The event was opened by Prof. Dr Jens Rieger from IU. He addressed the question of how narratives that question societal diversity can weaken the promises of equality and participation upon which democratic societies are founded. These developments are particularly evident in groups already threatened by marginalisation. His conclusion was directed specifically at the professionals present: Social work must explicitly orient itself towards human rights, social justice, diversity, and participation, and confront exclusionary tendencies with professional clarity.

Following this, Prof. Dr Marit Cremer addressed the topic of "Human Rights and Diversity," explaining the significance of human rights for the everyday practice of social work. Using examples from international social work, she demonstrated how lived diversity can come under pressure in different national and institutional contexts. At the same time, she raised the question of what professional and ethical stance social work should adopt when societal conditions change.

Afterwards, the students took the floor. Lara Katine and Lennert Müller presented their paper "Social Inequality – Social Work – A Theory." They began by introducing the fundamentals of social inequality and then elaborated on these using Pierre Bourdieu's sociocultural theory of habitus, capital, and the social field. They demonstrated how societal structures influence access to education and social participation. The presentation was accompanied by a poster they had designed themselves.

The morning concluded with a panel discussion featuring Josef Held, musician and special education teacher. He has witnessed and significantly influenced the development of special education in Germany and Europe since the late 1970s, making him the most experienced voice in the discussion. Further posters from the students were presented and supplemented by an information table. Even after the official end of the programme, lively discussions continued at a reception organised by the IU Campus Karlsruhe team.

The event format also reflects how the topic is taught at IU: Students in the dual-study programme in Social Work spend an entire semester exploring diversity and social inequality. Diversity Day provides a public platform for this course content – and simultaneously brings the students together with the practitioners who will later mentor and guide them in their professional lives.

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".

Against this backdrop, the topic of media and communication was on the agenda of Hamburg Sustainability Week for the first time. In a sustainability workshop organised by the IU Research Center for Sustainable Media & Marketing (RCSMM), experts from media, communication, and business brought together their perspectives.

Guidance for an industry that is looking for

For companies that use media to communicate with their target groups, the need for guidance to make more responsible decisions is growing. In a keynote address, Eva Nemela (member of the board of the Körber Foundation) highlighted the value of media and journalism for society. Further insights were provided by Prof. Dr Daniel Graewe (Academic Advisory Board IU RCSMM) and by media and advertising professionals from the IU RCSMM board (including NDR Media, Welect, radiozentrale, teads, RMS, 720Health, bvdw/OVK, GWA, iq digital).

Key result: the Sustainable Media Development Goals Map

The first Sustainable Media Development Goals Map was created during the workshop. It aims to help media users, policymakers, and businesses better understand the opportunities and risks of media consumption and to derive more responsible decisions and innovative content formats. The proposed solutions were presented that same evening in the Dome at the Rathausmarkt's Future Garden.

Prof. Dr Lisa-Charlotte Wolter will be happy to provide you with further information and interviews.

Contact

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

About the Research Center for Sustainable Media & Marketing (RCSMM) at IU International University of Applied Sciences

The IU Research Center for Sustainable Media & Marketing, with its interdisciplinary teams, researches and develops sustainable approaches to media and marketing management. This aims to create a foundation for more sustainable decisions in the practical application of media and communication. The Value Media Board promotes the systematic transfer of knowledge between academia and practice.
https://www.iu.de/en/research/projects/research-center-for-sustainable-media-marketing/

About Hamburg Sustainability Week

Hamburg Sustainability Week invites citizens and civil society actors to work together for a week on key challenges facing the city and to make sustainability issues tangible. The goal is to advance local transformation and develop new solutions for the SDGs. https://www.sustainability-conference.org/en/sustainability-week

“A university degree is a milestone in every student’s career. We are delighted to celebrate the achievements of so many international talents above the rooftops of Berlin and to present them with their well-deserved degree certificates,” says Professor Dr Regina Cordes, Vice-President for International Affairs, Accreditation and Programme Formats at IU, on the occasion of the graduation ceremony.

300 alumni from over 20 countries receive degrees in engineering, computer science and management

The more than 300 alumni come from five bachelor’s, seven master’s and two MBA programmes in the fields of business, computer science and engineering. The largest share is made up of MBA Administration alumni (54.2 per cent), followed by MA International Management (17.9 per cent), MSc Computer Science (7.8 per cent) and MEng Engineering Management (7.5 per cent). Students also graduated in subjects such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cyber Security, and Business and IT – disciplines that are particularly relevant in an increasingly AI-driven world of work. 

“Behind every degree lies a deeply personal story of courage, perseverance and dedication. Our graduates from many countries made a conscious decision to study in Germany and have earned their degree from a state-recognised university through great commitment. They can be rightly proud of that. And we are proud to have accompanied them on this journey,” says Professor Dr Cordes.

Master’s theses in MA International Management and MSc Computer Science awarded ‘Best Thesis’

The graduation ceremony for the international study programmes takes place twice a year in Berlin. In addition to an extensive supporting programme, two master’s theses were awarded “Best Thesis” in front of around 125 guests: the final theses by Mansi Raghuwanshi (MA International Management, titled “Process Optimization as a Strategic Tool for Improving Operational Efficiency in European Digital Organizations”), and Sameer Patil (MSc Computer Science, titled “Design and Implementation of an End-to-End Automation Pipeline for Semiconductors in the Area of Product Management”), received special recognition.

Hannover, 18 June 2026. As part of a launch event, IU International University of Applied Sciences founded the Research Institute for Socially Relevant Education (REGE) on 17 June. The new research institute consolidates IU’s academic expertise on societal challenges in the field of education – from social inequality and democratic participation to questions of social cohesion.

The launch event at IU Campus Hannover brought together researchers, practitioners, and representatives from the educational sector and civil society. At the centre of discussions were the current challenges facing educational institutions and the question of how research can have an even greater impact on social and educational policy practice in the future.

“Education is a decisive factor in whether people experience social participation and can help shape democratic processes,” explains Prof. Dr. Okka Zimmermann, Professor of Social Work, who leads the institute together with Prof. Dr. Stefanie Kessler.

Zimmermann adds: “With REGE, we want to make research more visible and strengthen work that contributes concrete impetus for more equitable, democratic, and sustainable educational spaces in society, making research directly applicable.”

Research with Societal Impact

Social polarisation, educational inequality, and growing uncertainties are presenting schools, universities, and social institutions with ever greater challenges. At the same time, the demand is growing for research that connects academic findings with concrete societal questions.

