brand management

The "Symposium Sustainable Media & Brand Management - Sustainable Media Strategies for Value-Based Brand Management", organised by IU International University of Applied Sciences, took place in Hamburg in November 2023. Academics, media professionals and brand experts discussed sustainable practices in the media and marketing industry. A central point was the importance of sustainable approaches in online advertising campaigns to reduce CO2 emissions. The need for brands, agencies and media companies to go beyond carbon neutrality and promote social change was also emphasised. The event was part of a research project led by Prof Dr Lisa Wolter, Professor and Head of Online Marketing at IU International University of Applied Sciences, in collaboration with the University of Florida.

New additions to IU Group: LIBF and UFred

In 2023, IU has expanded its reach to academic institutions in three different countries, cementing a shared vision for a more sustainable future. The London Institute of Banking and Finance (LIBF) in the United Kingdom and the University of Fredericton (UFred) in Canada joined IUG. This expansion strengthens the joint commitment to sustainable practices in education and research. 

LIBF has distinguished itself through initiatives such as a detailed energy audit and gender equality programmes. Given the critical role of the financial sector in supporting the sustainable transformation of the economy, LIBF creates and curates expert leadership contributions on sustainability topics such as green finance. Since 2023, all IUG members have been subject to common standards on sustainability and social responsibility, while retaining their autonomy. 

"Sustainability, social responsibility and transparency are not just buzzwords for us, but a daily commitment. IU Group tries to set a good example in areas such as reporting, minimising CO2 emissions and promoting diversity. Together with society as a whole, we face the challenging task of creating a fair and sustainable economy. We want to show that the education sector can play an important role here," says Alex Čaičics, Head of Sustainability and ESG Communications at IU Group.

The IU Group's ESG report was compiled and structured on the basis of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and can be downloaded here.
 

About IU Group

IU Group (IUG) is one of the largest university groups in Europe, providing personalised higher education with innovative EdTech solutions. IUG offers a diversified mix of online degree courses, part-time studies and on-campus learning. It is at the forefront of leveraging technology and innovation to meet the changing needs of students around the world. IUG’s vertically integrated education platform offers the largest portfolio of bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes in Europe with more than 250 accredited courses and some 600 upskilling offerings in German and English. IU Group cooperates with more than 15,000 enterprises and actively supporting them in their people development including in high-demand areas such as business administration, data & artificial intelligence and technology. The company was founded in 2021 and is the proprietor of several universities – IU International University of Applied Sciences in Germany with more than 35 campuses nationwide, LIBF in the UK, as well as the University of Fredericton (UFred) in Canada – all together counting more than 140,000 students. Behind IU Group are more than 4,000 employees from nearly 90 nationalities. Further information at: iu-group.com.
 

Erfurt, 5 April 2023. "I&U Around the World – together around the world, for the world" was once again the motto of this year's internal fitness challenge at IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU). For the third time in a row, IU proclaimed March as fitness month with the aim of circling the world as often as possible for a good cause. The employees of Germany's largest university achieved a total of 10.5 circumnavigations of the globe, surpassing their result from the previous year. More than 120 IU teams collected kilometres with sporting and sustainable activities, tracked them in an app and together covered 423,364 kilometres. For every round-the-world trip, IU's parent company, IU Group, donated 1,000 trees in cooperation with the "Grow my Tree" aid project by Impact Heroes, totaling 10,500 trees.

"With sport and sustainable behaviour, we not only shape our bodies, but also the world around us. A healthy, intact environment and society are the benchmark for our behaviour, our teaching and our research. We are very proud that so many colleagues have once again taken part in our campaign and become real 'Impact Heroes'," says Alex Čaičics, Head of Sustainability at IU.

Moving together for climate protection & sustainability 

The 10,500 trees will be planted in the Usambara Mountains in Tanzania. They have a carbon sequestration potential of around 231 tonnes of CO2 per year and support the restoration of biodiversity over an area of around 45,000 square metres. The number of trees is equivalent to around 105 working days for the people in the region and enables them to learn more about sustainable development. The work in tree nurseries and in planting, caring for and monitoring trees creates sustainable income opportunities that benefit women in particular. At the same time, the incentives for illegal deforestation are combated through education and financial empowerment. 

The tree projects supported by Impact Hero help combat climate change, create habitats for animals, ensure healthy soils and restore water cycles, while strengthening local communities through income and education opportunities. Impact Hero works with project partners in over 20 countries in the Global South, where the impact is greatest. For IU, Impact Hero is the ideal partner for its employee campaign, as it is increasingly committed to sustainable development on an economic, social and ecological level and is guided by the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations.

Healthy & responsible employees 

Teams from all IU locations around the world came together to take part in the challenge. Using the fitness app "TeamFit", the teams recorded their activities, which were converted into kilometres. Any form of movement counted, such as walking, home workouts, house cleaning, mindfulness and breathing exercises and much more. A special focus this year was on sustainable activities. For example, anyone who swapped their car for a train or bike, drank tap water instead of bottled water, took a vegetarian or vegan day or shortened their shower time collected additional kilometres in a simple and sustainable way. Around ten per cent of all kilometres achieved were based on sustainable activities, which puts it in second place compared to all other activities. Only steps taken accounted for an even greater proportion of the overall result, with 25 per cent. In addition, all participants received many helpful tips for a more sustainable lifestyle during the challenge period as well as background information on IU's many other ESG initiatives. 

