Date: 18 – 19 February 2027

Location: University Duisburg-Essen, Glaspavillon, Essen Campus

Objectives and priorities

International students and researchers are an asset to Germany’s higher education and research landscape. They enhance the diversity of German higher education institutions, introduce new perspectives into academic and societal debates, and thus contribute to excellence in teaching and research.

A cosmopolitan attitude within higher education institutions, alongside a welcoming and tolerant social environment, is a key prerequisite for enabling international students and researchers to reach their full potential, build their future in Germany, and thereby make a lasting contribution to strengthening Germany as a location for academia, science and economic activity. In the global race for outstanding talent across all fields of science and technology, the principle of “survival of the friendliest” applies. Those who offer an environment characterized by friendliness, openness, and reliability are best positioned to attract and retain the brightest minds.

Against this background, the conference organised by the DAAD in collaboration with the University Duisburg-Essen and the German Science and Humanities Council (WR) will focus on welcoming and cosmopolitanism. We will explore what measures higher education institutions can take to support the integration of international students and early-career scholars in both their academic life and society, facilitate their arrival in Germany, and help them build a future here. We will also examine their experience in preventing and addressing discrimination and exclusion. In addition, this event will discuss how networks among higher education institutions, as well as with policymakers, business-sector actors and civil society can help overcome these challenges.

The programme will follow shortly.

 

Contact

Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst e.V. (DAAD)
Section Sustainability and Diversity - S13 
Phone: +49 228 882-4560
s13 at daad.de