REGE therefore sees itself as an interdisciplinary and practice-oriented research institute. Its aim is to investigate educational processes academically and to make research findings accessible in a way that allows them to flow directly into educational institutions, organisations, and societal debates.

Interdisciplinary Research Approach

To this end, the REGE Institute brings together expertise from the fields of social work, psychology, higher education and educational research, as well as other social science disciplines.

The research team includes Prof. Dr. Stefanie Kessler with a focus on democratic education and organisational learning cultures, Prof. Dr. Okka Zimmermann researching social inequality, transformative education, and gender equity, Prof. Dr. Caroline Trautwein in the area of teaching and learning in higher education, Prof. Dr. Karsten König with a focus on theory-practice transfer and the professionalisation of social professions, as well as Prof. Dr. Ulrike Lichtinger with research focuses on wellbeing in schools and positive education.

Exchange Between Research and Practice

As part of the launch event, the researchers involved presented their current projects and discussed perspectives for socially relevant educational research with the participants.

“Social tensions demonstrate how important education is for democratic cohesion and critical thinking,” says Kessler. “Research institutions such as REGE can provide vital impetus to align educational offerings more closely with societal challenges,” Kessler added.

Strategic Development of Educational Research

The researchers involved in the institute have been collaborating since August 2025 under the auspices of the REsearch Center GEsellschaftsrelevante Bildung (REGE). With the official founding of the institute, the existing research activities are given a long-term institutional framework. At the same time, IU International University of Applied Sciences underscores its strategic commitment to this research field.

“With the new Research Institute, we are creating a permanent structure for socially relevant educational research at IU,” explains Prof. Dr. Kamal Bhattacharya, Vice-Rector for Research and Transfer at IU International University of Applied Sciences. “Our goal is to transfer academic findings more rapidly into educational practice, organisations, and societal debates.”

REGE will in future consolidate and develop research projects on key educational questions at IU. Areas of focus include, inter alia, educational equity and the impact of societal change on education.

Further Information on the Research Institute for Socially Relevant Education:

• Website of the Research Institute for Socially Relevant Education with information on the launch event: https://www.iu.de/forschung/projekte/forschungsinstitut-rege
• Website of the REsearch Center “GEsellschaftsrelevante Bildung”: https://www.iu.de/forschung/projekte/rege/
• Research projects at IU: https://www.iu.de/en/research/

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.

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

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

From 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Germany's largest university will host two rounds of exciting short presentations by regional companies and former dual students. The first round will start at 1:45 p.m., the second at 3:15 p.m. The focus will be on the tourism, business administration and marketing industries. Speakers include JTC Hotelberatung, the event agency ‘D.Live’, the tour operator ‘Phoenix-Reisen’ and the ‘EN-Agentur’ for economic development and tourism in the Ennepe-Ruhr district.

The event will be accompanied by an in-house exhibition. Companies will introduce themselves at meet & greet stands and provide information about dual training positions. Prospective students will gain insights into the diverse career opportunities and study options available and have the chance to talk directly to potential partners.

A dual study programme offers great advantages for both companies and students

A dual study programme pays off for both sides: companies gain qualified specialists at an early stage, whom they can train in a practical manner and retain in the long term. Students, in turn, benefit from a close transfer of theory and practice, financial independence and excellent entry opportunities into their professional careers. As a rule, the dual study programme is free of charge for them, as the practical training company usually covers the costs.

At the ‘IU Level-Up!’ event, both sides can gain first-hand experience from the perspective of companies and students.

The event is free of charge.
Registration is requested.

Registration for prospective students

https://www.iu.de/beratung/veranstaltungen/?eventCategory=IU+Weitere+Veranstaltungen

Registration for companies

https://forms.office.com/e/UE1H9ADttH

Programme highlights

1:30 p.m.: Welcome and opening

1:45–2:45 p.m.: Short presentations by regional companies
accompanied by alumni who work at these companies

2:45–3:00 p.m.: Break

3:15–4:15 p.m.: Short presentations by regional companies (repeat)
accompanied by alumni who work at these companies

Parallel to the stage programme: In-house exhibition
Regional companies present themselves and dual training opportunities.

Speakers

• Jörg Tittnack (JTC Hotelberatung)
• Lilian Petersen (event agency ‘D.Live’)
• Sophie Jütte (‘EN-Agentur’, agency for economic development and tourism in the Ennepe-Ruhr district)
• Prof. Dr. Steffen Spiegel (‘Phoenix-Reisen’, tour operator for cruises, river cruises and trips to the Orient)
   

Venue

IU International University of Applied Sciences
Düsseldorf Campus
Hildebrandtstr. 24c
40512 Düsseldorf

The event offered a combination of expert presentations, practical success stories, and networking opportunities. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the region, which often face particular challenges in the "war for talent," benefited in particular from concrete solutions and innovative ideas.

“The future belongs to companies that not only find the right talent, but can also retain and inspire them in the long term,” emphasised Anne Gfrerer, Professor of Business Information Systems at IU Nuremberg and moderator of the event.

David Rempel, academic director of the IU Nuremberg campus and professor of tourism management, agrees: “With our IU Leadership Talk, we want to encourage companies and decision-makers to take new approaches to human resources strategy and to make it future-proof and people-centric – even beyond artificial intelligence.”

The following speakers shared their expertise and provided insights into best practices:

• Sandra Nowak (Head of Talent Acquisition Europe, Siemens AG)  
  impressively demonstrated how artificial intelligence is revolutionising recruiting, sustainably increasing efficiency and candidate experience, but ultimately, the human element must never be left behind.
• Nadine Paulus (Managing Director of Wust Wind & Sonne GmbH)
  impressed with its employee development programme, which successfully combines family friendliness and “purpose”.
• Christoph Halm (COO, Kloster Kitchen / curameo AG)  
  shared insights into the cultural change from start-up to established brand – and made no secret of his conviction for agile leadership and New Work.
• Constantin Kaindl (Founder & Managing Director, wirdenkenlokal GmbH)
  showed how target group-specific employer branding via social media can become a success factor, especially for SMEs.
• Kevin Schwarzer (Regional Board, Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe eV)  
  set strong “intuitive” accents with concrete measures for employee retention in social professional fields – and a sustained appeal for more appreciation in the social sector.
• Franziska Siegmeth (IU graduate) and Prof. Dr Volker Schaepe (Professor of General Business Administration at IU Nuremberg) presented research results that focused on the expectations and motivations of Generation Z – an exciting look into the future of the world of work – between aspirations, self-realisation and willingness to perform.