"Sustainability and social responsibility start within the company itself. Through campaigns like this, we try to raise awareness within IU and support our employees to grow personally and make a positive contribution together - for our students and our environment," says Čaičics.

Dijana Galijasevic, CEO & Founder of Impact Hero, personally congratulated the impressive result: "IU is also helping to fulfil Impact Hero's mission of turning everyday actions into truly tangible contributions to our global cause and creating greater awareness. Together we are not just planting trees, we are planting hope, growth and opportunities for countless lives. So, we are all true impact heroes."

IU students also make a sustainable contribution 

Students at IU International University of Applied Sciences have the opportunity to voluntarily do without printed study scripts. In this way, they actively reduce paper, protect the environment and even give something back to nature, as IU plants more trees in return. So far, more than 300,000 scripts have been saved and over 33,000 trees have been planted (cooperation partner until 2023 was treedom, since 2023 it is Impact Hero).

Why planting trees with Impact Hero?

Statistics & project insights

IU Group certificate

More information on sustainability at IU: 
https://www.iu.de/en/about-us/sustainability/ 
 

More information on "Grow my Tree": 
https://growmytree.com/en/pages/uber-uns 
 

More information on the IU Group's tree planting initiative: 
https://www.impacthero.com/impact/mono/en/iu-group 
 

"People from all over the world study, work and teach at IU International University of Applied Sciences. Diversity and tolerance are the cornerstones of our coexistence and the basis for science and teaching. Education builds bridges, broadens horizons, supports democracy and promotes peaceful coexistence. Access to education is a strong foundation and should be possible for everyone. We are committed to this and wish for an open-minded, diverse and tolerant society for Germany and Thuringia as a centre of education," says Prof. Dr Holger Sommerfeldt, Rector of IU International University of Applied Sciences. 

Tolerance and cosmopolitanism are drivers for innovation, the exchange of ideas and the inclusion of all parts of society. This makes it even more important to protect these values. The "Weltoffenes Thüringen" initiative makes visible all those who are committed to the free and democratic basic order and is stepping up its educational work this year to highlight both the consequences of right-wing extremist politics and the opportunities and possibilities of a democratic society. It also makes it clear that political pressure from the right is a reflection of society and calls on politicians to take people's concerns seriously and offer practicable, sustainable solutions. 

Social media campaign #CultureOfEveryone to strengthen democracy 

IU International University of Applied Sciences is also committed to diversity, inclusion and tolerance within its own ranks with a "Culture of Everyone®" corporate culture. IU employees and students are currently demonstrating the importance of an open and respectful working and living environment in a self-initiated social media campaign. Under the hashtag #CultureOfEveryone, they are publishing posts in which they use personal stories to illustrate why this culture is so important to them. Everyone outside the university is also welcome to join this campaign to strengthen democracy. 

Dr Sven Schütt, CEO of IU, launched the campaign in a LinkedIn post and is leading by example (see LinkedIn post). All previous contributions to the #CultureOfEveryone campaign can be found at the following link: linkedin.com 

More information on the IU campaign and a statement by CEO Dr Sven Schütt on the university's democratic stance can be found in this press release. 

All information on "Weltoffenes Thüringen" at: 
https://thueringen-weltoffen.de/ 

"A Culture of Everyone at IU is not just a slogan, but a promise — to our students, our staff, and our entire community. We believe that education is the most powerful tool for building bridges, expanding horizons, and creating an environment where everyone has the opportunity to realise their full potential. Let's stand together for an inclusive and open-minded future," says Dr Carmen Thoma, COO of IU International University of Applied Sciences on LinkedIn, one of many IU voices currently expressing their personal stories and thoughts on social media. 

IU's trademarked term Culture of Everyone® stands for a corporate culture that thrives on diversity, openness, tolerance and respect. More than 130,000 people from all over the world study at Germany's largest university, and more than 4,000 people from over 87 nations work here. Each and every one of them plays an important role in maintaining a culture in which everyone feels safe, heard and tolerated. This is also the essential basis for IU's mission to empower people worldwide with the most personalised education by breaking down barriers to higher education. 

Social media campaign to strengthen democracy 

To show how important an open and respectful working and living environment is, IU is launching a campaign on social media. More and more IU employees are posting pictures or texts with the hashtag #CultureOfEveryone and explaining why this is so important to them. IU also invites everyone outside the university to join this campaign to strengthen our democracy.

Dr Sven Schütt, CEO of IU International University of Applied Sciences, kicked-off the campaign in a LinkedIn post and is leading by example (see LinkedIn post). 

