International Week 2026
- 18 May, 2026 - 22 May, 2026
- UAS Technikum Wien: F0.02
As higher education continues to evolve, we’re opening the conversation on how to meaningfully integrate research into teaching, both in everyday classroom practice and within structured programs like work-integrated (dual) studies. Together with representatives of our partner institutions worldwide we’ll explore where higher education institutions position themselves between research and industry, and how staff can balance academic teaching and research, especially in international contexts where systems, expectations, and support structures differ. We will dive into the research landscapes of other countries, share strategies for cross-border collaboration, and discuss the administrative and ethical challenges that come with (joint) projects. How can students be included in real research from early on? How could researchers be better supported by the structures of the institutions? We will also explore how research can be integrated into teaching, examining questions of transfer and showcasing best practices. What are effective ways to bring research into the classroom? How do research activities reflect in everyday work, and how can they enrich both teaching and learning? Furthermore, we’ll reflect on the role of the applied sciences, situated between research and industry, where exactly do we fit, and how can we leverage this unique position?
Students and staff are welcome to join. No registration is needed.
Monday, May 18th
13:00 – 15:00 | Opening Welcome and Introduction to the Programme | For UASTW students and staff
Podium Discussion At the Interface: Higher Education Institutions, Industries, and the Future of Research
Chair: Momir Tabakovic (UAS Technikum Wien)
Speakers
- Michael Walch, FFG (Austrian Research Promotion Agency)
- Harald Loos, Siemens
- Romanus Shivoro, University of Namibia
Tuesday, May 19th | Best Practices and Research / Curriculum Connect
09:00 – 12:00 | For UASTW students and staff
Talks by Partner Institutions on the topic of the International Week
Chair: Stefan Sauermann (UAS Technikum Wien)
Speakers (subject to change):
- Maléne Fouché: The student as data conduit: administrative and ethical challenges
- Melisha Munsamy: Enabling Research in Practice: The Strategic Role of Financial Stewardship in Higher Education
- Judith Waller: Longevity as Innovation: Educating the Next Generation of Engineers. A case study with Technical Textiles
- Volker Ahlers: Student Research Projects in Medical and Bioinformatics: Benefits and Challenges
- Patrick Link: Smart-up-Map / Ideation Booklet
- Paola Muratto: Hands-on Learning International project: linking research, teaching and industry in the Erasmus+ BIP ARTISTE
- Andrey Koptyug: From Lab to Lecture and to the Future Life. Are we achieving proper balance in teaching theory and practical skills?
13:30 – 16:30 | For UASTW staff
“Speeddating”
- Research Connect (Facilitator: Simon Hayhoe, University of Exeter) exchange on joint research topics
- Curriculum Connect (Facilitator: Paul Talbot, UASTW Technikum Wien) exchange of topics for Bachelor’s/ Master’s theses, ideas for Blended Intensive Programmes etc.
Wednesday, May 20th | Work integrated study programs
13:30 – 16:30 | for UASTW staff
Chair: Harald Wahl (UAS Technikum Wien)
- Input by Quality Assurance and Institutional Research: Position paper on work-integrated study programs (Froschauer-Neuhauser)
- Input by Teaching and Learning Center: Position on research-led teaching including examples from the departments (Sylvia Lingo)
- Discussion of dual study programs: added value, challenges, and future directions.