In addition to its depth of content, the second IU Leadership Talk impressed with its open, inspiring atmosphere. The extremely positive response from participants underscores the high demand for forums and events of this kind and encourages IU International University of Applied Sciences to continue and further expand this successful format in Nuremberg in 2026.

The IU Leadership Talk Nuremberg is a platform for professional exchange on current topics, developments, and megatrends. Following the first event series, which began at the end of 2023, the second forum addressed the tension between New Work, People, and Culture. With this format, IU International University of Applied Sciences aims to contribute to strengthening the regional economy.

Diversity is a driver for innovation, quality and efficiency

The aim of IU was not only to conduct the discourse on equality in the construction industry, but also to make it visible in the public space – through lectures, dialogue formats, and a temporary dialogue kiosk at Rindermarkt. The first day already demonstrated the great interest in the topic: Numerous guests from practice, academia, and the public engaged in lively discussions about structural barriers, personal experiences, and sustainable strategies for a more equal opportunity planning environment.

The second day of the event was devoted to the question: "What does it actually take to achieve equal opportunities in the construction industry?" Interdisciplinary teams conducted workshops addressing topics such as the gender pay gap, leadership positions, career access, and funding structures. Key questions addressed were: How do construction projects benefit from diverse teams? What scientific evidence is available on this topic? How can equality be specifically promoted - at universities and in professional practice?

What is the common vision of a fair-opportunity construction industry?

The background is clear: Over 60 per cent of architecture students are female. Yet, according to Statista, the proportion of practicing female architects is only 34.1 per cent in 2024. In academic teaching, only 27 per cent of professorships were held by women in 2023, leadership positions in architecture and construction companies are two-thirds male-dominated - and the wage gap between male and female architects persists. And there's a lack of awareness that building culture must work for everyone, regardless of gender, generation, or professional group.

Diversity is a key success factor for projects and companies

"The numbers speak for themselves. But even more crucial for us is the potential: Diverse planning teams demonstrably produce better results – they work more efficiently, more innovatively, and more socially sensitively. Research that takes a multi-perspective approach is published more frequently and is therefore more relevant. Construction processes that are developed in a mixed-gender and, above all, intergenerational manner shape a building culture for ALL," says project leader Prof. Dr Bettina-Maria Müller, Professor of Architecture at IU in Munich. "Therefore, we see it as our educational mission to continue to promote this discussion and actively involve students in the necessary transformation processes."

With its participation in the WIA Festival 2025, IU Munich sent a strong signal – for greater visibility, for critical reflection and for structural change in architecture and urban planning – both in practice and in teaching.

The evaluation of the workshop results is currently in progress. The resulting manifesto will be published afterward and will be made available to interested parties upon request.

We thank our participating students, our guests and other supporters:

• Annette Hilpert, Head of Urban and Regional Development, Chamber of Industry and Commerce for Munich and Upper Bavaria
• Prof. Dr. Kathrin Grewolls, Managing Director of BSKT GmbH
• Anne Tischer, founder and chairwoman of WOMEN! LEADERSHIP (F!F) Initiative of the German real estate industry for more women in leadership positions
• Helena Heilig, Helena Heilig Photography
   

Organizer

IU International University of Applied Sciences
dual study programme in architecture at the Munich location
https://www.iu-dualesstudium.de/standorte/muenchen/  
 

Project team

• Project management: Prof. Dr-Ing. Bettina-Maria Müller
• IU Civil Engineering programme, Prof. Dr-Ing. Susanne Hüttner
• IU students of the 8th semester in the BA Architecture
• bmquadrat | Architecture + Design
• Ruffinihaus Creative Hub, Creative Munich

Further information about the project: bettina-maria.mueller@iu.org

LET'S TALK TRANSFORMATION

Thursday, 26 June, 2025 | LET'S TALK ENCOUNTER I
On the Rindermarkt, 80331 Munich

8 – 10 a.m. | Construction of the "Equality in Architecture" dialogue kiosk at Rindermarkt – a publicly accessible design-build project by IU students

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Open dialogue with invited guests and passers-by on equal opportunities and diversity in the construction industry
 

Friday, 27 June, 2025 | LET'S TALK ENCOUNTER II
Ruffinihaus Creative Hub, 1st floor, Sendlinger Str. 1, 80331 Munich

2 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Interdisciplinary mentoring and networking forum – with personal conversations, mini-coaching sessions, and discussions with leading women from architecture, urban development, and the real estate industry

 
Friday, 27 June, 2025 | LET'S TALK MOVIE
Ruffinihaus Creative Hub, 1st floor, Sendlinger Str. 1, 80331 Munich

from 6 p.m. | Film screening with collected statements and impressions – followed by a moderated discussion on the topic: “Increasing efficiency through diversity – Why diverse teams build better” including scientific studies on the added value of mixed teams
 

ABOUT WOMEN IN ARCHITECTURE: WIA FESTIVAL 2025

From June 19 to 29, 2025, numerous events throughout Germany highlighted the achievements of female planners and the topic of diversity in building culture. WIA 2025 strengthens the visibility of women in building culture nationwide and positions them as driving forces in public discourse, enabling them to network with each other and with politics, the media, and society, and leverage synergies. In addition to regional chambers of architects, associations, foundations, architectural firms, universities, cities, and initiatives are also involved in the WIA Festival. A total of 265 projects from over 200 participants offered diverse perspectives and sent a strong message for equality and diversity in building culture, which affects everyone - not just planners. The IU is part of this nationwide network. More information at: https://wia-festival.de/

Further information and sources

https://yesweplan.eu/  
https://de.statista.com/statistik/daten/studie/37278/umfrage/geschlechterverteilung-bei-architekten/   https://de.statista.com/statistik/daten/studie/160365/umfrage/professoren-und-professorinnen-an-deutschen-hochschulen/  
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12144-022-03534-9  
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/10591478241260723
https://www.forschung-und-lehre.de/forschung/gemischte-teams-forschen-besser-4971  
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12144-022-03534-9

Dual-study students bring theoretical input and innovative ideas directly into the company and actively shape everyday working life and its transformation. The event illustrates the potential of dual study programmes for the regional economy.