In a clear statement, the CEO of IU also emphasises IU's stance against intolerance, racism and any kind of threat to our democracy: 

"We all have a responsibility for one of the most precious gifts, a treasure that we often take for granted: our democracy. But in today's world, in which xenophobic and totalitarian tendencies are gaining ground, we must not remain silent and inactive. 

We, as Germans, bear a particularly important responsibility because of our history. We have seen where hatred and intolerance can lead. Our country has risen from a very dark past and guilt to stand up for hope, tolerance and peaceful coexistence. We must continue on this path with determination. 

Tolerance and international understanding are the cornerstones on which our prosperity rests. They enable us to recognise diversity as a strength, to learn new things and to continue to develop. In an increasingly interconnected world where education and knowledge know no borders, it is essential that we remain open to other cultures, ideas and perspectives. This openness is at the heart of IU's mission and vision. 

We want to democratise access to education. This is only possible in an open and tolerant democracy. At the same time, 'tolerance becomes a crime when it applies to evil', as Thomas Mann admonished us Germans. Each of us can not only share this message, but also actively live it in our everyday lives. 

It is not just about spreading words, but also about standing up for our democratic values every day. We can stand up for our opinions among friends, acquaintances or colleagues when intolerance or undemocratic beliefs are voiced. We all have a voice – let's use it to strengthen our society and secure our future and the future of our children. I hope that many people will share this call in view of the dangers to our democracy, trust and tolerance." 

Further initiatives for diversity and tolerance 

In October 2022, IU received the TOTAL E-QUALITY award for its personnel and organisational policy geared towards equal opportunities and diversity. IU also supports the "Weltoffenes Thüringen" initiative launched in Thuringia (IU's headquarters) in 2024 and is a signatory to the Diversity Charter, through which IU has been officially committed to an appreciative and unprejudiced working environment since 2019. 

Based on its educational principles, IU has launched several initiatives of its own to sustainably support and empower students. For example: 

• In 2022, IU awarded around 5,000 scholarships to students from developing countries; an increase of over 60 per cent compared to the previous year. 
• With the Study Access Alliance, IU supports students in African countries and is constantly looking for further educational or financial partners. 
• IU offers special scholarships for people with disabilities, single parents and career changers, including the "Women in Tech" programme to promote women in IT and technical professions. 
• With a wide range of admission options, IU enables many people without a traditional university entrance qualification to study. The proportion of first-year students at IU without an Abitur is seven times higher than the national average; 70 per cent of IU students come from families without an academic background. 
• IU is the first university in the European Union to be a member of the UNESCO Global Education Coalition, which provides students in crisis situations with access to relevant subjects and credits. 
• IU offers individual further education opportunities with inclusion-friendly study formats and equips people with knowledge and methods for a sustainable future with degree programmes such as Sustainable Management. 

More information about IU's corporate culture at: https://www.iu-careers.com/en/culture/

Erfurt, 2 February 2024. For the fourth time in a row, Great Place to Work has certified IU International University of Applied Sciences as an attractive employer. The award is based on both an anonymous survey of all IU employees and an external analysis of HR measures. In the overall evaluation, IU was able to gain two percentage points from the previous year and achieved significant top scores in various categories. 

Personal growth and actively shaping the corporate culture 

At IU, Germany's largest university with over 130,000 students from more than 190 countries and over 4,000 employees from 87 nations, diversity and openness have been in its DNA from the very beginning. With a "Culture of Everyone®", IU creates a working environment in which every employee is motivated to contribute their individual strengths and grow personally.

"We are proud of our diverse and motivated workforce, which makes us who we are and brings us a little closer every day to our goal of personalising education and making it accessible to everyone. Education is the basis for self-fulfillment - and we want to make this possible for both our employees and students every day," says Tim Kaltenborn, Director People Organisation & Culture at IU International University of Applied Sciences. 

In October 2022, IU received the TOTAL E-QUALITY award for its equal opportunities and diversity-oriented personnel and organisational policy. IU is also a signatory to the “Charta der Vielfalt” and has been officially committed to an appreciative and unprejudiced working environment since 2019. 

Working at one of the largest EdTech companies in Europe 

Just as many IU students organise their day-to-day learning in a highly flexible and digital way, the day-to-day work of IU employees is just as flexible and progressive. State-of-the-art technical infrastructure, individual working time models, flexible office space in almost all major German cities and services such as Workation and Full-Remote make it possible to work from almost anywhere at IU and adapt work to your own life. 

AI-controlled voice assistants and other GPT systems have become an integral part of everyday working life at IU and help to free up more resources for the really important projects. 

"Our interconnectedness, our collaboration and our freedom of movement open up new possibilities and make us more efficient. This makes us more flexible and efficient. Thanks to the hybrid working environment at IU, we combine the best of both worlds - the physical and the virtual - and continue to grow as a digital pioneer and provider of personalised education," says Kaltenborn. 

The ratings in the Great Place to Work survey show that this philosophy is well received by employees. Over 80 per cent of them believe that there is a good sense of togetherness, team spirit and friendliness at IU. A full 90 per cent rate IU as a fair employer. 

