International Campus Day 2025 at Østfold University College
15 December, 2025
A visit by the Faculty of Computer Science to the new partner university.
On September 8 and 9, 2025, David Meyer, Peter Seifter, Harald Wahl, and Daria Hofstetter from the Faculty of Computer Science & Applied Mathematics visited Østfold University College in Norway for the first time. Since the University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien and Østfold University College have only been partner universities since February 2025, International Campus Day offered an ideal opportunity to bring the new cooperation to life, get to know the campus, and take the first steps toward successful collaboration. The partnership currently includes the Bachelor’s programs in Computer Science, Bachelor’s programs in Information and Communication Systems, Master’s programs in Software Engineering, and Master’s programs in Information Systems Management.
A varied program with Nordic flair
The varied program began at the Halden campus with a welcome by Rector Lars-Petter Jelsness-Jørgensen. A subsequent tour of the IT laboratories offered exciting insights into the VR and AI laboratories as well as the makerspace of the Department of Computer Science and Communication.
A highlight was the outdoor lunch around the campfire – an example of the tradition of combining learning and nature at Østfold University College.
In pleasant autumn weather, the joint lunch in the open air provided ample opportunity for personal exchange.
Other items on the agenda included a presentation of the international study programs in the library, a presentation on Nordic educational culture (“Nordic Citizenship Education”), and a tour of the student accommodations.
Campus Fredrikstad: Focus on sustainability and innovation
In the afternoon, the delegation visited the Fredrikstad campus. There, the “Green Mission” program for first-year students was presented, which promotes sustainable thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration. Afterwards, the participants were given a tour of the simulation center and the Immersive Room Lab.
The day ended with a ferry ride to the historic old town of Fredrikstad, a guided tour of the fortress town, and a dinner together—an atmospheric conclusion to the first day of the visit.
Day 2: Professional exchange and prospects for cooperation
The second day was all about scientific exchange.
After a welcome by department head Monica K. Holone, current research activities were presented, including the Østfold AI Hub, projects on AI and teaching, and research in the field of machine learning and data science.
In return, the delegation from the University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien presented the study programs and research focuses of the Faculty of Computer Science & Applied Mathematics and discussed future opportunities for cooperation in teaching, research, and student exchange.
Strengthening a young partnership
The two-day visit to Østfold University College provided an ideal opportunity to combine professional insights, personal exchanges, and cultural experiences. It contributed significantly to deepening the still young partnership between the University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien and Østfold University College.
Many thanks to the team at Østfold University College for the varied program and the friendly support!