Prospective students are also invited to attend. They will gain insights into the dual study programmes offered at locations in Saxony, receive tips for the application process, and have the opportunity to connect with potential employers.

The event is free of charge.

Registration for companies

https://www.eventbrite.de/e/miteinanderzukunftgestalten-iu-hausmesse-dresden-tickets-1353133792599

Registration for prospective students

https://www.iu.de/duales-studium/veranstaltungen/

Programme highlights

1:00 pm Panel discussion:
Financing models for practical partners in the social economy
Prof. Dr. Juliane Wahren – Professorship of Social Work

2:00 pm Keynote:
Fit4Future – Mastering the entrepreneurial challenges of the future with future working skills
Prof. Dr. Helge Fischer – Professorship of General Business Administration

3:00 pm
(1) Panel discussion:
Future model of dual studies & alumni talk
Tom Kreutzer

(2) Keynote:
Productive balance – Overcoming current challenges with the right mix of theory and practice
Prof. Dr. Karsten König – Professorship of Social Work

4:30 pm Keynote:
The fence, not the chickens! Get out of the hamster wheel with theory.
Prof. Dr. Martin Wagner – Professorship of General Business Administration

6:30 pm Panel discussion:
Material. Human. Tomorrow.
Meyer Architects, New Architects, SWSSTUDIO and Feld7 Architects

Public lectures:

• 2:00 pm Research in Social Work (Prof. Dr. König)
• 3:00 pm Trial Seminar Media Design: The Day in Pictures
• 3:30 pm Architecture - Building the Future (Prof. Maisch)
   

Venue

IU International University of Applied Sciences
Dresden Campus
Schwerinerstraße 5
01067 Dresden

On the first day, renowned architects and theorists will provide insights into today's topics and the visions of tomorrow in short-term lectures – from Hamburg neighborhoods to glass palaces to urban culture between past and future. The subsequent panel discussion, "Architecture as it is in books," invites participants to reflect together on the significance of printed architectural works and the value of sustainable building culture. The subsequent get-together will provide ample time for discussion with the speakers and guests in a relaxed atmosphere and to examine current projects by IU dual-degree students in architecture.

On the second day, experts from a wide range of fields will come together, in keeping with the interdisciplinary approach. Practical training opportunities will be presented, and participants will discuss how to better master challenges in everyday work. An exclusive live discussion on cultural marketing with industry professionals such as Niko Backspin, Chief Cultural Officer at Serviceplan Culture, will offer new perspectives and inspiration. Students will present their best marketing concepts and media design projects. The Meet & Connect event will provide an opportunity to make new contacts in the civil engineering industry.

The event's namesake and venue is Waterloohain, a traditional yet vibrant square in the heart of Hamburg that, like no other, represents diversity, exchange, and the creative pulse of urban community. It is precisely there that IU is creating an open space for dialogue, innovation, and inspiration around architecture, education, design, and social interaction with the event "Culture at Waterloohain."

The event is free of charge.

Registration is not required, but can be done via the following links:

Day 1 | June 12, 2025: 6 p.m. - approx. 9 p.m.
https://www.eventbrite.de/e/kultur-am-waterloohain-tag-1-tickets-1357111068739  

Day 2 | June 13, 2025: 4 p.m. - approx. 8 p.m.
https://www.eventbrite.de/e/kultur-am-waterloohain-tickets-1343872822789

Programme highlights Day 1

6:00 pm admission

6:25 pm Welcome & Introduction

• and opening of the exhibition of architectural projects by IU students

6:30 PM Short lectures (Pecha Kucha method)

• “Shaping Hamburg Neighborhoods”
  Prof. Olaf Bartels, architectural theorist, IU Hamburg
• “Palazzi the vetro. 1989 – 2001”
  Prof. Hendrik Gruß, Dipl.-Ing. Architect, Beissert and Gruss, IU Hamburg
• “Cairo's Pflaster Casts”
  Prof. Luc Merx, Rococo relevance, Architecture Academy Maastricht
• “Cottbus, Chosebuz, Urban Planning and Building Culture”
  Prof. Heinz Nagler, Nagler & Dieck, BTU Cottbus
• “Architectural achievements of late historicism”
  Prof. Dr. Christian Rabl, publicist, Salzburg

approx. 7:45 pm panel discussion

• "Architecture as it appears in books. A plea for the printed work."
  Phillis Dutschke, IU dual student in the 8th semester
  Kristina Möhring, architect and founder of FARLAN

afterwards: Get Together
 

Programme highlights Day 2

4:00 pm Welcome

4:05 pm – approx. 6:00 pm

• Slot 1: Presentation of future training opportunities for companies and practice partners
  Prof. Dr. habil. Thorsten Sühlsen, Professor of Social Work at IU
  among others on professional topics such as mastering difficult situations, building motivation in clients, self-regulation, moderating teams, knowledge management in organisations
• Slot 2 “De/Coding Culture”: Live discussion about cultural marketing
  Niko Backspin, Chief Cultural Officer and Managing Partner at Serviceplan Culture
  Prof. Dr. Lars-Peter Linke, Professor of Communication & PR at IU

4:30 / 5:30 / 6:30 pm Presentation of semester projects
of the dual IU study programme in media design
Prof. Fabian Niemann, Professor of Media Design at IU
Prof. Stan Skolnik, Professor of Media Design at IU

Parallel: “Marketing meets culture”
Exhibition the best marketing concepts from IU students

Parallel: “Building Connections”
Meet & Connect for civil engineers
Prof. Dr. Halil Kiziltan, Professor of Civil Engineering at IU

Venue

IU Campus Hamburg, Waterloohain 9, 22769 Hamburg, Germany

Vistors to the cinema expected an impressive programme: a wide variety of moving image projects by IU students from all over Germany were shown. Everything from short films and documentaries to music videos, commercials and image films to computer-generated animations was represented.

The graduates spent over a year developing the concepts and production planning for their projects. The final films were created in just a few months as part of their final thesis. Their approaches were extremely diverse: While some realised large-scale live-action productions using traditional dramaturgy, others relied on experimental forms of expression or motion graphics and 3D animation. The young filmmakers acquired the necessary know-how during their dual studies at IU locations such as Berlin, Dresden, Stuttgart, and Nuremberg. By combining theory at the university with 20 hours of practical work per week at a partner company, they developed into true professionals in their field in around three and a half years.