More information about the corporate culture and all job offers at IU can be found at: iu-careers.com 

About Great Place to Work® 

Great Place to Work® is the global authority on workplace culture, helping organisations to create exceptional, high-performing workplaces where employees feel trusted and valued. The UK’s Best Workplaces™ list enables these outstanding organisations to celebrate their achievements, build their employer brand, and inspire others to take action. More information: www.greatplacetowork.de 

• As Europe's largest private university group, IUG aims to make education accessible to all and is committed to sustainability and social responsibility.
• IU Group supports students from all over the world through various initiatives, including scholarships, partnerships and special support programmes.
• B Corp certification was awarded following an extensive review of the company's structures and its overall social and environmental performance.

Erfurt, January 25, 2024. IU Group (IUG), the parent company of IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU), has successfully completed the audit process by the independent non-profit organisation B Lab. As a certified B Corporation, IUG has undergone a rigorous assessment by B Lab and thus fulfils high standards in terms of social and environmental impact.

The positive certification also reflects IU International University of Applied Sciences' commitment to sustainability:

As a provider of innovative educational programmes, sustainability is one of IU's core values. IU aims to make a contribution to sustainability primarily through its educational programmes. This is based on IU's fundamental idea of democratising education. This states that everyone should have access to education in order to be able to develop further - regardless of their personal and financial situation or their background.

Marvin Lange, Managing Director and CFO of IU Group, is delighted with the certification:

“It fills me with great joy that our vision of making education accessible to as many people as possible has been recognised by the B Corp certification. We are passionately committed to personalising education through the use of technology and therefore breaking down barriers to access in the long term. In doing so, we are making an important contribution to greater educational equality worldwide.”

IU supports students through scholarships and other initiatives

As a member of the UN Global Compact and its University Initiative, IU has been committed to the highest standards of sustainability since 2011, which should benefit all IU stakeholders. The principles of these two initiatives are the key principles that guide IU's approach to sustainability.

IU has over 130,000 students from 195 countries worldwide, including 20 per cent from abroad and 25 per cent without German citizenship. Based on its educational principles, IU has launched several initiatives to sustainably support and empower students. These and other initiatives contributed significantly to IU's positive rating for the B Corp criterion "Students".

• In 2022, IU awarded almost 5,000 scholarships to students from developing countries, just over 60 per cent more than in the previous year.
   
• With the Study Access Alliance,  IU supports students in African countries and is constantly looking for further educational or financial partners.
   
• The IU offers special scholarships for people with disabilities, single parents and career changers, including the “Women in Tech” programme to promote women in IT and technical professions.
   
• Thanks to a wide range of admission options, IU enables many people without a traditional university entrance qualification to study. The proportion of first-year students at IU without an Abitur is seven times higher than the national average; 70 per cent of IU students come from families without an academic background.
   
• IU is the first university in the European Union to be a member of the UNESCO Global Education Coalition, which provides students in crisis situations with access to relevant subjects and credits.
   
• Inclusive study formats offer individual further education opportunities, and the IU offers study programmes such as Sustainable Management to equip people with knowledge and methods for a sustainable future.

As an innovative university that focuses primarily on online teaching, IU pursues a sustainable education model that minimises the use of natural resources:

• The per capita greenhouse gas emissions of IU students are up to seven times lower than those of students at traditional universities with a focus on offline presence and printed materials. From 2019 to 2022, emissions per IU student fell from 0.3 to 0.17 tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
   
• IU students actively contribute to the sustainable development of the IU. By not using printed scripts, they enable IU to save paper and plant trees in return. So far, more than 310,000 scripts have been saved and more than 33,000 trees planted as a result of this campaign.

"A positive assessment in the areas mentioned is of great importance for successful certification. We are therefore very pleased that we scored very well, especially in the area of students," says Alex Čaičics, Head of Sustainability and ESG Communication at IU Group. "However, the B Corp certification is also an important indication for us of the areas in which we still need to improve. We see the certificate as an incentive to improve further in the next B Corp recertification," Čaičics continues.

IU Group's B Corp certification is the result of a comprehensive process in which the corporate structures of all IUG-affiliated companies and the entire social and environmental performance along an organisation's entire value chain are examined. For the evaluation, 350 questions and data points were analysed at IUG over a period of two years. 50 people within the IUG were involved in this process. 

The B Corp certificate is one of the most demanding sustainability certificates in the world and is regarded as a kind of seal of approval for corporate social responsibility (CSR). Companies must fulfil strict social and environmental standards and undergo recertification every three years.
 

ABOUT B CORP

Certified B Corporations or B Corps are companies that have been certified by the B Lab as meeting high standards for social and environmental performance, transparency and responsible behaviour.

In contrast to other certificates that focus on individual products or sectors, the B Corp certificate assesses the overall performance of a company in the areas of social, ecological and economic commitment. Particular emphasis is placed on public transparency and legal accountability. Further information at: https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/

Erfurt, Germany, 26 September 2023. Societal demands on agriculture have increased in recent years: ensuring food supply, animal welfare, increasing regulation and extreme weather events. The new degree programme in Agricultural Management (B.Sc.) at IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU) addresses these challenges. It teaches the technical basics of agriculture, systemic thinking and in-depth economic knowledge. This enables graduates to independently manage, develop and optimise production processes and operations in agriculture. 