The cinema event marked the celebratory conclusion of this creative journey – and a fantastic opportunity for networking: students, industry professionals, and interested parties came together for discussion. The highlight was the audience voting for the best project at the end. The neon-coloured (typical of IU)  trophy went to the elaborately produced short film ‘Solace’ by Hannes Berthold, closely followed by Julian Dreher's commercial ‘Bis zum letzten Bissen’ (Until the Last Bite) and the CGI trailer ‘Aftermath’ by Manuel Strack.

Excerpt from the programme

• Tim Höher : "Does AI need a break?" | Animation: A visual journey into the world of algorithms | 1:47 min | Virtual IU Campus
• Hannes Berhold : "Solace" | Short film: In a post-apocalyptic world, a speech-impaired grandfather and a young boy fight for survival | 10:34 min | IU Dresden
• Julian Dreher : "To the Last Bite" | Humorously exaggerated commercial for a pizza delivery service | 1:00 min | Munich 
• Niklas Heck: "Your Adventure at Agapedia" | Image film for the children's centres of a foundation for social work and education | 3:06 min | IU Stuttgart
• Jochen Marksteiner : "The Silent Conquerors" | Animated explainer video on invasive species in Germany | 6:15 min | IU Freiburg
• Clara Günther : "Mymoria" | Short film about escaping into other people's memories | 8:47 min | IU Bielefeld
• Matthias Werr : "Balkon" | Official music video for the post-pop duo Flur | 5:25 min | IU Nuremberg
• Luisa Eesmann : "Fast | Slow" | Experimental short film that explores the contrast between overstimulated, digital fast-paced life and a decelerated, mindful reality | 1:30 min | IU Berlin
• Sophie-Charlotte Britze and Tina Helleken: "The Unique Characters of German Cities" | The short film shows Dresden, Berlin, and Hamburg in a visual journey | 10:18 min | IU Dresden
• Jannik Winkelhake: "Hardcore" | Documentary about the phenomenon of hardcore music | 13:00 min | IU Hannover
• Manuel Strack: "Aftermath" | CGI trailer for a sci-fi action adventure | 2:26 min | IU Bielefeld
• Bianka Nagy: "Beyond Blue" | Underwater Photography | IU Nuremberg
• Bennet Flade: "Café Mehrwert – A Place by & for Everyday Heroes" | Documentary image film about an innovative café | 7:41 min | Virtual IU Campus

Organisation: Prof. Daniela Reuß | Prof. Joern Zielke | Prof. Till Maiß

ABOUT THE MEDIA DESIGN PROGRAMME

In the dual degree programme in media design at IU International University of Applied Sciences, students learn how to design content creatively and appropriately for their target audience – whether analog, digital, or cross-media. The programme combines technical know-how with creative thinking. Topics such as web design, video editing, app development, typography, and printing technologies are covered, as are cross-media concepts. Starting in the first semester, students work on projects for their own design portfolio. Depending on their specialisation, they develop expertise in interaction or cross-media design. Business administration principles are also part of the curriculum – practical, future-oriented, and industry-relevant. Artificial intelligence has also become an integral part of numerous courses – both as a design tool (e.g., for text and image generation) and as a topic of discussion in the context of ethical and design issues. Further information can be found at: https://www.iu.de/bachelor/mediendesign/duales-studium/

ABOUT THE DUAL STUDY PROGRAMME AT IU

Theory meets practice: In the dual study programme at IU International University of Applied Sciences, students gain valuable professional experience in a company of their choice while studying. The split-week model alternates between practical work and lectures. The theoretical component can be completed flexibly on-site at one of the campus locations throughout Germany or online on the virtual campus. This allows them to enter the professional world while still studying. Further information is available at: https://www.iu.de/duales-studium/  

This sends out a strong signal: Scientific research is to play an even greater role in the fight against anti-democratic and extremist movements in the future. The ZRP sees itself as a practice-oriented, interdisciplinary institute in the field of social work with a unique profile in the research landscape. The ZRP's research aims to shed light on blind spots in the field of radicalisation and to develop reliable, evidence-based recommendations for action for politics, administration and individual professional fields. The aim is to actively incorporate the findings into prevention work in order to meet current challenges with new concepts.

Prof. Dr Burak Çopur, Head of the Institute: "We deliberately chose the Ruhr region as the location for the Institute: The region stands for social diversity, urbanity and structural challenges like no other. With its excellent team of researchers, the institute is the first of its kind in North Rhine-Westphalia with a decidedly practical focus - and complements the existing research landscape in the field of radicalisation and prevention with an urgently needed, practice-oriented social work perspective."

The importance of this step was also emphasised by State Secretary Gonca Türkeli-Dehnert (Ministry of Culture and Science of North Rhine-Westphalia), who was present at the symposium: 

"The rise of far-right and anti-democratic movements is an appeal to our social responsibility. We must strengthen democratic resilience and, above all, empower children and young people at an early age to critically question radical slogans and attitudes. The Centre for Radicalisation Research and Prevention helps us to make the findings from this interdisciplinary field of research usable in everyday life. I am therefore delighted that the ZRP is now an institute in North Rhine-Westphalia. and sends out a clear signal in support of democracy."

Prevention and research as a bulwark against extremism

The increasing radicalisation in parts of society poses a serious threat to social cohesion and the basic democratic order. The events of last year and this year highlight the urgency of scientifically sound analyses and preventative strategies: The revelation of right-wing extremist deportation plans in Potsdam, Islamist demonstrations with calls for a caliphate in Hamburg and Essen, the Islamist-motivated attack on Pegida activist Michael Stürzenberger and the deadly attacks in Mannheim, Magdeburg and Aschaffenburg. These incidents have further inflamed the already heated debate on migration, security and social integration.

Accompanying symposium on the founding of the institute

As part of the founding of the institute, the ZRP organised a symposium at the Essen campus in cooperation with the Evangelischer Erziehungsverband e.V. (EREV). The ZRP team brought together renowned academics and practitioners on the topic of "Recognising the signs! Developments in right-wing populism after the 2025 federal elections - challenges in child and youth welfare". A varied programme awaited the guests and expert audience. The focus was on practice-oriented workshops on social media in radicalisation dynamics, recognising and dealing with right-wing extremist attitudes in families and victim protection, supplemented by space for discussion and networking.

The event was an example of close cooperation between research and specialist practice - and showed that concrete solutions and joint action are possible and necessary.

"With the symposium on the founding of the ZRP Institute, we were able to highlight how important it is to recognise warning signs early on and to find ways and answers to counter right-wing populism and radicalisation together with specialist practice and research”, emphasises EREV.

Institute's founding strengthens strategic planning and operational effectiveness

Back in 2022, a nationwide network of scientists was formed within IU International University of Applied Sciences to counter these alarming developments with an interdisciplinary and practice-oriented research approach. This network has now emerged as the ZRP Institute - funded by IU and based at the Essen campus. In view of the growing social challenges, interdisciplinary research work is now being given an institutional framework and substantially strengthened. The establishment of the institute today goes hand in hand with a structural upgrading of the research work. With better personnel and financial resources, the ZRP will gain strategic planning and operational clout. Projects that have already been promised focus on topics such as anti-Semitism, religiously motivated extremism, ultra-nationalism and (de)radicalisation in the youth context.

The ZRP combines research, responsibility and social resilience

The successes to date underline the dynamism of the research institute. The ZRP takes an interdisciplinary approach to its research, incorporating specialist perspectives from social work, political science, criminology and education, as well as methodological diversity. Using their specialist expertise and practical knowledge, ZRP researchers analyse the causes and dynamics of radicalisation processes - for example in the family environment, in schools, in the digital space or in civil society contexts. The work is intercultural and multilingual, both nationally and internationally, for example in cooperation with the University of Vienna. The focus is also on evaluating existing exit and advisory programmes. The aim is to broaden the research of radicalisation and provide concrete concepts for prevention, intervention strategies and political recommendations for action.

Knowledge transfer is a central task: research findings flow directly back into practice in training courses, workshops, studies and seminar concepts. With the ZRP, IU is specifically positioning itself as a university that takes a stand - and assumes social responsibility in the areas of education and research.

Further information on the ZRP and the research team

• Download press kit
• https://www.iu.de/forschung/projekte/forschungsinstitut-zrp/ (currently only in German)

Hamburg, 14 April 2025. When Edoardo Bianchini opens his exhibition on the Hamburg campus of IU International University of Applied Sciences on 17 April, he will not only be showing his art, but also how barriers can be overcome. The architecture student, who has been paralysed from the neck down after a serious accident in 2023, will present 50 of his works – all drawn by mouth. 

The exhibition on the ground floor of the IU location at Waterloohain 9 in Eimsbüttel combines Edoardo's personal story with his architectural expertise. “In architecture, accessibility is often suppressed – an issue that people want to quickly check off. But as someone who is affected, I can best understand the requirements for an inclusive building,” explains the student, who is about to complete his dual studies. The pictures are not presented in the traditional way on a wall, but unconventionally on a construction fence – a deliberate design decision that fits the architectural context. In addition to the drawings, printed T-shirts from Edoardo's ‘DODO.’ collection will also be on display. 

The exhibition includes 30 architecture-related drawings from his bachelor's thesis. Bianchini has also written a book to accompany the exhibition entitled ‘Breaking Barriers. Rethinking Architecture’. Its central theme is how much our environment is shaped by normative perspectives – and how conventional design excludes people with different physical abilities. His artworks raise questions: How could a sofa be designed that is just as usable and aesthetic for wheelchair users? Or how does one's view of architecture change when one applies the tape measure from a different perspective? “As a wheelchair user, I can't just quickly sit down on a chair. The effort is enormous. We need to rethink design.” 

Architecture professor Heiner Stengel encouraged Bianchini to exhibit his art on the IU campus: “Edoardo's work offers a completely new perspective on architecture-related design and aesthetics. His art makes barriers visible that remain hidden to many.” 

Thanks to the support of various departments at IU, Bianchini was able to continue his studies after the accident. IU adapted exam requirements and developed individual solutions to enable the student to continue his education. 

The vernissage on 17 April is open to the public from 5 to 8 p.m. and offers the opportunity to talk to the artist. The exhibition will be on display until the end of May. 

Registration for press representatives is welcome by email to: 

presse@iu.org 

Contact for interview requests: 

Julian Vetten 
PR Manager Faktor 3 (agency) on behalf of IU 
+49 1577 47 283 87 

Exhibition venue: 

IU International University of Applied Sciences, Hamburg Campus, Waterloohain 9 (ground floor) 
https://www.iu-dualesstudium.de/standorte/hamburg/ 

About Edoardo Bianchini: 

https://www.dodopunto.de/über-mich

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."

Erfurt, Germany, 2 October 2024. As part of the event series "IU Beyond: The Dialogue", a lively discussion entitled "Technology meets Sustainability" took place on 10 September 2024. With over 300 registrations, the event met with great interest. In an interactive round, renowned experts and the audience contributed their perspectives on the topics of sustainability and technology.

Anne Gfrerer, professor of business informatics at IU International University of Applied Sciences and moderator of the virtual event, opened the panel discussion with the question: "What is most important to you when it comes to sustainability and technology?" Three leading minds from different industries then gave the following impulses.

Dr Stephanie Metzner, market sales leader at IBM DACH, emphasised: "It's easy to talk about sustainability. However, achieving it requires hard work and coordination. With the right combination of strategy, culture and technology, companies can not only make a significant contribution to improving the future of our planet, but also position themselves for better business success in the years to come."

Christian Adler, founder and managing director of LoopID, added: "We will not manage the transformation to a circular economy without the comprehensive use of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence. We have optimised the linear economy over decades. Now we need to use technologies to keep products in the cycle for longer."

For Dr Sven Schütt, CEO of IU Group and IU International University of Applied Sciences, one thing is clear: "Sustainability must start as part of a company's mission. In this way, companies can not only create social value, but also be economically successful and remain attractive to employees. In the age of AI, we can create social impact and added value for customers in an unprecedented way."

Experts emphasise the close interlinking of ESG factors for sustainable success

The audience was interactively involved in the discussion via Mentimeter. A majority of participants stated that sustainability is on the CEO agenda of their companies. The second most frequently mentioned response was that many companies already have a defined sustainability strategy, while the least frequently mentioned response was the use of AI to realise sustainability goals within the company. At the same time, students were also asked a question via Mentimeter – an interacive presentation software: "Do young digital talents value sustainability when choosing an employer?" The majority of students agreed with this.

In the ensuing discussion, the moderator asked all three experts to give their personal assessment of which of the three ESG factors (environmental, social, governance) was most important to them and why.

Schütt replied: "I think it depends very much on the individual organisation and it is difficult to give an overarching answer. For us at IU, the focus is on the social area, without neglecting the other areas. Each organisation has to make its own individual contribution."