Against the backdrop of growing challenges such as climate change, the supply of healthy and affordable food, animal welfare or drinking water protection, the new IU degree programme in Agricultural Management (B.Sc.) creates sustainable approaches to solutions to meet the increasingly diverse economic, social and political demands on agriculture. 

The aim of the study programme is to provide students with up-to-date knowledge to remain economically successful despite these challenges for agriculture. This involves, for example, the question of how synergy effects can be achieved by only fertilising as much as the plant can absorb and thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions, or how farm animals can be kept in a species-appropriate manner according to the latest standards. At the same time, the degree programme offers opportunities to combine sustainability and economic success, for example using state-of-the-art technologies such as AI or drones. 

The course is also aimed at those interested in the topic of nutrition

"Of course, we combine aspects such as biodiversity or material cycles in agro-ecosystems with intensive teaching of agricultural and economic basics to optimally prepare our students for various career paths. However, I am firmly convinced that the degree programme is not only suitable for farm managers with their own farms, for example. Rather, it appeals to many people, especially young people, who are generally interested in sustainability and nutrition," says programme director Prof. Dr. Robert Simon, Professor of Agricultural Management and Agricultural Economics at IU International University of Applied Sciences, emphasising the orientation of the bachelor's programme. 

The distance learning programme Agricultural Management (B.Sc.) at IU is one of the few agricultural economics programmes in Germany that are offered via distance learning. Using digital online formats and, among other tools, the use of a learning app, the programme teaches fundamental principles of modern agriculture as well as advanced economic expertise with a strong focus on management. 

The topics of sustainability, management and digitalisation are at the centre of the study programme, which lasts 36, 48 or 72 months, depending on the chosen time model: modules such as production management in agriculture, crop protection, precision farming, smart farming, and agricultural economics prepare students for later specialisation and the practical part of the study programme. In the further course of their studies, they can focus, for example, on agribusiness, animal management, resource management and material flow balancing, renewable raw materials in agricultural economics or artificial intelligence and programming. 

In three practical projects, students actively work in an agricultural business as well as in upstream or downstream areas (agricultural trade, production, industry) and can underpin the knowledge they have acquired in their studies with practical experience. 

Know-how for sustainable management in the agricultural sector 

"Agricultural management at IU not only deals with a socially relevant topic," explains Robert Simon. "It provides answers to pressing challenges in agriculture caused in particular by climate change and environmental problems." These include questions such as: What interactions exist in agricultural systems at local, regional and global levels? How do material cycles function in agro-ecosystems and what influence does the management of a farm have on natural cycles? How can energy be saved in production processes and how can land- and product-related greenhouse gas emissions be reduced? 

The development of future-oriented study programmes is a central concern of IU International University of Applied Sciences, which is the largest university in Germany with more than 100,000 students. With the bachelor's programme in Agricultural Management, IU is expanding its portfolio of flexible study models with another technology- and future-oriented programme. The programme imparts skills at the interface of technology, economy and ecology. It thus forms an essential basis for the expertise of specialists in a sector that is becoming increasingly important for society, for example, in ensuring the basic supply of food. 

Further information on the Agricultural Management (B.Sc.) degree programme at IU International University of Applied Sciences at: https://www.iu.de/en/bachelor/agrarmanagement/

Erfurt, Germany, 11 September 2023. Students at IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU) can now rest assured they will land a job within 18 months of graduation. As the EU’s largest economy with opportunities in tech, Germany is the ideal study and work location for international students looking to receive an internationally recognised and career focused degree. The first study fields to be included in IU’s new Job Guarantee are the following master’s programmes in tech:  

• MA Computer Science  
• MA Cyber Security  
• MA Data Science (120 ECTS)  
• MA Artificial Intelligence  

To qualify for IU’s Job Guarantee, students enroled in one of the listed study programmes must complete their studies in the standard study period with an overall grade of at least 2.5, reach a B2 German language level during their period of study, complete at least 300 hours of internship and/or part-time employment internships, participate in employability training and workshops and actively apply for jobs.  

IU’s Job Guarantee is geared towards helping students get a job in Germany that is related to their field of study and offers at least a 12-month contract. To help ensure students’ success in finding a full-time job in their industry, they receive a wealth of personalised career support services: including German language courses and certification, career preparatory training and workshops, CV support and interview training, as well as internships and part-time jobs during their studies.

Dr. Sven Schuett, CEO, IU International University of Applied Sciences, said:  

“Our mission at IU is to empower people with the most personalised education. A key part of that personalisation is the outcome people aim for with education. For many international students, gaining post study employment is the key objective. By providing our students with an education offering to this desire we’re helping shape them into world-class talent, so they can achieve their dream career.”  

For more information about IU’s new Job Guarantee offer, visit: iu.org/job-guarantee.