Metzner emphasised that none of the three levels should be viewed independently: "For me, all three belong together and are important components. Everything that affects our future and has an impact on the environment makes the environmental aspect particularly relevant. For example, how can technologies be utilised to reduce resource consumption and emissions? From a corporate perspective, it's about ensuring long-term ecological and economic sustainability."

Adler also emphasised the inseparability of the three ESG areas: "We would not be successful if the other two areas were not also successful - they are interlinked, they are inseparable. Today, sustainability is mainly perceived as an environmental issue, but financial sustainability is also essential. Only profitable economic and environmental sustainability will work, and it's the same with ESG issues - they only work together as a whole."

The event not only offered insights into current challenges, but also concrete approaches on how technology and sustainability can be driven forward together in companies.

For all those who were unable to attend in person, the recording of the online event is available here.

The next edition of "IU Beyond: The Dialogue" is already being planned and promises further forward-looking discussions.

Environmental, Social and Governance at IU

Sustainability and social responsibility are core values of IU Group (IUG) and its educational institutions, including IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU). As a member of the UN Global Compact (UNGC) and its university initiative Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), 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.

You can find more information about sustainability at IU Group here.

The IU Group's ESG report is available for download here.

In the second part of the virtual event series "IU Beyond: The Dialogue", entitled "Technology meets Sustainability", these and other questions will be explored in depth. Renowned experts such as Dr Stephanie Metzner (Market Sales Leader IBM Dach), Christian Adler (Co-Founder and Managing Director LoopID), Dr Anne Gfrerer (Moderator, Keynote Speaker & Professor of Business Informatics with a focus on digitalisation, AI, New Work & Sustainability at IU International University of Applied Sciences) and Dr Sven Schütt (CEO of IU Group and IU International University of Applied Sciences) will be taking part.

An exclusive event for forward thinkers and decision makers

Following the successful launch of our virtual event series "IU Beyond: The Dialogue" in May, we cordially invite you to the second event. On September 10, 2024 at 11 a.m., everything will revolve around the exciting topic: Technology meets Sustainability.

You can look forward to an inspiring panel discussion in which our experts will discuss the most pressing issues of sustainable transformation and show how modern technologies can make a decisive contribution.

We offer you valuable insights and practical approaches on topics such as:

• Technologies as game changers for a sustainable future
• Artificial intelligence and data analysis: efficient use of resources through innovative technologies
• Integrating sustainability into corporate strategies: Success models and best practices

Secure your place now!

Places are limited, so make sure you secure your place in time. Click here to register. Participation is free of charge. The event will be held in German.

For more information or questions, please contact us at events-oncampus@iu.org.

We look forward to your participation and to exchanging ideas with you!

"I am delighted that we were able to hold the presentation of the final projects at the cinema for the first time. This allowed us to honour the enormous effort that the students had put into their work over the months. This unique location not only provided an inspiring backdrop, but also emphasised the creative achievement and innovative character of the projects in a special way," said Daniela Reuß, organiser of the event and Professor of Media Design at IU International University of Applied Sciences.

As part of the event's closing programme, an audience vote was held to honour the most outstanding project. The winner was the 13-minute short film "Angstsucht" by Lukas Beilenhoff, an IU graduate from Dortmund. This project dive deep into the importance of interpersonal relationships and at the same time addresses the issue of letting go of digital distractions. The film reflects sensitively on the increasing consumption of digital media and the associated effects, especially on young adults, who often suffer from the consequences. 

Lukas Beilenhoff sheds light on a specific form of anxiety disorder caused by excessive mobile phone use, known as nomophobia. At a time when the film industry is mainly focused on portraying socially established addictions such as drug and alcohol addiction, "Angstsucht" provides a much-needed visual platform to draw attention to the consequences of excessive digital consumption.

Prof Michael Heilgemeir, Professor of Media Design at the IU, says: “The presentation of the final projects was the highlight of the event, showcasing the impressive creative potential of our dual students in an impressive way. The unique combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience enabled our graduates to develop innovative media projects of the highest quality. This event illustrates how crucial the dual study programme, with its regular alternation between theory and practice, is for the development of our students' creative potential.”

List of other theses and film projects

• "Trust Issues" - self-composed song and animated music video as an audiovisual synthesis of the arts by Salome Voosen, IU graduate at the Cologne location 
• "In Between" - Animated short about the change of human ignorance by Jan Schäfer, IU graduate at the Munich location
• "#SocialMe" - A campaign against social media addiction by Dennis Weiß, IU graduate at the Cologne location
• "Spark" - Animated short film about the impact of hope by Janek Lachmann, IU graduate at the Virtual Campus
• "Help" - A short film about accepting emotional help by Julian Höflmaier, IU graduate at the Munich location
• "Echte Helden, virtueller Sport: St. Pauli's Kiezkicker in eFootball" - documentary short film by Jonah Hollwege, IU graduate at the Hamburg location
• "Im Bann dunkler Magie" - A partially animated visual fantasy story for social media channels by Lena Maier, IU graduate at the Munich location
• "Back to Nature" - photo book and presentation in excerpts as a slideshow with voice over by Annalen Lucia Löffler, IU graduate at the Munich location
• "Pictures" - The visual design of emotions as a music video by Jari Kleist, IU graduate at the Hamburg location
• "Reestablishing connection" - A narrative short film with a look at loneliness in a digital age by Julian Antretter, IU graduate at the Munich location

About the media design programme

The dual degree programme in media design offers comprehensive training in the creative communication of information and messages. Students learn how to design and communicate content in both analogue and digital form and acquire knowledge of relevant tools and strategies. The degree programme includes expertise in web design, cross-media strategies, video editing and app development as well as insights into typography and printing technologies. The study programme enables students to harmoniously combine form and content and use the latest software tools professionally. It covers scientific, technical and design fundamentals and prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities in print, online, mobile media, photography, video, presentation and animation. From the very first semester, students work on projects for their design portfolio and, depending on their specialisation, gain expertise in cross-media design or interaction design as well as business knowledge. 

About the dual study programme at IU

In the dual study programme at IU, 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. Students complete the theoretical part either in the traditional way on campus, via online teaching or from any location on the IU Virtual Campus.