• IU is the only university in the European Union to be an associate member of AIU 
• Tech-related courses are among the most popular IU-courses for students from India

Erfurt, Germany, 20. April 2023. IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU) is the first university in Germany as well as the European Union to become an associate member of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). IU joins AIU pursuant to its mission that everyone can access education to grow. Through its AIU membership, future students and their parents can be assured of the first-class quality of an IU education.

Dr. Sven Schuett, CEO, IU International University of Applied Sciences, said: 

“We are excited to be the first German university to obtain membership into the Association of Indian Universities. IU’s strong connection to India, including our partners and thousands of students from the region make it a perfect fit for us. As an AIU associate member, our students will benefit from an intercontinental approach, allowing them to not only be better global students, but world-class talent.”

IU International University of Applied Sciences is Germany’s largest and fastest growing university with more than 100,000 students from 120 countries, its learners receive a top-rated education preparing them with the valuable knowledge and tools they will need to succeed in a diverse and global workforce. With roughly 20% of its student body being non-nationals, an international approach to education is at the core of IU. 

As Europe’s leading provider of tech-related courses, it’s no wonder that amongst IU’s current students from India, study programmes in tech are the most popular. In addition to IU’s tech-related courses, students can choose from more than 100 bachelor’s and master’s programmes in English. IU students benefit from a personalised and hybrid learning model, which incorporates the use of the latest technology and AI in its courses, including ChatGPT. IU has even launched its own edtech innovation, “Syntea” (synthetic teaching assistant) to support students during their studies. Syntea is designed to enable personalised student interaction and enhance learning outcomes, offering a range of powerful features, including a question-answering tool, exam preparation, Socratic teaching sessions and more.  Learn more about Syntea.

For more information on the Association of Indian Universities and what it means to be an associate member, visit: https://aiu.ac.in/index.php

ABOUT IU INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES

With over 100,000 students, IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU) is the largest university in Germany. The private, state-recognised educational institution with its headquarters in Erfurt began operations in 2000 and is now represented in more than 35 German cities. Students from over 180 nations design their studies according to their needs: whether practice-integrated dual studies, flexible distance learning or individual “myStudium”, which combines online self-study and campus life. IU wants to give people worldwide access to personalised education for a fulfilled and self-determined life. In more than 150 German- and over 50 English-language study programmes in bachelor's, master's and MBA fields, IU teaches students key competencies relevant to the future. A digitally supported learning environment and the use of AI solutions help students to achieve optimal learning results and experiences. IU is one of the first universities in the world to have developed and deployed its own AI-supported learning buddy. IU cooperates with over 15,000 companies and supports them in the academic training of professionals. Partners include UpGrad, Simplilearn, Intellipaat and TimesPro. Further information at: www.iu.org. 
 

Erfurt, 3 April 2023. "For each other, with each other - together around the world" was the motto of this year's internal fitness challenge at IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU). In March 2023, the employees of Germany's largest university circumnavigated the globe almost nine times with their combined strength - and matched their goal from the previous year. More than 100 IU teams collected kilometres through sporting activities, tracked them in an app and together covered 345,357 kilometres for a good cause: for every circumnavigation of the globe, IU donates ten bicycles to the aid organisation, World Bicycle Relief (WBR). IU will round up the 90 bicycles to 100. 

"We are proud that so many colleagues took part in our fitness challenge, even more than last year. We have repeated the campaign because it is a great way to strengthen the team spirit among ourselves, to do something good for our own well-being - both physically and mentally - and to take small steps together towards our big IU vision: To give people worldwide access to education. With the bicycles from World Bicycle Relief, we are contributing to this with one of many more initiatives," explains Tim Kaltenborn Director People Organisation & Culture at IU International University of Applied Sciences. 

Sustainability is one of the most important pillars at IU 

IU is increasingly committed to sustainable development on an economic, social and ecological level and is guided by the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. With the fundraising campaign, IU supports people in rural developing regions. Thanks to the provision of bicycles by WBR, local people become more mobile, self-reliant and financially independent. Especially for girls and women, access to education, good health care and professional self-determination is often difficult due to cultural norms. Therefore, according to WBR, 70 percent of the bicycles are given to female recipients to counteract their disadvantage. In rural developing regions, there is often only rudimentary or no transport infrastructure. The bicycle is a reliable, cost-effective and resource-saving means of shortening the often very long distances to school, work and shopping. 

Focus on team spirit and employee health 

1,270 employees across all IU locations and departments came together in teams to take part in the challenge and do something good together for themselves and their fellow human beings. With the help of the fitness app "TeamFit", all sports activities were recorded and converted into kilometres. Every form of exercise counted, such as the route to work by bike, a walk, a short home workout, yoga and mindfulness exercises, cleaning the house and much more, that way there was something for every participant. ThroughIthemed weeks, they received useful tips and exercises for a more relaxed everyday life, a healthy diet and a more sustainable lifestyle for example. 

"Sustainability and social responsibility naturally start in the company itself. Through campaigns like these, we try to raise awareness of this within IU as well and support our employees - just as much as our students - in their personal growth," says Kaltenborn. 

More information on World Bicycle Relief: https://worldbicyclerelief.org/ 

More information on sustainability at IU: https://www.iu.de/ueber-uns/nachhaltigkeit/ 
 

Erfurt, 2 March 2023. Male pupils in Germany are interested in social and educational topics. This is confirmed by the short study by IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU) "Social professions. What young men think about it.". Nevertheless, only 21.8 percent of young men would opt for training or studying in the social sector. For 51.3 percent of those surveyed, this would be rather out of the question or not at all. 

Not surprisingly, more than half of the students surveyed (54.1 percent) could be deterred from training or studying in the social sector by the fact that the earning opportunities are too low, and 45.0 percent do not like the working conditions. 

Nevertheless, for more than half of the respondents (53.0 percent), the challenges in social professions are not a reason against training or studying in the social sector. What others - such as friends or family - think about this career aspiration would not stop more than half of the respondents from starting training or studying in the social sector. 

Prof. Dr. Fabian van Essen, Professor of Special Education and Inclusive Education at IU International University of Applied Sciences is co-initiator of the study. He comments: 

"Although the potential is basically there and, according to the study, neither the opinion of others nor the demanding professional field is an obstacle, a social profession is out of the question for many male students. What could be the reasons? More school subjects on social topics are not needed, but many young men lack practical insights, e.g. through internships or job shadowing. A core problem is the discontinuation of community service, which used to socialise young men for social and educational professions. Nowadays, many men lack this opportunity to get to know this field." 

Hardly any male role models 

According to the study results, there are also hardly any male relatives or acquaintances who work in the social sector and could inspire or socialise young men for social professions: It is true that 64.3 percent of the respondents say they know one or more people who work in the social sector. However, 65.6 percent of these acquaintances or relatives are female. Only 13.1 percent of the young men said that their father or grandfather worked in this field. 

Statistics also confirm the high proportion of women: According to figures from the Federal Employment Agency (*), more than 70 percent of those working in the social sector are women. 

But according to the IU study, this high proportion of women does not have too much of an impact on the image that male students have of social professions: Only 24.4 percent of the students surveyed agreed with the statement that "social professions are more suitable for women than for men". 

"As the study's stereotype check shows, the high quota of female professionals does not seem to necessarily lead to young men thinking that social professions are typically women's professions. And yet children and young people need both male and female role models in education and social work. This concerns gender, but also other dimensions, such as disability, migration background or sexual orientation," says Prof. Dr. Fabian van Essen. 

Educator as a career is a favourite among young men 

There is a shortage of staff in day-care centres throughout Germany and the proportion of men in day-care centres is negligible (**). Yet according to the IU study, it is precisely the profession of educator that is very popular among the students surveyed: among the 21.8 percent of those questioned who would consider training or studying in the social sector, 26.2 percent would be most likely to choose the profession of educator. In second place, with 25.4 percent each, is the profession of educator or social pedagogue. Less interesting are professions such as media educator (14.6 percent) or school support worker (13.1 percent). 
 

About the study 

In the IU short study conducted in October 2022, 620 male pupils were interviewed. Among the respondents were “Hauptschule” students, “Realschule” students, “Fachoberschule” students and “Gymnasium” students. 

The factsheet on the IU short study is available here. 

(*) Statistics of the Federal Employment Agency, Reports: Focus on the Labour Market - The Labour Market Situation of Women and Men, Nuremberg, July 2022, p. 14
(**) Male professionals in childcare in Germany by 2022, Statista 2022
 

Dr. Sven Schütt, CEO of IU International University of Applied Sciences: 

"In this sad situation, it is great to see how the IU community supports the Turkish and Syrian earthquake victims with their donations. More than 33,000 euros were raised thanks to the support of our students, staff and close ones. The IU will increase this amount to a total of 100,000 euros and focus its aid on children whose lives have been severely affected by this sad tragedy. In addition, we have decided to donate 100 full online scholarships for affected people in Syria and Turkey. I would also like to express my deepest appreciation to all colleagues who are directly on the ground, organising support and helping. I am deeply impressed by this engagement and kindness." 

The more than 700 individual donations reflect the great sympathy and solidarity at IU. In addition to numerous students and staff with Turkish roots who study, work and teach at IU, several hundred students in Turkey are also enrolled in IU's distance learning programme. 

The donation page will remain active even after the planned donation target has been reached (ends by 28 February 2023 the latest). Anyone who would still like to participate until then is cordially invited to do so. Click here to go to the donation page. 

Please find more information about the 100 online scholarships on: iu.org/help-for-turkey-and-syria/
 

Erfurt, 22 February 2023. For the third time in a row, Great Place to Work certified IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU) as an attractive employer. The certification is based, on the one hand, on an anonymous, independently conducted survey of IU employees and, on the other hand, on an audit of HR programmes and measures. Some of IU's results were significantly above the average of all other participating companies. 

Great Place to Work = Great Place to Grow 

IU has grown from 2,000 to 3,500 employees in the past two years. "With 100,000 students now, we are the largest university in Germany and are shaping the education of tomorrow. However, we are not only growing as a company, but we are enabling every employee to grow with us - professionally and personally - thus transferring our vision of providing access to education for all and developing through it to our employees as well," says Tim Kaltenborn, Director People Organisation & Culture at IU International University of Applied Sciences. 