Erfurt, Germany, 26 November 2024. IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU) is opening its campus doors at all locations on 2 March from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. - for anyone considering a dual study programme or myStudium at IU, as well as for regional companies looking for potential talent. Staff, lecturers and students at IU campuses will share their experiences with visitors and give an insight into what it's like to study at Germany's largest university. They explain how theory and practice can be ideally combined in the dual study programme, what flexible options myStudium offers and how varied the learning experience is at IU with digital tools, virtual lectures and face-to-face events.

In individual counselling sessions, prospective students can find out more about the career prospects that studying at IU opens and which study options complement each other perfectly. All campus facilities can be explored on guided tours. In addition to the informative part, various hands-on activities and competitions as well as snacks and drinks await visitors. Those who wish will receive a certificate of participation at the end.

About dual study programme at IU

The dual study programme at IU offers students the opportunity to gain practical experience in a regional company in addition to theoretical lectures and seminars. This model allows students to apply their acquired knowledge directly into practice, either in a weekly rotation or a split-week model. The theoretical part of the study programme can be completed in different ways: traditionally on-site at the campus, through online teaching or also independently of a location via our virtual campus.

About myStudium at IU

The full-time programme with up to three professionally guided tutorials per week allows students maximum flexibility as it can be completed either on-site or virtually. What sets myStudium apart is the unique opportunity to change campuses every quarter and study at a different location. Through the integration of modern teaching methods such as videos, interactive scripts and the self-developed learning app 'IU Learn' in combination with small learning groups and experienced teachers from the field, students receive optimal support to study successfully and to meet their individual life situations preparing them optimally for the future working world.

Shaping the future with IU: The study benefits at a glance

• No numerus clausus: motivation is what counts here, not the grade point average. It is therefore possible to start your chosen degree programme at IU without a numerus clausus or entrance exam.
• Study in small groups: There are no overcrowded lecture rooms here! Instead, the programme takes place in small groups and in a personal atmosphere, which makes it possible to ask questions at any time, actively participate and benefit from a greater learning effect.
• Top-level quality: IU is a state-recognised and accredited private university. This recognition confirms the high quality of both the study programmes and the teaching.

All locations and registration at: https://www.iu.de/lp/iu-open-campus-event-24

Link to images and information flyer: Download ZIP

News and insights from the past year can be found on the IU Instagram and TikTok channels.

All information at a glance:

• IU Open Campus Event, Saturday, 2 March 2024, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., throughout Germany at all IU study locations and virtually
• Individual career and study counselling for the dual study programme and myStudium
• Guided campus tours
• Personal dialogue with students, lecturers and staff
• Taster events
• Competition and other cool activities
   

Erfurt/Regensburg, Germany, 10 October 2023. Until now, the focus of video games has been on entertainment value. In the meantime, there are more and more games that confront players with serious topics such as grief, loss and death through their narrative potential and consciously encourage them to put themselves in the shoes of the game characters and empathise with them. Game designers are the creative minds behind game development and play an essential role in implementing empathy approaches in games. The professors of the game design programme at IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU) are currently researching empathy in gaming and are using a completely new word creation: "gamepathy".

"Games are interactive media that are not only used for entertainment, but can also be used for teaching and learning. Therefore, the measurement and promotion of empathy skills can also be addressed in the process of game design. If one combines the search for a suitable term for the connection between games and empathy with the exploration of the manifold possibilities of game design, the term gamepathy emerges, i.e. the fusion of game and empathy," explains Prof. Thorsten Zimprich, Professor of Game Design and Head of the Game Design programme at IU International University of Applied Sciences. 

With the newly created research discipline Gamepathy, IU’s research team wants to make practical game design goals measurable and comparable. Gamepathy research will, for example, investigate which characteristics an avatar must have in order to best train the empathy ability of players. Game mechanics and elements will also be examined for their supporting effect. 

At the same time, Gamepathy will serve as a basis for establishing Gamepathy as a research discipline and thus create a greater benefit for the practice-oriented training of future game designers. The findings from this new field of research should thus flow directly into the training of future game designers. 

Gamepathy is also the guiding concept of the first IU conference on game culture, which will take place on 27 October 2023 at the IU campus in Regensburg. It will take place hybrid, online and on campus, under the title "GAMEPATHY #1". 

IU invites the German-speaking DiGRA Chapter (D-A-CH Twitter section) and the Spielkultur Department of the cultural journal Nahaufnahmen.ch to the symposium. At the all-day event, IU professors will discuss the topic of gamepathy with experts and students, as well as previous research results. The conference is intended to kick off this promising field of research by providing different perspectives on the topic. 

Interdisciplinary conference as kick-off for Gamepathy 

In addition to IU's game design professors, external experts from a wide range of disciplines will also take part in the conference. For example, Brigitte Hettenkofer, a graduate theologian, will show how games strengthen team resilience. Prof. Dr. Sonja Gabriel from the University College of Christian Churches of Teacher Education Vienna/Krems (KPH) will put the topic of serious games, empathy and ethics into the pedagogical context. 

"We are also open to interdisciplinary offers - after all, this is what distinguishes modern scientific work," says Prof. Zimprich. 

IU students can also get involved 

Sarah Wegmann is in her fourth semester studying Game Design (B.A.) at IU. In her lecture, she deals with the question of how the game experience of players is influenced by the change of controllable avatars and their relationship to each other, and to what extent empathy can even pose a challenge here. 

"Empathy, change of perspective and identity in video games are a huge topic in the video game industry right now. And since I am very interested in the topic, the planned conference is a very good opportunity to get involved here," says Sarah Wegmann. 

"We should perceive video games as a medium that deals with serious issues like loss and grief. And especially with the potential they have in storytelling," Wegmann continues. 

About the study programme Game Design 

The Game Design (B.A.) degree programme provides students with in-depth knowledge in the areas of software development, game art, game studies and the game design craft. With practical study content such as user experience design, storytelling and balancing, the degree programme prepares students for a career in the games industry. In the course of their studies, students can specialise in areas such as Concept Gamedesign or Analytic Gamedesign. 

Gamedesign is one of many technology and future-oriented degree programmes at IU that aim to train professionals for important industries in a practical way. 

Gamedesign can be studied flexibly in distance learning or in the myStudium study model at IU. The full-time myStudium programme, with up to three professionally guided tutorials per week, allows students maximum flexibility as it can be completed either on-site or virtually. 

Further information on the Gamepathy symposium and the programme are available here: https://www.gamepathy.de/ 

Please send requests for interviews with Professor Thorsten Zimprich or Sarah Wegmann to the IU press team via: presse@iu.org