IU strives to create a working environment in which everyone can realise their personal potential and develop based on their individual skills. Therefore, IU supports its employees in their professional development by letting them access the wide range of training and learning opportunities at IU. This includes, for example, discounts for IU study programmes or access to the numerous courses within the "IU Learning Hub". 

More importantly, IU lives a "culture of everyone, by everyone". In this way, it creates an environment in which everyone feels comfortable and can contribute their personal strengths. Because only with a good team spirit does IU manage to offer people all over the world modern, flexible and personalised education. 

This is also reflected in the Great Place to Work survey: On average, 66 percent of employees at all companies surveyed by Great Place to Work said that they had team spirit. At IU, 82 percent said this - that is significantly more. 

Growth in harmony with life 

At IU, 70 percent of respondents said they were encouraged to have a work-life balance, compared to an average of only 43 percent for all companies. "It's good for the body, mind and soul" is a typical comment IU employees had made for the Great Place to Work survey. As a leading provider of personalised education, IU transfers the principles of teaching to its employees: Flexibility (flexwork and "work from anywhere" - where possible), self-organisation, flat hierarchies and a digitalised work environment where everyone can grow and develop freely. In addition, IU offers formats for managers such as leadership training for hybrid working as well as for situational and individual leadership. 

IU also stands for equal opportunities and diversity 

The certification by "Great Place to Work" is not the only award with which IU International University of Applied Sciences stands out as an outstanding employer. In October 2022, IU received the TOTAL E-QUALITY award for the first time. IU receives this award for its extraordinary commitment with regard to its personnel and organisational policy oriented towards equal opportunities and diversity. 
 

Erfurt, 26 January 2023. As Germany's largest university with over 100,000 students and more than 3,000 employees, IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU) is committed not only to teaching sustainability in an interdisciplinary way in all faculties, but also to making a very concrete contribution: for the environment, for its students and employees, for society as well as in its corporate management.

For Dr. Sven Schütt, CEO of IU International University of Applied Sciences, IU's social responsibility is of central importance: "Our vision is to provide access to education for as many people as possible. To achieve this, we are sustainably reducing access barriers and creating more educational equity for people worldwide. Although our student numbers have risen continuously in recent years, we have been able to further reduce our emissions per student. Nevertheless, we remain committed to both carefully managing and further reducing our ecological footprint and continuously increasing our contribution to society. As Germany's largest university, we want to set a good example."
 

TÜV SÜD certified: IU is climate neutral 

In 2020, IU became one of the world's first climate-neutral distance learning universities. TÜV SÜD now reconfirms the climate neutrality of IU International University of Applied Sciences. The certification is for the third year in a row. The conditions for certification include an inventory of actual and expected emissions, proof of ambitious measures to gradually reduce avoidable greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the promotion of recognised climate protection projects to offset unavoidable emissions.

Despite rapidly growing student numbers, IU reduced its total direct and indirect emissions in 2021 by 31 percent compared to the previous year. In addition, the university was able to reduce its specific GHG emissions per student by 24 percent. The carbon footprint was calculated by the Institute for Energy, Ecology and Economics (DFGE) based on the international Greenhouse Gas Protocol.

The majority of students at IU learn in a distance learning model thanks to innovative digital learning formats. This can significantly reduce CO2 emissions that would be caused by commuting, for example. According to research, teaching a distance learning student at IU generates significantly less greenhouse gases than teaching a regular campus student.

Moreover, energy officers are deployed at all IU locations in Germany, which are currently more than 30. They check the individual circumstances as well as the consumption on site and establish resource-saving measures. In addition, IU offsets its carbon footprint in cooperation with ClimatePartner Deutschland GmbH by supporting certified climate projects. These include the expansion of wind energy in Brazil, the generation of hydropower in Laos and access to clean water in Mozambique. 
 

Creating sustainability through education - for all 

Apart from reducing CO2, IU places particular emphasis on education when it comes to sustainability. Education enables people to develop and live sustainably. In addition to individual learning modules, IU offers entire degree programmes such as Sustainable Management, which equip today's students with knowledge and methods for a viable future. 

To provide access to education for more and more people worldwide, IU initiates important alliances. The Study Access Alliance, for example, provides 100,000 scholarships in Africa. As a member of the UNESCO Global Education Coalition, students in need in crisis situations receive crucial educational support at IU. Numerous scholarship models (e.g., for people from poorer countries, single parents and people with disabilities), fair admission requirements and inclusion-friendly study formats open up individual further education opportunities for additional target groups - and thus the basis for a self-determined, sustainable life. 

Further information on sustainability at IU International University of Applied Sciences can be found both in IU's first official ESG report (download here) and at the following link: www.iu.de/ueber-uns/nachhaltigkeit/ 

More information on IU's certified climate projects can be found here at this link. 

More information on the TÜV SÜD certificate can be found here under this link.